Ear and Tooth Pain

Ear and Tooth Pain

 

The most common causes of ear and tooth pain include infections, fluid buildup in the ear, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, cavities, and tooth impaction. Ear and tooth pain often occur simultaneously due to the closeness of the nerves and other tissues in the face and head. While some causes of pain in these areas are serious, most pain is caused by minor infections or illnesses that can be easily treated by a doctor or dentist.

Ear and tooth infections are the most common causes of pain in these areas. Pain deep inside the ear that may radiate down the jaw if often caused by a middle ear infection, and may be present with a fever and fluid drainage from the ear. An infection in the ear canal, outer ear, or the mastoid bone behind the ear can also cause pain. These types of infections often occur with redness and swelling of the outer ear or the area around the ear, and require prompt medical attention. Infections of the teeth or gums due to poor oral hygiene, abscesses, or conditions such as gingivitis can also lead to pain in the mouth that may also affect the ear.

Fluid that builds up inside the ear can lead to pain and pressure. The discomfort may extend down the jaw and affect the teeth as well. Eustachian tubes inside the ears can become blocked with fluid due to sinus pressure from a cold or the flu. Over-the-counter decongestants can help dry up excess fluid, and a warm compress or heating pad applied to the ear or jaw can help minimize pain. In severe cases, doctors can drain the fluid from the ear or implant tubes in the eardrums to stabilize pressure inside the ears.

 

Ear and tooth pain that occurs at the same time is common for people who suffer from TMJ syndrome. The temporomandibular joints on either side of the jaw can become dislocated or suffer from wear on the cartilage disks that cushion the joints, resulting in pain that may occur at the jaw joint, in the ear, or in the teeth. Treatment for TMJ syndrome includes mouth guards, jaw exercises, and bite therapy to help align the jaw and reduce clenching and grinding, which can make symptoms worse.

Dental problems, including cavities and tooth impaction, often lead to ear and tooth pain. Pain from problems that affect the roots of the tooth can manifest in the mouth, up the jawline to the ear, or over the entire side of the face. Wisdom teeth located at the back of the mouth often become impacted and must be removed by an oral surgeon
if they lead to pain or other dental problems.

Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to see you smile!

Raisin Eyebrows: Is Dried Fruit Good for Your Teeth?

Raisin Eyebrows: Is Dried Fruit Good for Your Teeth?

Do you remember how disappointed you were as a kid when some concerned adult

dared put raisins in your Halloween bucket? Your mother was probably relieved,

convinced they would be far better for you and your pearly whites than the rest of the

junk food you'd strung out across the living room floor. Ask a pediatric dentist, however,

and you might get a different story.

 

It's true that there are a number of benefits to eating raisins. They're low in fat and

cholesterol, and boast plenty of fiber, calcium and potassium. Unfortunately, they're also

both sticky and high in sugar, putting them high on the list of foods that can cause

cavities. Some health professionals lump them in with all the other typical junk foods

kids eat. Don't worry, raisins aren't the only foods once thought healthy that can

contribute to tooth decay. Go ahead and add other dried fruit, sweetened cereals and

even fruit juices to the list.

 

Don't chuck raisins out just yet, however. Raisins were recently found to contain

phytochemicals, which are known to inhibit the growth of bacteria commonly linked to

cavities. Note that this study was conducted in a lab, and no study has even been done

to show that cavities are either more or less likely to find kids that eat raisins.

So, where does this leave you? A good general rule when it comes to eating for good

health (oral and otherwise) is to stick with whole fruits and vegetables whenever

possible. If you must eat something that you aren't sure is good for you, do it in

moderation. Be sure to drink lots of water, and always either brush your teeth or rinse

your mouth out with warm water after eating sugary or acidic foods to prevent tooth

decay!

 

Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com  We want to see you smile!

How to Achieve Pain Relief for an Abscessed Tooth

How to Relieve Pain from an Abscessed Tooth

An abscess is a localized collection of infection that usually forms at the root of the tooth. Abscessed teeth are usually caused by untreated tooth decay, a cracked or broken tooth or filling, or from a gum infection, synonymous with advanced gum disease.

A toothache caused by an abscessed tooth is often very excruciating to say the very least. At the onset of pain from a suspected abscessed tooth, it is highly recommended to see your dentist as soon as possible. A root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue. Failure to have an abscess treated promptly could result in the advancement of the infection, which may invade further into the bone and surrounding tissue. In rare cases, an untreated abscessed tooth may cause a severe infection that could result in death.

