Addressing Overbite Issues in Young Children: Solutions and Insights
Protruding teeth Hello Doctor: My daughter is now just over one year old. She started teething when she was five months old and has currently developed her 11th tooth. However, the two front teeth in the middle appear to be misaligned with the adjacent teeth, with the middle ones...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello, Miss Dai: Generally speaking, children's primary central incisors tend to protrude more than the lateral incisors, which can create the appearance of "buck teeth." However, as long as the condition is not severe, this appearance usually becomes less noticeab...[Read More] Addressing Overbite Issues in Young Children: Solutions and Insights
Understanding Cheek Swelling: Dental Issues and Treatment Options
Facial swelling? I have a cavity in one of my molars. I previously received treatment and had it filled, but the filling fell out, and I didn't seek treatment until a year later. By then, I had developed a small abscess on my gums, and the root of the tooth has decayed. The ...
Dr. Xu Zhenglong Reply:
Hello Maygo: Based on what you described, this tooth has caused swelling and pain in your cheek, indicating that it has been decayed for a long time and may have led to cellulitis or an apical cyst. It is advisable to take an X-ray and then extract the affected tooth and debride ...[Read More] Understanding Cheek Swelling: Dental Issues and Treatment Options
How to Prevent and Clean Yellow Buildup on Teeth Near Gums
Dental plaque appears yellow..? Hello Doctor: I have been noticing a yellowish substance accumulating near my gums on my teeth, which is difficult to remove even with brushing. I had to seek help from a dentist for a professional cleaning, but it reappears after a short time. How...
Dr. Lin Qingye Reply:
Dear Hedy, I am Dr. Lin from the National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Regarding your concerns, I believe they are caused by "tartar" (calculus). Tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone; the fundamental approach is to eliminate "dental plaque." This mea...[Read More] How to Prevent and Clean Yellow Buildup on Teeth Near Gums
Understanding Black Gums in Toddlers: Causes and Concerns
Dark gums? Hello, doctor. My son is currently one year old. He has seven teeth on the top and four on the bottom. However, in the past two days, I noticed that the gum where the eighth tooth was supposed to emerge has turned black and feels soft to the touch. However, my son does...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The mother reported that her one-year-old son has seven teeth on the upper jaw, but in the past two days, she noticed that the gum where the eighth tooth should emerge has turned black and feels soft to the touch, although it does not seem to be painful or show signs of pus. Acco...[Read More] Understanding Black Gums in Toddlers: Causes and Concerns
Managing Bleeding Gums and Bad Breath with Dentures: Solutions and Tips
There is bleeding from the gums around the dentures, and there is a presence of bad breath? I have multiple dentures, but two of them have gums that are prone to bleeding and slightly swollen. I have seen many dentists and followed their advice to use dental floss for cleaning my...
Dr. Xu Zhenglong Reply:
Hello Xingyun: Bleeding gums around dentures may be due to: 1. Pre-existing periodontal disease or gingival disease before the fabrication of the dentures. 2. Poor fit or excessive depth of the denture margins during fabrication, which can injure the gingival sulcus (the physiolo...[Read More] Managing Bleeding Gums and Bad Breath with Dentures: Solutions and Tips
Understanding Periodontal Surgery: What to Expect and Recovery Time
For periodontal disease that requires surgery, what is the treatment plan? Your brother's periodontal disease has caused his gums to recede, resulting in cavities at the base of each tooth. Although he has undergone scaling and root planing, the dental clinic has recommended...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello: The surgery to stabilize the tooth root primarily refers to periodontal regeneration surgery. This procedure involves the implantation of a periodontal regeneration membrane at the site of periodontal defects, along with the filling of artificial bone graft material, allow...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Surgery: What to Expect and Recovery Time
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Should You Consider Extraction?
Wisdom teeth have not erupted? Hello, doctor; about half a year ago, I developed wisdom teeth, but they don't seem to have fully erupted and appear to be completely covered by gum tissue. The gums look swollen, but I don't experience pain when eating. Do I need to have ...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hong: Your wisdom tooth has not fully erupted and may be impacted due to its angled position behind the second molar. It is recommended that you visit a hospital for an X-ray to determine the position and orientation of the wisdom tooth. Typically, poorly erupted wisd...[Read More] Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Should You Consider Extraction?
