Did you just wake up to find a sudden white spot glaring against your gums? Well, don’t go on to worry just yet. There are many ways this can be perceived, but not all the reasons are as scary. Ranging from canker sores to precancerous ailments, these specks of white consequently come in all shapes and sizes. Here’s a list of what they might look like:

• Hard, white bumps
• Intricate web-like formations
• Discolored patches
• Tiny flecks

5 Reasons Why Your Gums Might Have White Spots On Them

Rather than a definitive reason, the white spots on your gums could have multiple causes. With a wide range of triggers that linger, here are a few main ones:

Canker Sores

The most common type of reason is a Canker Sore, also known as Cold Sores. These oral ulcers might be small, but they pack quite a punch. Usually, they develop on the gums, inside the lip & cheek, as well as under the tongue. You can identify a canker sore by noticing these things:

• White ring with a yellowish middle
• Red brim around the spot
• Sharp and stinging pain
• Extreme tenderness

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia consists of small patches that may seem like dried toothpaste at first glance, but that is not the case. These patches can’t be scraped off or cleaned, yet since they’re harmless, they tend to go away on their own. However, if they remain for a long time, they may harden. In rare cases, leukoplakia with redness around its frame could be cancerous in nature. Here are some of its characteristics:

• White patches (variations in size)
• Can’t be cleaned
• Hardened surface
• Painless

Oral Lichen Planus

If you find raised, intricate outlines anywhere in your mouth, that might be Oral Lichen Planus. Being an autoimmune reaction, the web-like patches developed through oral lichen planus are usually raised. This can cause the area to quite often become red and painful. Here’s what you should also look out for:

• Intricate web-like design
• Raised patches
• Can go from white to red overtime
• Heightened sensitivity
• Extreme pain or burning sensation

Oral Thrush

In appearance, Oral Thrush resembles a combination of Oral Lichen Planus and Leukoplakia. Caused by the constant use of antibiotics, Oral Thrush might be the reason for those whitish indents on your gums. Moreover, these lesions also tend to affect children as well as the elderly. Thus, these are the signs you should watch out:

• Bad breath
• White or discolored patches
• Textured marks like cottage cheese
• Raised and red (sometimes)

Precancerous

In some cases, sudden discolored spotting can be a foretelling sign of cancer. However, that might not always be the reason. Therefore, it is better to consult a practicing professional to quell any doubts about your health and benefit, especially if the mark lasts longer than 14 days.

How To Prevent White Spots from Sprouting on My Gums

Want to change the outlook of your life and prevent any risks? Simply adopt the following habits and watch your dental health thrive.

• Brush your teeth twice every day.
• Every now and then, rinse and gargle with mouthwash.
• For routine checkups, schedule appointments with your dentist two times a year.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco use.
• Floss daily, in-between meals.
• Maintain a healthy diet by eating more greens.
• Don’t forget to clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner.
• To prevent your mouth from drying out, stay hydrated.

Lastly…

To conclude, don’t forget that taking care of your oral hygiene comes first. A pesky white spot on your gums just might be a sign of a bad diet and dental health. Therefore, try and rid yourself of stress or any other harmful habits that there may be. In the end, for further assistance, give Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry a call at 281-937-7530.

Jaw clicking when chewing might sound alarming, but it is not always a cause for concern. This clicking or popping occurs due to the temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ. It connects our jaw to the temporal bones, allowing movements. Damage to your jaw joint can result in various symptoms known as temporomandibular disorders. Many factors are responsible for jaw popping and TMD.

What Causes Jaw Clicking When Chewing?

The hinges on either side of the jaw open and close as we chew our food. When something affects your jaw’s movement, it clicks as a response or warning. Clicking sound occurs because of physical deformities like disk erosion, damaged cartilage, and joint damage. You might hear your jaw clicking when chewing due to the following reasons:

1. Dislocated Jaw
Injury to the face can unhinge your jaw. Sports injury, accidents, falls to the face, physical assault, traffic collisions, etc., can dislocate your jaw. Consequently, you will hear your jaw making a clicking noise when chewing. If you also experience pain, have bruises or swelling, or any other issues, consult your doctor immediately.

2. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can cause TMD issues, according to some studies. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) are the two types of sleep apnea. In obstructive sleep apnea, a person stops breathing involuntarily while they sleep due to narrowness in the throat. Whereas in central sleep apnea, the brain does not signal the muscles accurately, making the patient stop breathing periodically through sleep. Before an episode of OSA, the throat starts relaxing, blocking the airway. The jaw tries to prevent this, which puts pressure on it — leading to TMJ problems. Therefore, sleep apnea can be why your jaw clicks when chewing.

3. Malocclusion or Misalignment of Teeth
Crossbite, overbite, underbite, open bite, and crowded teeth are results of misalignment of teeth. The malocclusion of teeth can cause discomfort while chewing; you might even hear a pop whenever you bite.

4. Infection
Infection from untreated cavities can lead to jawbone damage, which may sound like a pop when you chew. Not only this, but an infection of the salivary gland can affect your jaw too. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have an infection, as neglecting it leads to more problems. Dry mouth, bad taste, swollen face and neck, pus discharge in mouth, and pain are some signs of an infection. If your jaw is clicking when chewing and you suspect an infection, drop by your dentist immediately.

5. Tumor
A tumor that leads to oral cancer can cause changes in your jaw. You will experience popping when the tumor starts affecting your jaw. A specific but rare type of tumor that can cause jaw clicking is ameloblastoma, which develops near wisdom teeth or molars and affects jaw movement. Therefore, if you experience jaw clicking when chewing, look out for loose teeth, problems in adjusting dentures, constant earache, and a persistent sore on the mouth or lip.

What Should I do?

Treatment for jaw clicking depends on the cause and severity of the damage. Your dentist might suggest home remedies or medical treatments, depending on the cause. At Smiles On Greatwood Dentistry, we offer treatments for TMJ and other oral health issues. Reach out to us at (281) 937-7530.

Does your tooth hurt when you bite down? Tooth pain is always an unpleasant experience. But it is an even worse experience if it hurts while you are eating or indulging in daily activities. If you feel a twinge of pain whenever you bite down, this blog will list five reasons why it happens.

5 Reasons Why Tooth Hurts When You Bite Down

There are many causes that can lead to tooth pain when biting down. Understanding the underlying reason behind the discomfort while chewing is essential for more effective treatment and preservation. These reasons encompass various issues such as cavities, dental abscesses, cracks, as well as the need for bite adjustment in a crown or filling.

1. Dental Crown or Filling Need Bite Adjustment
The way teeth bite together is described by the word ‘occlusion’. Your teeth need to occlude correctly; otherwise, you’ll feel discomfort while biting. When a dental filling, crown, or a tooth is not at a level with the other teeth, it may cause a painful sensation upon biting down. Moreover, neighboring teeth might also feel discomfort due to the pressure. Thus, your tooth might hurt when you bite after a filling. Your dentist can fix an unevenly distributed bite pressure, so make sure to contact them.

2. Large or Deep Cavity
Cavities can cause tooth sensitivity and pain in reaction to certain foods. Sugary foods and beverages, sodas, and even coffee can cause toothache when you eat or drink. Moreover, food particles can get stuck in large cavities, causing pressure and sharp pain. To prevent these pain flare-ups, visit your dentist for treatment.

3. Cracked Tooth

You may observe that a tooth is causing pain when you bite, even though there are no visible signs of a cavity or dental treatment. This pain could be due to a hidden crack in the tooth, which can be difficult to detect. Usually, the presence of a crack becomes apparent when you experience tooth pain while biting down. If you feel discomfort in your tooth after eating, carefully examine the area to pinpoint the source of the pain. For the detection and treatment of a cracked tooth, it is essential to consult a dental specialist.