Here are some ways to relieve toothache that is caused by an abscessed tooth:

• Avoid foods and beverages that are very cold or very hot. Since the dentin layer of the tooth has likely been invaded by tooth decay, extremes in temperature may cause pain.
• Avoid foods and beverages that are very high in sugar, or are very acidic.
• Use an over-the-counter pain relief medicine. Never exceed the recommended dose, and check to make sure you are able to take pain relief medications with any of the other medications you may currently be on. Generally speaking, a pain relief medication that is intended to reduced inflammation works best for dental pain, because most toothaches are caused by an inflammation of the tissues or the inflammation of the nerve. Never put pain relief medication on the tooth or gum tissue, as this could burn the tissue.
• Floss between the teeth that are painful. Removing the food particles and plaque may help reduce the pain from the toothache.
• Use oil of cloves (eugenol). Eugenol, which can be found in most health food stores, is used in various dental materials because of its antiseptic and anesthetic properties. Using eugenol at home may help reduce pain from a toothache. Soak a small piece of cotton in the oil, then blot the cotton on a piece of tissue to remove the excess. Using a clean pair of tweezers, hold the cotton on the painful tooth for 10 seconds, making sure you do not swallow any of the oil.
• Seal a hole in the tooth temporarily. Some pharmacies have over-the counter temporary filling material that may be used to seal the hole created by decay temporarily.
• Sleep with your head elevated. The inflammation of the nerve of the tooth with an abscess is very painful, and is often what causes the most uncomfortable pain. If you elevate your head when resting, some of the pressure in the area of the toothache may diminish.
• Rinse with warm salt water. Rinsing with warm salt water two to three times a day may help to relieve a toothache caused by an abscess, if the toothache is caused by a gum infection. Salt water works as an antiseptic to remove bacteria from the infected area. 

A toothache that is caused by an abscess may come and go, but don't be fooled. The longer you wait to have the abscess treated, more serious complications may arise. As soon as you develop a toothache, see your dentist immediately.

Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to see you smile!

Dental Sealants are Great for Back to School - Kendall Miami Dentist Dr. Bloch

What are dental sealants?

With the new school year on its way it is a great idea to plan ahead and be proactive in reducing the possibilities of dental cavities this year. Dental sealants can do just that. You probably heard people say that their dentist sealed their teeth to help prevent cavities. They are correct! They are probably talking about a dental sealant. A dental sealant is a clear or white, liquid-plastic material put on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of teeth and protects them from tooth decay and cavities. Although children and teens usually use sealants, adults can use them, too.Applying a dental sealant is a relatively simple procedure.

To put in a sealant, your dentist or dental hygienist will place a cotton roll around your teeth to absorb saliva and prevent moisture from getting on the teeth. A sheet of rubber (rubber dam) may be used to isolate the teeth. Then the dentist will apply the solution that will glue the sealant to the tooth. After about a minute, he or she will rinse off the excess glue, dry your teeth, and put on the sealant.

One type of sealant hardens very quickly through the use of a bright light. The other hardens more gradually. Sealants may wear down over a period of years. Your dentist should check them regularly and reapply them if needed.

Getting dental sealants at the beginning of the new school year is a good idea. It is a great way to prevent decay and cavities throughout the school year. For more information on dental sealants call our office 305-385-5555 or visit our website at www.blochdentistry.com

Miami Dentist

Dr. Jonathan Bloch

 

Kendall Dentist, Dr. Bloch, Gives Great Advice on Getting a Great Back to School Smile

A new school year is just up ahead and you will be meeting new people and making new friends. Remember that first impressions matter. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. That’s why it’s so important to take care of it. Cavities aren’t just for little kids—you can get them at any age. When you consume sugary foods, soda, juice or energy drinks, you put yourself at risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Be smart. Always brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day.

The bottom line for smiles that are healthy on the inside and out:

• Always brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes
• Floss between your teeth daily
• Avoid sugary and starchy snacks
• Wear a mouthguard when you’re active
• Don’t smoke
• Don’t pierce your lips or any part of your mouth
• Call us to schedule a back to school checkup. Regular dental visits will help set you up to be Mouth Healthy for Life.

Call us at (305) 385-5555 or visit http://www.blochdentistry.com/

Back To School With Healthy Teeth!