Understanding Gum Boils: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Dentist
A pus-filled bump on the gums..? Hello! About one or two months ago, I developed a small abscess on my swollen gums, which causes a slight pain when pressed. I initially thought it was due to heat or a burn causing a blister, but it hasn't subsided yet. I'm unsure what ...
Dr. Wang Cunzhen Reply:
Hello HITOMI: The small abscess near the gums is usually related to the teeth. It may be caused by an infection due to necrosis of the nerves and blood vessels within the dental pulp or by a periodontal disease-related abscess. Regardless of the cause, it requires treatment and s...[Read More] Understanding Gum Boils: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Dentist
Managing Pain from Impacted Wisdom Teeth Without Extraction
excuse me? Hello, Doctor: I am 22 years old, and my name is Xiaofan. I have a wisdom tooth growing at the back of my upper jaw, and it keeps biting into my lower gums, which is very painful. Whenever I eat, I accidentally bite down, and when I move my mouth around, the upper wisd...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The upper third molar (wisdom tooth) can impinge upon the lower gingiva. In addition to the misalignment of the upper wisdom tooth itself, there may also be a phenomenon known as elongation, where the tooth grows excessively long. A possible reason for this is the premature loss ...[Read More] Managing Pain from Impacted Wisdom Teeth Without Extraction
Understanding Oral Palate and Mucosal Issues: When to Seek Help
Issues related to the oral maxilla and mucosa? Hello, could you please tell me if the normal mucosa of the oral maxilla is smooth or rough? I have noticed that my oral maxilla has folds and seems to have slight bony protrusions. Additionally, when I check the mucosa of the oral m...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello Cardigan: 1. It is normal for the mucosa of the upper jaw to have folds and an uneven surface. 2. It could be due to a viral infection or possibly blockage of the minor salivary gland ducts. 3. You may consult an oral diagnostic specialist or an oral surgeon. 4. It may be r...[Read More] Understanding Oral Palate and Mucosal Issues: When to Seek Help
Understanding Early Dental Development and Potential Orthodontic Needs
Orthodontic treatment for children? My son is currently 10 months old. He started teething at over 8 months, with two teeth coming in on the bottom. It seems that he is afraid of biting himself, as he tends to position his bottom teeth outside of his upper gums. This has led to w...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello, Hsiao-Min: Based on your description, it is not possible to definitively determine whether the four teeth will erupt and cause crowding. I recommend visiting a pediatric dentist for a thorough examination, and it would be best to take an X-ray to better assess the relation...[Read More] Understanding Early Dental Development and Potential Orthodontic Needs
Understanding Gum Inflammation: Should You Extract Your Wisdom Tooth?
Gingivitis I am currently studying abroad, and a week ago, I developed an abscess next to my lower left wisdom tooth, causing severe pain. After being examined by a local dentist, I was advised to have the tooth extracted. The reasons given were: 1. There is significant gum infla...
Dr. Lai Liwen Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question and description, you are showing signs of periodontal disease, likely due to the improper eruption of your wisdom teeth, which has caused food to become trapped between your second molar and wisdom tooth, leading to an inflammatory response. The fir...[Read More] Understanding Gum Inflammation: Should You Extract Your Wisdom Tooth?
Common Dental Questions: Alternatives to Floss and Stains on Teeth
Dental Consultation Hello, Doctor: I have some questions I would like to ask you, and I hope you can provide some guidance! 1. Can I use the finest thread for sewing instead of dental floss? Is that feasible? 2. I have some dark spots on my teeth that do not come off with bru...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
1. Dental floss is made from special materials that are strong and resistant to breaking, while regular sewing thread lacks sufficient strength and can easily harm the gums, so it is not recommended for use. 2. Dark discoloration of teeth may be caused by cavities or staining; if...[Read More] Common Dental Questions: Alternatives to Floss and Stains on Teeth
Is Dental Surgery Necessary for Gum Disease Treatment?