4. Dental Abscess
If your complaint is ‘my tooth hurts when I put pressure on it’, another cause can be a dental abscess. It is a swelling or cyst that forms inside the bone at the tip of the root or other areas, putting pressure on it. Generally, abscess drains and swells, but you should visit your dentist to get a treatment before it worsens. In most cases, a root canal is required.

5. Congestion or Nasal/ Sinus Pressure
Your sinuses are close to your teeth’s roots. Hence, tooth pain does not always indicate dental problems; it could be that your sinuses are inflamed. If your back tooth hurts with pressure, it could be congestion, as molars and premolars are susceptible to discomfort due to sinus pressure. Hence, your tooth might hurt when you bite down due to reasons that are not actually tooth-related.

Visit A Dentist

Neglecting health issues, including dental problems, is not advisable. If you experience tooth pain while biting down, it’s essential to seek immediate attention from your dentist. At Smiles On Greatwood, our experts are ready to assist you in resolving all your dental concerns. Simply give us a call at 281-937-7530, and we’ll be glad to help.

Canker sores or any other mouth sores and blisters can be frustrating. It hurdles your everyday routine and interferes while you try to eat or talk. Moreover, it brings intolerable pain and burning with it. Thus, you can try many methods to get rid of it. For instance, using alum for canker sores can effectively heal them.

How to Use Alum for Canker Sores?

Potassium sulfate, or alum, works to heal your canker sore by releasing the liquid inside it. After the fluid is drawn out, the healing process accelerates.

Using alum for canker sores is simple. Take a pinch of alum powder and apply it directly to your mouth ulcer. Wait about a minute before spitting it out. Avoid swallowing the alum, and rinse your mouth thoroughly after spitting it out. Although you will feel a sharp twinge, this method is effective as it brings alum directly in contact with the sore.

You can also dilute alum with a few drops of water to make a paste and apply it to the sore. Or you can add more water to make a mouth rinse. Don’t wait more than 2-3 minutes to rinse or spit the alum out.

If you are wondering how often to use alum on canker sore, the answer is two to three times a week. You will see a significant relief within the first 24 hours of using alum for canker sores.

What Does Alum Do for Canker Sores?

Alum is an astringent. Hence, it draws the liquid out and shrinks the tissue to help the lesion close rapidly. Moreover, it helps reduce pain and inflammation as an anti-inflammatory agent. And it helps prevent bacteria growth, making it an ideal substance to remedy mouth ulcers.

Are There Any Other Remedies?

Alum benefits the healing of canker sores. But there are other remedies you can use for canker sore treatment:

1. Saltwater: A one-part salt and half-part water solution is an exceptional disinfectant for your canker sores. It works by removing any infection that can hurt your sore. Adding a pinch of baking soda to the saltwater solution can work wonders as well.

2. Aloe Vera: The anti-inflammatory aloe vera is a perfect cure for your sore. Rub a bit of aloe gel on the lesion to alleviate pain and boost the healing process.

3. Honey: Applying honey to the canker sore four times daily can reduce the wound’s pain, size, and redness. Honey’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it an effective remedy for canker sores.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide: Take 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water. Apply it to your mouth sore with a cotton ball or swab. You can also go for a diluted peroxide solution and use it as a mouth rinse. Swish the mouth rinse in your mouth for a minute, and spit it out. It will reduce bacteria, cleaning the canker sore.

Canker sores heal in a couple of weeks. But using home remedies can help reduce their symptoms. If you have big or recurrent canker sores and excruciating pain, it is best to get immediate dental consultation. You can call Smiles On Great Woods Dentistry by dialing +1 281-937-7530 for the best advice, consultations, and appointments.

Are your gums turning white? Oral issues are never-ending. Therefore, you must take good care of your oral health, or it can lead to complications. One of these complications includes pale gums. White gums are an unhealthy gums color, as it often indicates an underlying cause. However, it can also be due to simple dental procedures like tooth whitening and extractions. Keep reading to go through the possible causes of pale-looking gums.

Why are my gums turning white?