Back To School with Healthy Teeth

The leaves are just starting to turn and the school buses are beginning to appear in neighborhoods all across the country. You’ve done the shopping for pencils and pens, and gotten the wardrobe just right for your child’s all-important first day back at school.
That’s right, it’s back-to-school time, which also means it’s time make sure your kids’ teeth are healthy and happy. Almost one million school days are lost each year because of tooth pain, so here’s some helpful hints to make sure your child has healthy teeth this school season.

Schedule a dental checkup

Children should see a dentist twice a year and by adding a back-to-school dental visit you can ensure proper teeth care and less missed days due to toothaches or any other dental problems.  By making a dental exam part of your annual routine, children can also begin to see going to the dentist as a beneficial habit and part of every year’s pre-school plans.  Some schools may even require a dental checkup, so be sure to contact your dentist today to get on their schedule early.

Bring healthy snacks

Among the best choices for snacks and lunches in a child’s lunchbox are cheese, fresh fruit, and veggies.  Cheeses such as cheddar are excellent for your child’s teeth as they neutralize harmful acids.  You should also look to eliminate acidic options like sodas and some fruit juice, which can erode the enamel on children’s teeth.   Foods high in protein like milk and yogurt are a wonderful choice as well, as they not only help a child feel full, but also are good for overall mouth health. Try to stay away from processed and refined carbs that are high in sugar.  If your kids do need something sweet, chocolate is a decent choice and much better then hard candy or bubble gum, as it offers much shorter exposure of sugar to the teeth.

Time it right

Setting a schedule for your child to floss and brush is key to promoting healthy teeth. Children should brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once.  Often during busy mornings kids will forget these routine tasks. By instituting a schedule every morning and evening (and by helping supervise them), you can get children used to a routine that will last a lifetime.  A tooth-brushing timer is another great way to help children keep track of how long they are supposed to brush for.  There are many fun options on the market today made to make sure kids get the necessary two-minute minimum of brushing time.

Rinse after every meal

Remind your child to try to rinse their mouth out with water after eating a meal at while at school. In an ideal world people should brush their teeth after every meal, but by at least rinsing out your mouth and freeing food particles from your teeth and gum it can help prevent decay.

Involve them in the shopping

Involving your child in choosing the their toothbrush and floss gets them into the process and allows the feel a part of their own dental health. Making sure that they know how to choose toothbrush with soft bristles and that is the correct size for their age will help empower them to use those objects more. Letting your child choose a toothpaste flavor that they will enjoy is also key, as their taste may be very different then yours.

Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to see you smile!

Kendall Miami Dentist Dr. Bloch Discusses What to Do If a Tooth is Lost By Injury

It can happen in the blink of an eye: an accident that leaves a tooth hanging by a thread
or lying on the ground. Kids, athletes, soccer hooligans - it can happen to just about
anyone. Ouch! But if it does happen, it's important to know the proper first aid:

• If the tooth is loose (even extremely so!) but is still attached in any way, leave it in place. Do not remove it!

• If it is out of its socket completely and unattached, but still in the victim's mouth, it is best to have the person hold the tooth in their mouth, if possible, until a dentist can attempt re-implantation.

• If the tooth is out of the mouth, do not let it dry out. Handle it as little as possible.Do not attempt to disinfect the tooth, or scrub it, or remove any tissue attached to it.

• If the tooth is recovered from the ground or other soiled area, rinse it off in lukewarm water. Preserve it in milk until a dentist is available. If milk is not available, lukewarm water will suffice.

Time out of the socket is critical in the long-term success of re-implantation. After 30
minutes, the success potential begins to decline. However, re-implantation is still
possible after several hours, so the attempt can still be made even if the tooth has been
out for a long period.

Remember, even if re-implantation fails, you have a variety of other options. For more
information on emergency dental care or tooth replacement, please don't hesitate to call us at (305) 385-5555.

Miami Dentist- Kendale Lakes

At Bloch Dentistry your smile is top priority. Dr. Jonathan Bloch is a highly skilled dentist with over twenty years of experience in the dental field. Dr. Bloch and his staff have earned a reputation for achieving excellent results and treating his patients like family. He is proud of the trust, confidence, and loyalty of his patients.

We make great smiles- Miami Dentist

Dr. Bloch's patients appreciate the time he takes to answer all their questions and makes every visit a comfortable experience.

Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to see you smile!