Can Sharing Straws Spread Diseases? Understanding the Risks
Can sharing straws and drinking from the same container transmit diseases? Is the risk high? Hello Dr. Tseng! I would like to ask if sharing a straw and drinking beverages with others can transmit diseases. Is the risk high? For example, herpes or warts, etc.? Thank you.
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
If there are small wounds in the mouth, such as ulcers or periodontal inflammation, sharing a straw can lead to the transmission of certain bacteria or viruses through saliva or blood. However, genital warts are typically sexually transmitted, so the risk of infection from sharin...[Read More] Can Sharing Straws Spread Diseases? Understanding the Risks
How Dental Tools Are Sterilized to Prevent Infection Risks
Instrument disinfection issues? I would like to ask the doctor: How are reusable instruments such as dental drills and extraction tools disinfected? I am concerned about the risk of hepatitis or other diseases.
Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan Reply:
Dear netizens, In response to the questions raised, the dental extraction instruments and dental polishing tools mentioned will undergo thorough cleaning and complete sterilization procedures (such as autoclaving) after use before being reused, to prevent cross-contamination be...[Read More] How Dental Tools Are Sterilized to Prevent Infection Risks
What Causes White Bumps in the Throat That Bleed When Touched?
White lesions in the throat? Today, I accidentally discovered white spots in my throat, and when I gently poked them with a toothpick, they bled... What could this be? It doesn't hurt or itch.
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The white lesions in the throat that bleed when gently poked with a toothpick may be ulcers caused by oral mucosal inflammation, or they could be lesions resulting from bacterial or viral infections. It is advisable to consult a dentist for further evaluation and treatment.[Read More] What Causes White Bumps in the Throat That Bleed When Touched?
Understanding Dental Issues: Pain, Root Canal Treatment, and Sinus Concerns
Pressing on the cheek near the nostrils feels like there are holes in the gums? A year ago, when I had a tooth extraction on the lower left side, I also experienced swelling and pain in the right cheek near the nostril. When I press on the cheek close to the nostril, I feel a sli...
Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan Reply:
Dear user, In response to your inquiry, here is the information: Your tooth is currently undergoing root canal treatment, and the duration of the treatment depends on individual clinical conditions. If you are experiencing any discomfort, it is advisable to communicate this wit...[Read More] Understanding Dental Issues: Pain, Root Canal Treatment, and Sinus Concerns
Understanding Root Canal Treatment: What to Do If Symptoms Persist
Root canal treatment Hello Doctor, I have a question. When I was a child, I broke two of my front teeth and had dental implants that have been in place for 20 years. Recently, I noticed a small bump above the left implant, which is painful when pressed. I went to the dentist, w...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
As a child, I broke two of my front teeth, and later on, the dental implant on the left side developed a small bump that is painful when pressed. This could be due to periodontal inflammation or infection around the implant, or it may indicate a recurrent infection in the root ca...[Read More] Understanding Root Canal Treatment: What to Do If Symptoms Persist
Understanding Swelling After Mouth Ulcer Healing: Is It Normal?
Swelling of a wound in the mouth? Hello Doctor, about two weeks ago I had a mouth ulcer, and the wound has mostly healed now. It doesn't hurt anymore, but there is still some swelling around the area. Although the swelling is not significant, I can feel a slight bump where t...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: The mouth sores have been slowly healing after two weeks, but there are some spots around them that are not painful and do not resemble blisters. There is no history of smoking or betel nut chewing. Generally, mouth sores heal on their own in about two weeks, but if there ...[Read More] Understanding Swelling After Mouth Ulcer Healing: Is It Normal?
Understanding Wisdom Tooth Inflammation: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Inflammation around the wisdom teeth? Dear Dr. Tseng, Since last year, I have experienced occasional pain in the gum tissue on the outer side of my upper left wisdom tooth. At first, I didn't think much of it and assumed it was due to excessive heat in my body causing some ...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The inflammation around the crown caused by the upper left wisdom tooth has worsened after local scaling, with increasing pain and swelling of pus. There is limited mouth opening and a foul odor, which may indicate acute cellulitis. It is recommended to consult an ora...[Read More] Understanding Wisdom Tooth Inflammation: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Surgical Site Infections in Dental Procedures: A Patient's Journey
Intraoperative surgical site infection? I was in a car accident in 2005, resulting in a comminuted fracture of the distal femur. I underwent six surgeries and was hospitalized for over five months, ultimately developing chronic osteomyelitis. Later, I sought treatment from renown...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
Hello: I apologize, but your question is not within my area of expertise. I recommend consulting the oral surgery department at a major hospital.[Read More] Understanding Surgical Site Infections in Dental Procedures: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Oral Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Dental Care
I have blood in my mouth? Doctor, what is this? It looks like bleeding. I just noticed it today and it doesn't hurt. It won't come off when I try to pick at it.
