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- Long Beach, CA 90814
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More areas of the country are experiencing heat waves this summer, and Dentist of Long Beach wants all our patients, whether near or far, to preserve their oral health. There are many things associated with summer, including camps, vacations, and relaxing beach time. However, dental patients may not realize that excessive summer heat can also pose a risk to oral health! For example, heat stroke is notorious for causing a cascade of dental issues. Here, Dentist of Long Beach in Long Beach, CA will cover this topic in-depth so that there are no dental surprises that sneak up and jeopardize your summer fun.
Heat stroke occurs when individuals are exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period. Symptoms you will want to look out for include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and nausea. Some people even faint. However, not many individuals realize that having a heat stroke can negatively impact their oral health. For example, one symptom of heat stroke is dehydration. Dehydration causes the salivary glands to produce less saliva than usual, which is essential to prevent oral health issues.
The salivary glands of dehydrated individuals cannot produce enough saliva to adequately coat the mouth because the body does not have the fluid it needs. Notably, a lack of saliva can lead to serious dental issues. Saliva contains antibodies, thereby acting as a natural deterrent by defending the oral cavity against the onslaught of bacteria. In addition, saliva helps remove food particles that bacteria would otherwise feast on and multiply from. A lack of saliva makes the oral cavity vulnerable and leads to dry mouth.
Dry mouth refers to the lack of saliva in the oral cavity that leaves it exposed to bacteria. Specific medications and other circumstances can cause dry mouth as well. Dry mouth increases the likelihood of tooth and gum infection. In other words, dental decay can overtake weakened teeth, and cavities may form. In addition, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. Patients suffering from dry mouth can also develop mouth sores and halitosis, which is the dental term for bad breath.
Dry mouth causes multiple dental issues. However, Dentist of Long Beach can help patients suffering from the effects of dry mouth. Below is a list of oral health conditions associated with dry mouth, along with how we treat them:
Teeth that show dental decay may benefit from a dental crown. However, patients may need a surgical tooth extraction and dental implant if the dental decay is deep enough.
Cavities are a typical result of dry mouth. Dentist of Long Beach uses composite fillings to address this general oral health issue.
Dry mouth can lead to gum disease. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and Dentist of Long Beach may be able to reverse it with a routine dental cleaning. However, a deep teeth cleaning is best if it progresses or develops into periodontitis.
If you have mouth sores but no infection, there are several things you can do at home to manage discomfort while they heal. This includes sipping plenty of liquids, maintaining a thorough oral hygiene regimen using a soft-bristled toothbrush, eating soft, moist, bland, and room-temperature foods, and so forth. If you need more help with mouth sores or have an infection, please reach out to us.
Halitosis is the official dental term for “bad breath.” Drinking plenty of liquids and staying on top of oral hygiene is one way to combat halitosis caused by dry mouth. Also, it is essential to brush the tongue since bacteria can accumulate on it. Staying on top of routine dental exams and cleanings will help, and we may recommend a special rinse if needed. We will be happy to discuss your options further when you contact us!
The effects of dry mouth can be pretty unpleasant. Thus, it is best to take the necessary measures to avoid these oral health issues in the first place. This is why Dentist of Long Beach is adamant about taking great care to prevent heat stroke, especially during the hot summertime.
There are multiple ways to prevent heat stroke. If you must be outdoors, try staying in shaded areas when possible, keeping hydrated, wearing light-colored clothing and a hat, and using sunscreen to help prevent heat stroke. It is essential not to be outdoors for a prolonged period during the hottest time of the day. It is also imperative to stay hydrated. Frequently drinking water and ensuring you have consumed half of your body weight in ounces is highly recommended. Therefore, if a patient weighs 140 pounds, they should consume at least 70 ounces of water.
We recommend contacting our Long Beach office if you have recently suffered a heat stroke. When you come in, we can check the condition of your teeth and gums to see if your oral health has been affected. This preventative measure can help us catch dental issues before they progress, leading to further pain and discomfort.
Summer heat is associated with many things, but patients may not realize the critical role heat plays in their oral health! For example, one heat stroke symptom is dehydration, and dehydration causes dry mouth. Dry mouth can then cause dental decay, cavities, gum disease, mouth sores, and halitosis. Thus, there is a cascade of issues to consider when maintaining oral health during the summer. Dentist of Long Beach highly recommends taking precautions to prevent heat stroke and staying hydrated. However, if you have recently suffered a heat stroke or are concerned about your oral health, please contact us so we can assess your dental health.
Protect your teeth from the summer heat! If you’re concerned about your oral health, reach out to our Long Beach team by calling (562) 373-0026!
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