dental situations Flashcards
(56 cards)
I’m at A&E where a patient comes in with health complications that originate from dental disease. Can you explain how that can happen?
- bacterial infections: bacteria enters bloodstream through mouth- infections in other body parts e.g. lungs, (pneumonia) heart (endocarditis)
- dental diseases e.g. caries, abscess, are painful make chewing difficult-> malnutrition, causes fatigue, muscle weakness, weaker immune system
- periodontitis- gums become inflamed, inflammation in body can cause high blood glucose levels, as cells don’t respond effectively to insulin, hard to regulate blood glucose
- dental abscess- pus build up in teeth, gums due to infection- neck and jaw pain
What is it called when a dental infection spreads to the jaw and neck?
- dental abscess- build up of pus in teeth or gums caused by bacterial infection
- usually occurs when bacteria invades tooth pulp usually through crack or cavity
If a patient collapses in the waiting room, how would you assess them?
- clear space around them, call for help
- give hard shake and ask if they can hear me
- gently tilt head back & lift chin- clears airway
- put face near cheek to hear/ feel breath
- feel for pulse
- if not breathing then start CPR and call ambulance
- use defibrillator if there is one nearby
What are the most common causes of tooth decay?
-bacteria- bacteria in mouth produces acid that erodes tooth enamel
-sugar- feeds the bacteria, more acid production
- poor oral hygiene- not brushing & flossing regularly allows plaque build up
- lack of fluoride- some towns not fluoridated, not enough toothpaste
- frequent snacking- feeds bacteria, keeps acid levels in mouth high
What are some signs and symptoms of a cavity?
- toothache
- sensitivity- hot, cold drinks, sweet foods and drinks
- visible holes
- discolouration- dark spots or stains on tooth surface
- bad breath
How often should you go to the dentist for a check-up?
Every 6 months
Dentist might recommend more frequent visits if higher risk of cavities
Can help prevent cavities and catch issues early on
What are some ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
- brush 2x a day
-fluoride toothpaste, dont rinse - flossing
- eat less sugar
- regular check ups
Can a toothache go away on it’s own or should you always see a dentist?
- see dentist
- may be sign of decay, abscess, gum disease
- if pain stops does not mean infection is gone- nerve could be dead
What are some common causes of bad breath?
- smoking
-poor oral hygiene- plaque build up from not brushing - diet
- ## dry mouth (xeristoma) - saliva cleanses the mouth
What is a dental abscess and how is it treated?
build-up of pus in teeth, gums caused by infection.
- wont go away on own
- swollen face or jaw, toothache, sensitivity
- dentist makes small cut in abscess and drains pus
- could also do root canal
What are some ways to treat and manage tooth sensitivity?
- Desensitizing toothpaste
- soft bristle toothbrush
- avoid acidic food & drink
- add fluoride to daily routine
- consult dentist
Can gum disease be reversed or is it always a chronic condition?
- once passes gingivitus (1st stage) cant be reversed due to bone loss
- bone cant regrow around tooth- lose structural support
How do you properly brush and floss your teeth to maintain good oral health?
- brush 2x a day, fluoride toothpaste, no rinsing, electric
- floss before brush, every night, every tooth
- change brush every 3 months
How does pregnancy affect oral health?
Hormonal changes make gums more sensitive and vulnerable to plaque, leads to inflammation and bleeding gums-pregnancy gingivitis
morning sickness- vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acid, erodes enamel
Changes in diet- cravings for sugary or acidic foods
Hormones can lead to dry mouth which increases risk of cavities and gum disease because salvia cleans the mouth and neutralises acids
some may avoid dental visits during pregnancy
NHS dental care is free during pregnancy and for 1st year after birth of baby.
What is periodontitis and how is it treated?
- inflammation of gums- damages tissue and bone supporting teeth
- red,bleeding,swollen gums
-antibiotics
- Scaling and root planing- deep clean below gumline
What are the symptoms of the temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) and how is it diagnosed?
temporomandibular joints found either side of head in front of ears. let us talk, chew and yawn. TMJD caused when one or more joints become inflamed
-Pain in chewing muscles
- Pain that spreads to face or neck.
- Jaw stiffness
- Ringing in ears, hearing loss, dizziness
- dental exam to show if poor bite alignment
- Feeling joints and muscles for tenderness
- Watching, feeling, and listening to the jaw open and shut
- X-rays, CT scan, MRI,
What is fluorosis?
excessive fluoride intake
- cause discoloration, brown spots on enamel
- corrected with cosmetic treatment
What is dry mouth and what are the potential causes?
- salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva- keeps mouth moist
- dehydration- low fluid intake, excess sweating
-side effects of some meds eg antihistamines - anxiety
- cancer treatment (chemo, radiotherapy)
- some medical conditions like Sjogrens syndrome, diabetes
- alcohol and caffeine
- ageing- because you are more likely to take meds when older
What is dental erosion and how can it be prevented?
surface of teeth lost after touching acid. loss of enamel
- good diet, oral hygiene and regular dental care
- limit fizzy drinks
- less acidic foods
- less frequent snacking
- fluoride
What is bruxism and how is it treated?
- teeth grinding- could be stress, sleep,
- wears away enamel,tooth cracks
- custom mouth guard
- muscle relaxants
-meds for anxiety & stress
What is the difference between a bridge and a denture?
- bridge is permanent
- dentures are removable
bridge usually used when less teeth to replace
What is the importance of regular dental check-ups?
- spot caries, decay, gum disease- allows plan for treatment
- easier to treat issues early- less money in future and less appointments
- ensure teeth are healthy
What are the risks of not treating a dental infection?
infection spreads to gum and bone around- abscess
- bacteria enters bloodstream- infections of other body parts
What is the role of fluoride in dental health?
strengthens tooth enamel, makes it more resistant to decay
reduces amount of acid that bacteria on teeth produce.