There can be many reasons behind your gums turning white, including a severe medical condition. Therefore, if you notice your gums looking comparatively lighter than before, it is wise to consult your dentist.

1. Canker Sores

If you have a white or yellow spot on your gum surrounded by redness, it might be a canker sore. Canker sores are mouth lesions that usually appear on the insides of your cheeks, the bottom of your gums, and the area under your tongue. Remember that canker sores will not turn your entire gum line pale. Only the area with these open wounds will be lighter than the rest of your gum line. Thus, if your gums are turning white as a whole, canker sores may not be the reason.

2. Anemia

Your gums and skin can pale if your body does not have the required amount of oxygen. And for oxygen to flow through your body, red blood cells are needed. A lack of red blood cells means there is little oxygen flowing through your organs and tissues. As a result, your gums will start looking paler than is healthy. This condition is called anemia.

3. Gingivitis

Your gums can turn white due to bacterial infections, like gingivitis. Gingivitis can look like receding gums. Not only that, but it also causes pale gums. Therefore, if you suspect that you have gingivitis, visit your dentist if the following symptoms appear:

1. Your gums start bleeding during brushing or
2. Inflammation and redness in your gums.
3. Teeth are becoming loose.

4. Teeth Whitening
Dental Procedures like teeth whitening and tooth extractions are also possible reasons. You might notice your gums turning white after teeth whitening. This is because the chemicals that your dentist uses in the procedure temporarily affect your gums, and they should return to their normal, healthy pink color after a few hours of the treatment. Similarly, you will notice other methods like whitening strips turning gums white. This is also because of the chemicals, which sometimes leave a slight burn on your gums.

5. Oral Cancer
For white gums, cancer is also a possible culprit. Although it is rare, a cause nonetheless. Oral cancer affects your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Thus, if you see small, thin bumps that are red, white, or flesh-colored, it can signify oral cancer.

The Closing Word

Your gums can turn white for many reasons, ranging from canker sores and a mere reaction to dental procedures to more serious underlying conditions like oral cancer. Thus, if your gums turn white, it is better to consult your doctor immediately. You can also contact our skilled professionals at Smiles On Great Woods Dentistry by dialing +1 281-937-7530 for any dental help or advice you may need.

Tannins are highly responsible for leaving marks in your teeth, as they allow chromogens to stick to them. As a result, your teeth get stained. Do you know what has tannin in it? Coffee. Yes, to put it all together, coffee stains teeth due to tannins.

How To Remove Coffee Stains On Teeth?

Excessive or regular consumption of coffee does leave its mark. However, you can always strive to recover your pearly smile. There are a few methods to do so. We will give you a few suggestions on how to get rid of coffee stains on your teeth:

Get a Professional Cleaning?

Getting a professional cleaning will help remove coffee stains on your teeth significantly. Thus, on your biannual visits to the dentist, get your teeth professionally cleaned.

Use Teeth Whitening Products Regularly

Treating your teeth regularly with whitening products might also reduce the coffee stains on your teeth. Therefore, make sure you use whitening toothpaste. Other than that, you can try using whitening strips regularly or talk to your dentist about getting a home whitening tray.

Try Home Remedies

You can find some natural teeth whitening ingredients right where you live. Yes, a few home remedies can help with the stained teeth situation. Despite being gradual in their results, home remedies can make a big difference. When coffee stains teeth, baking soda comes to the rescue.

You can take a wet toothbrush, dip it in baking soda, and scrub your teeth for around two minutes. Or you can add a drop of water to baking soda powder, stir it to make a paste, and brush your teeth. Wait a few weeks to let baking soda work its magic.

Another remedy that you can try is adding one tablespoon of baking soda to two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Stir the mixture, and use it to brush your teeth. This can reduce coffee stains on your teeth remarkably.

How to prevent coffee stains on teeth?

