Addressing Dental Suction Issues: Seeking Solutions for Comfort and Health - Dentistry

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Interdental cleaning issues


Dear Director Zhu,
Regarding the loss of the occlusal surface of tooth 14A, after reconstruction, I started experiencing tongue sucking.
I previously developed a salivary mucocele on my lower lip due to this issue.
Two months ago, a doctor performed a convex filling on the lingual side of tooth 14, which improved the tongue sucking symptoms and the salivary mucocele has since disappeared.
However, I still experience tongue sucking, and a few minutes after sucking, I feel palpitations.
I also wake up at night due to the tongue sucking, which causes me significant stress.
I hope you can assist me with treatment.
May I schedule an appointment with you for consultation? Thank you.
Wishing you peace and joy,
Guo Yuanming

Guo Xiansheng, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/12/02

Dr. Zhu Guanyu reply Dentistry


Hello, please schedule an appointment with Dr.
Zhu for further assistance.
Thank you for your message! Wishing you peace and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Kuan-Yu Zhu, Director of Dentistry, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/12/02

More Info


Dear 郭原銘,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your dental concerns. It sounds like you have been experiencing significant discomfort and distress due to your dental issues, particularly with the suction problems and the associated symptoms. I understand how frustrating and concerning this can be, especially when it affects your daily life and sleep.

From what you’ve described, it appears that you have undergone some dental reconstruction after losing a portion of your tooth, which has led to suction issues in your mouth. This can happen when the contours of the dental work do not create a proper seal, leading to suction against the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the lips and gums. The fact that you have experienced a salivary cyst (唾液囊腫) indicates that there may have been some irritation or blockage in the salivary glands, which can occur due to suction or trauma in the area.

It’s encouraging to hear that the recent adjustments made by your dentist have improved your symptoms somewhat. However, the persistence of suction issues and the feelings of anxiety and discomfort you experience, especially at night, are concerning. It’s important to address these symptoms comprehensively.

Here are some steps you might consider taking:
1. Follow-Up Consultation: It would be beneficial to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist or a specialist in prosthodontics. They can evaluate the fit and function of your dental restoration and determine if further adjustments are necessary. Sometimes, minor modifications can significantly improve comfort and function.

2. Oral Appliance Therapy: If the suction issue persists, your dentist might recommend an oral appliance that can help stabilize your jaw and reduce the suction effect. This could be particularly helpful at night to prevent disturbances in your sleep.

3. Anxiety Management: Given your experience of anxiety related to dental procedures, it may be worthwhile to discuss sedation options with your dentist. Sedation dentistry can help alleviate anxiety during treatments, allowing you to receive necessary care without the added stress.

4. Behavioral Techniques: In addition to medical interventions, consider exploring relaxation techniques or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage anxiety. These approaches can be beneficial in reducing the psychological impact of dental discomfort and fear.

5. Regular Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you notice any changes, such as increased discomfort, swelling, or changes in your ability to eat or speak, it’s crucial to communicate these to your dentist promptly.

6. Sleep Hygiene: Since you mentioned waking up at night due to the suction, focusing on sleep hygiene may help. This includes creating a comfortable sleep environment, establishing a calming bedtime routine, and possibly using a humidifier if dryness in your mouth is contributing to discomfort.

7. Nutrition and Hydration: Ensure you are staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet. Sometimes, dry mouth can exacerbate suction issues, so drinking plenty of water and using saliva substitutes can help.

In conclusion, I recommend that you reach out to your dentist to discuss these ongoing issues and explore the options mentioned above. It’s essential to address both the physical and psychological aspects of your dental health to achieve a comfortable and functional outcome. If you feel that your current dentist is not adequately addressing your concerns, seeking a second opinion from another dental professional may also be beneficial.

Please take care, and I hope you find relief soon.

Best wishes for your health and comfort,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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