Is surgery necessary? Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask you a couple of questions. 1. I had swelling and pain in my gums due to two teeth, one of which has been covered with a crown for six years. After seeing the dentist, I was diagnosed with periodontal disease. The dentist s...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Hello, Amei: Your condition is indeed likely caused by the misfit of the dental braces, leading to bacterial accumulation and resulting in an acute periodontal abscess. The solution is to remove the braces, treat the periodontal disease, and perform a clinical crown lengthening p...[Read More] Is Dental Surgery Necessary for Gum Disease Treatment?
Understanding Red and Painful Gums: Causes and Solutions
Gingival redness... what could be the cause? Doctor: My lower front teeth and the gums between them occasionally become red, meaning the color deepens, and it hurts. This has happened three times, all in the same spot, and it takes about three days to gradually recover. What coul...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Answer: For swelling and pain caused by acute gingivitis, please visit a dental clinic for treatment.[Read More] Understanding Red and Painful Gums: Causes and Solutions
Revolutionary Dental Reconstruction: The Benefits of EMPRESS II Porcelain Technology
Dental reconstruction Hello, doctor. I recently discovered that a dental clinic in Taipei offers a tooth reconstruction technique that claims to utilize the world's most advanced porcelain dental technology, EMPRESS II, which no longer uses any metal substructures. This type...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
I believe this technology is feasible, but technicians must perform excellent porcelain work; otherwise, it is not impossible for the teeth to crack. There are also reports indicating that this type of porcelain crown can wear down the opposing natural teeth, so its drawbacks do ...[Read More] Revolutionary Dental Reconstruction: The Benefits of EMPRESS II Porcelain Technology
Understanding Gum Pain: When to See a Dentist for Holes in Gums
Gum pain I have three holes in my gums these days, one of which is quite large. I'm not sure if this hole is causing my toothache. Is it advisable to see a dentist for the holes in my gums? I had my wisdom tooth extracted in July.
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Response to Doctor: Yang Ming-Huang Subject: Gum Pain Response Content: If there is a hole in the gum, you should see a dentist. As for whether the extraction of wisdom teeth could cause a hole in the gum or even pain in other teeth, further examination with X-rays is necessa...[Read More] Understanding Gum Pain: When to See a Dentist for Holes in Gums
Understanding Periodontal Disease: Treatment Options and Expert Care in Taichung
Periodontal disease I experience bleeding when brushing my teeth, and after an examination by a clinic doctor, it was found that my gums have receded by two-thirds. However, the doctor believes that we should first remove the tartar and observe for one to two months before decidi...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Response to the physician: Hsu Yu-Pi Subject: Periodontal Disease Reply: For the treatment of periodontal disease, it is best to consult a periodontist for optimal results. Generally, periodontists are more likely to provide comprehensive and systematic treatment. The treatment p...[Read More] Understanding Periodontal Disease: Treatment Options and Expert Care in Taichung
Should You See a Dentist for Oral Health Issues? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Oral healthcare Hello, should I see a dentist for oral diseases? Recently, I noticed that my tongue coating appeared slightly white, but in the last couple of days, the color at the base of my tongue has turned a dull yellow, and there is a slight bitter taste when swallowing. My...
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Response to Physician: Yang Ming-Huang Subject: Oral Health Issues Response: 1. Oral problems should be evaluated by a dentist. 2. The combustion products of cigarettes and the heat generated are both irritating to the oral cavity. Smokers commonly experience redness and inflam...[Read More] Should You See a Dentist for Oral Health Issues? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Gum Reshaping Surgery: Costs and Benefits Explained
Gingival recontouring surgery Hello, doctor: What is gum recontouring? I recently had a root canal treatment but have not yet had a crown placed. What is the approximate cost?
Dr. Wu Jinjun Reply:
Response to the physician: Huang Ti-Ying Subject: Gingival Recontouring Surgery Response: For teeth that have undergone root canal treatment and where the cavity margins are lower than the gingival height, gingival recontouring surgery should be performed prior to the placement...[Read More] Understanding Gum Reshaping Surgery: Costs and Benefits Explained