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Help! Do I have Geographic Tongue?

Help! Do I have Geographic Tongue?

Help! Do I Have Geographic Tongue? You go into the bathroom to brush your teeth as usual, but this time, you look in the mirror, open your mouth to start brushing and are shocked to see the sight of your tongue. It’s covered with tiny bumps that are pinkish-white and patches of smooth red with slightly raised borders; your tongue looks like a map! You may have a rare condition known as Geographic Tongue. Otherwise known as ‘benign migratory glossitis’, Geographic Tongue is harmless and is not contagious. But there’s no doubt about it, when you discover you have the condition, it can be quite unsettling. Although it can be hard to look at, most people who have Geographic Tongue are quite healthy. What is Geographic Tongue? Geographic Tongue is still a mystery to many, and research continues into its causes. The curious raised bumps of the tongue rash, known as papillae, can come and go from the tongue – leaving behind the smooth red patches that give this condition its name. Often, the patches heal in one area of the tongue and then move to another part. Who does it affect? Studies have not yet confirmed who is most susceptible to Geographic Tongue, but it does affect people of all ages and genders. There is the belief that factors such as stress, allergies, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and oral parafunctional habits can be a cause. Although more studies are required, Geographic Tongue can also be hereditary and those with a fissured tongue are at higher risk of developing the condition. How do I know I have it? Apart from self-examination, it’s a good idea to visit us at our Dental Clinic in Sandgate so we can rule out any serious tongue conditions. The examination is quick and painless. We check your tongue and mouth, have you move your tongue around so we can see all areas, touch your tongue gently for sensitivity, and take a closer look at any unusual changes in texture and consistency. Does Geographic Tongue hurt? Some people can have Geographic Tongue and not even realise, while others can experience discomfort, pain or burning, particularly when eating hot and spicy foods or drinking hot beverages. Is there a cure? It can take up to three months for the tongue to go back to normal on its own. If you find the symptoms persist for more than ten days, visit Robert Duhig Dentist for a thorough check. Although there isn’t a cure, our team can recommend treatment options to reduce the discomfort associated with Geographic Tongue. This may include medications such as pain relief, anesthetic mouthwash, antihistamine mouthwash, ointments or vitamin supplements. In addition to the use of...

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How Your Oral Therapist Can Save Parents Money

How Your Oral Therapist Can Save Parents Money

How Your Oral Therapist Or Dental Hygienist Can Save Parents Big Money According to the National Child Oral Study, tooth decay is the most common oral disease in Australian children. In fact, in children aged five to ten years old, almost 50% of children studied had holes in their baby teeth. Nearly one quarter of five to ten-year-olds had untreated tooth decay. For children aged six to fourteen, the stats are no better with 24% of children in this age group already having holes in their adult teeth. 1 in 10 of these children also had some untreated holes in their adult teeth as well as untreated decay surfaces. Considering these alarming figures, it’s clear to see that parents are spending a lot of money on fillings, tooth extractions, crowns and root canals for something that is completely preventative. And it’s not all about the money. Tooth decay also causes children much pain, discomfort, eating, sleeping and self-esteem problems too. So, as a parent, what’s the answer? An oral therapist can really help. Here’s why. How an oral therapist can save Brisbane parents money The good news is that your children don’t have to be part of these scary statistics. The best place to start is with regular visits to an oral therapist. Brisbane dentists like Robert Duhig Dentist see huge benefits in having oral therapists as part of the team. They have a very specific role – to help you and your children keep a clean and healthy mouth. Oral health therapists are dental professionals who are dual qualified in dental therapy and dental hygiene, so you know you’re in good hands. Here are just some of the ways and oral therapist can help your family. Education An oral therapist specialises in teaching children how to look after their teeth, including how to brush properly and how to reach hard places. They can explain better than anyone the importance of teeth brushing to children. Dental cleaning Oral therapists love to get in and banish plaque and build up, as well as checking that gums are looking healthy. Professional dental cleaning is not just a job, it’s a pleasure to an oral therapist. They get great satisfaction from seeing the job done right! Fluoride treatment Topical fluoride treatment is performed by an oral therapist or dental hygienist to prevent cavities forming in the very early stages. Topical fluoride treatment is more concentrated than what would be consumed by drinking fluoridated water or using toothpaste containing fluoride. Dental sealants A common preventative practice performed by oral therapists and dental hygienists is the application of dental sealants. In children, tooth decay predominantly starts on the back molars and so a clear...

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Adult Teeth Coming In Behind Baby Teeth? What Can You Expect?

Adult Teeth Coming In Behind Baby Teeth? What Can You Expect?

It seems quite straight forward – baby teeth fall out, adult teeth come in. But it doesn’t always work out that way! If you’re noticing what seem to be adult teeth coming in behind baby teeth that are still there, you might have a few questions or concerns. Here’s a brief overview of what you need to know. For further information and a more detailed examination, make an appointment with a dentist who specialises in gentle, peaceful pediatric dentistry. What does it mean if adult teeth are coming in behind baby teeth? Firstly, while it’s not overly common, this phenomenon is not a huge cause of concern in the dentistry world. Having said that, the problem may not simply ‘go away on its own’. It is a sensible decision to consult a dentist as early on in the process as possible so the situation may be monitored. What causes it? The permanent teeth are growing in from behind the roots of the baby teeth. This means there isn’t that ‘gap’ (pardon the pun) in time when the baby tooth falls out prior to the growth of the adult tooth. Admittedly, most of the time this situation does not require treatment. However, in some cases, your dentist may find due cause to extract the baby tooth in order to make room for the adult tooth to grow in a way that does not misalign the jaw. Will adult teeth coming in behind baby teeth impact my child? This is really a case-by-case basis and, without a close examination of your child’s teeth, a blanket answer cannot be given. You may find that there is some misalignment during the period of growth; this may be temporary or may cause permanent displacement. Luckily, there are solutions if needed! Your child may eventually need braces, or another treatment option. On the other hand, they may need nothing but regular brushing as usual! Speak to Robert Duhig Dentist about any potential preventative measures that you can undertake while your children are still little. A conversation early may prove to be a big saving down the track. Need advice about adult teeth coming in behind baby teeth? Call the friendly team at Robert Duhig Dentist...

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