If you don’t have yellow marks on your teeth yet, that’s fortunate. You can start taking care of your teeth and follow these prevention tips to protect them:

• Make sure that the contact between coffee and your teeth is minimal. Therefore, if you prefer iced coffee, use a straw for drinking it.
• Don’t delay finishing your coffee cup throughout the day. Finish it in one go instead, so the bacteria won’t have sufficient time to grow in your mouth.
• Two cups of coffee a day should do, exceeding the limit may pose harm for your oral health.
• After you drink coffee, take your time to brush your teeth for two minutes gently.
• Use a tongue scraper or utilize your toothbrush to scrape off any bacteria growing in your mouth. Also, it helps you get rid of bad breath.
• There might be particles between your teeth that stain them, even after brushing. Use dental floss or an interdental tool to clean the area in-between your teeth.

Closing Word

Coffee stains teeth, but you can always reduce them or take prevention steps. Have you noticed coffee marks on your teeth or have any other dental queries? Smiles on Greatwoods looks forward to helping you. Contact us at (281) 937-7530 or info@smilesongreatwood.com.

If you are dealing with sensitive teeth, you’re not alone. Countless people deal with sensitive teeth for a variety of reasons. While some tooth pain is caused by harmless issues, other types of tooth pain can be a symptom of a serious health condition. Below, we will explain some of the different causes of tooth pain.

Lifestyle Causes

Many lifestyle factors can cause sensitive teeth. Your problem could stem from something as simple as brushing or flossing too hard. Some people experience sensitivity after eating certain things, like highly acidic foods. Tooth grinding is also another common issue that causes tooth and jaw pain.

Gingivitis

Sometimes, tooth sensitivity is caused by a gum problem. If your sensitivity is accompanied by red, inflamed, or swollen gums, you might have gingivitis. While there are plenty of treatments for this condition, it’s important to have a dentist properly diagnose you.

Tooth Decay

This is another common cause of sensitivity. If your pain is concentrated near one specific tooth, you may be dealing with tooth decay. If you suspect a cavity, it’s important to call your dentist. Filling cavities early will help you find relief and also save you from more complex decay treatments like roots canals.

When To See A Dentist

Regardless of the cause of your sensitivity, your dentist can help you find relief. Only a professional can evaluate your problem and help you find a solution. Smiles Greatwood can help you deal with your sensitive teeth. speak to our specialists at Smiles On Greatwood Dentistry. Call us to book your appointment at 281-937-7530.

Teeth Grinding: Explained

Is your little one teething? Different symptoms often accompany it, like swollen gums, drooling, etc. While they become used to them– your baby might start grinding their teeth. Teeth gnashing is also common among teenagers and older kids.

This phenomenon is sometimes called bruxism. You might hear your child gnashing their teeth together at night, but worry not! There are a lot of reasons that your kid may be doing this. We will list them down!

Reasons Behind Baby Grinding Teeth:

For a baby grinding teeth may be a result of different factors, including:

1. Exploration

If a baby is grinding their teeth, it may be because of exploration. They might be doing so to get comfortable with having teeth in their mouth, which is new for them. This is observed around 8-10 months. The sound, the click, and the feel of teeth– they are checking it out.

2. Pain relief

Growing teeth come with pain in the ear as well. Therefore, your baby might be grinding teeth to alleviate the aching in other areas.

3. Sore gums

Children of around 3-4 months gnash teeth together because they are soothing their sore gums. Since the first teeth cut through gums during that time, babies start rubbing it to ease them.

4. Poor Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for everyone from a young age. If your child does not brush their teeth properly, or at all, they risk developing gum inflammation. As a result, teeth grinding takes place.

5. Stress

Anxiety and stress also cause teeth grinding in children, whether teenagers or older infants. Emotional stress could be due to anything – fights with family members, changing schools or houses, weaning, etc., can trigger bruxism.

6. Misaligned Jaw or Teeth

Permanent teeth growing and milk teeth erupting can also lead to older kids or baby grinding teeth. Teeth might be loose or misaligned when the jaw is closed. Finding a suitable position for the jaw can end up in gnashing. So improper alignment of the jaw or teeth also becomes a factor in this habit.

7. Health Concerns

Some health concerns also develop the grinding of teeth in kids. Which includes:

• Stomach acid reflux
• Brain Injury
• Brain Disorders (Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, etc.)
• Enlarged Tonsils.

In short,

Grinding teeth or an excessive level of it– bruxism can be risky. On that account, if you notice your child doing so, it might be due to the above-mentioned reasons. Other reasons like antidepressants, mouth breathing, and snoring are also responsible for it. But it can be stopped. For instance, getting your teething baby a teether can help ease their pain. In case of stress, talking to them might help– or getting them professional help if needed.

Don’t panic if you hear teeth grinding noises, notice swollen cheeks, complaints of pain in the ear or other areas, or shortened teeth. Just get your child the care they need! Contact Smiles On Great Woods Dentistry at +1 281-937-7530 for any dental help or advice you may need.

Many people are prone to cavities. If you want to avoid dental fillings and keep your teeth naturally healthy, there are a few simple things you can do at home. Keep reading to learn some simple ways to prevent cavities.

Don’t Forget to Floss

We all know that brushing twice a day is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene. If you are brushing regularly, you might think that you can get by without flossing your teeth. While brushing is very important, a toothbrush cannot reach every part of your tooth. The plaque often builds up around the gum line and in between teeth, so flossing is the only way to remove it. Try to floss daily in order to prevent cavities.

Limit Processed Sugar

The white sugar found in candy and soft drinks can be dangerous to your teeth. Refined, processed sugar can weaken the tooth enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay. Try to limit overly sweet foods and drinks and stick to natural sugars. Of course, no one is perfect and it’s okay to indulge every once in a while. Just remember to brush your teeth afterward!

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Visiting your dentist for a checkup every six months is the best way to check for cavities so you can receive quick treatment before the problem progresses. During your checkup, your dentist will also thoroughly clean your teeth to help prevent future plaque buildup. speak to our specialists at Smiles On Greatwood Dentistry. Call us to book your appointment at 281-937-7530.

If you are thinking about brushing your teeth with baking soda, you have landed in the right place as we will be talking all about it. Baking soda is the best ingredient for baking. But did you know that it is also a popular remedy for cleaning across homes?

Baking Soda And How Does It Work?

Baking soda is made of sodium bicarbonate, which is very popular across homes for baking and cleaning. It produces carbon dioxide, which is the reason your dough rises. But this is also the reason that neutralizes acids, making it easy for you to clean surfaces.

Baking Soda And Dental Products?

In many cases, you will find dental products that contain baking soda. That is because it can give you a fresh breath if you use a mouthwash with baking soda. It also gives you a soothing feeling from canker sores and helps whiten your teeth.

Some toothpaste brands also contain baking soda, but in some cases, some people make their toothpaste from baking soda.

Why Should You Use A Baking Soda Toothpaste?

The biggest reason you would use toothpaste with baking soda is to want bright white and healthy teeth. That is because of its chemical formula; it is the best whitening agent you can use, which can clean hard coffee and tobacco stains. But it also has some more benefits.

• It stops the formation of plaque which can lead to severe tooth decay.
• Baking soda can help you fight this problem if you are suffering from bad breath. It mixes with your saliva and neutralizes the odor.
• If you have ulcers in your mouth, baking soda is the best pain reliever.

Does Baking Soda Toothpaste Have Any Downside?

Like everything, even baking soda has a downside; hence it is good you understand what you are going into.

• The American Dental Association does not approve the use of baking soda for teeth cleaning.
• Using baking soda is not enough to clean your teeth and be safe from cavities. Fluoride is also important for a clean and healthy mouth.
• Baking soda can be damaging for the enamel of your teeth and gums.
• If you are wearing braces, then baking soda can loosen them.
• The baking soda has a very bad taste that can remain in your mouth for longer.

What Is Next For You?

You now know about baking soda and its benefits and drawbacks, but if you want to learn more about brushing teeth with baking soda, speak to our specialists at Smiles On Greatwood Dentistry. Call us to book your appointment at 281-937-7530.