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
Hello, it could be a vascular tumor or possibly an infection causing the skin breakdown. If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further. Information from the internet should only be used as a reference; if necessary, it is importa...[Read More] Understanding Oral Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Dental Care
Understanding Oral Health Issues: What to Do About Bleeding Gums
Oral issues Doctor, what is this? It looks like bleeding. I just noticed it today, and it doesn't hurt. It won't come off when I touch it. It's quite scary!
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: Bleeding from the gums and other tissues in the oral cavity is generally an inflammatory response caused by bacterial infection, primarily due to bacteria in dental plaque leading to gingival infection. It is recommended to consult a dentist to thoroughly remove dental pla...[Read More] Understanding Oral Health Issues: What to Do About Bleeding Gums
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Oral ulceration Hello, doctor. I often get sores in my mouth, and this has been happening for a long time, about once or twice a month. I've often heard people say that frequent mouth sores can increase the risk of oral cancer. Is this true? However, it seems like my mouth s...
Dr. Zhuang Suhui Reply:
It could be a case of recurrent oral thrush or a similar infection. Avoid irritating substances such as alcohol, betel nut, cigarettes, and fried foods, as repeated irritation to the epithelium can indeed increase the risk of oral cancer. It is best to visit a medical center'...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Gum Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Gingival abscess Hello, Doctor. I previously inquired about the situation of having a pimple on my gums. I went to a dental check-up, and the dentist told me that the location of the pimple is farther from the teeth, and my teeth do not hurt. He mentioned that even if a root cana...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: The presence of a pimple on the gums, located away from the teeth, may be due to chronic infection of the dental pulp, leading to inflammation of the periapical tissue without causing tooth pain, possibly because the pulp has necrosed. Additionally, if dental plaque is not...[Read More] Understanding Gum Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Post-Root Canal Pain: Causes and Solutions
After root canal treatment Before the root canal treatment, my molar was already a bit painful, but after the treatment, the pain became so severe that I couldn't sleep. Now my cheek is swollen, and even painkillers are ineffective. The doctor prescribed antibiotics and anti...
Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan Reply:
Dear user, based on your description, it appears that you are experiencing swelling and pain in your cheek after undergoing root canal treatment for a molar. The most likely source of infection is the tooth currently being treated. It is recommended that you return to your dentis...[Read More] Understanding Post-Root Canal Pain: Causes and Solutions
White Bump on Tongue: Should You Worry About Oral Health?
A small white bump has developed in the center of the tongue? Doctor, I recently noticed a small white lump about 0.4 cm in size in the center of my tongue. It appeared after I had previously pressed on it and caused a wound. I discovered it around mid-May, and it has been almost...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: There is a small white lump about 0.4 cm in size located in the center of the tongue. It developed after I previously squeezed an injury in that area. It is not painful, but there is a protruding sensation when touched. It is possible that the infection of the tongue'...[Read More] White Bump on Tongue: Should You Worry About Oral Health?
Understanding Oral Cysts: Causes and Treatment Options
Oral cyst or oral lump? Hello Doctor, a couple of days ago (around June 21), I suddenly developed a lump on the right side of my mouth (near the upper right teeth). I think it might be a blood blister, so I squeezed it, and indeed, blood and fluid came out. In the past, when I en...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: The symptoms described above are likely indicative of a periodontal abscess, primarily caused by an acute inflammatory response due to bacterial infection of the gum tissue and the underlying bone surrounding the teeth. It is recommended to perform thorough oral hygiene an...[Read More] Understanding Oral Cysts: Causes and Treatment Options
Concerns About Symmetrical Tongue Frenulum Granulomas: Cancer Risk?
Symmetrical granulation tissue on both sides of the lingual frenulum? Hello doctor, five days ago I inquired about the symmetrical granulation tissue on both sides of my lingual frenulum. The left side has shown redness and inflammation. Today, on the fifth day, it seems that the...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: The inflammation and swelling observed on both sides of the frenulum may be due to inflammation at the openings of the submandibular salivary glands or an infection in the oral cavity. It is recommended to consult a dentist for further diagnosis. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Concerns About Symmetrical Tongue Frenulum Granulomas: Cancer Risk?
Understanding Sublingual Issues: Symmetrical Growths and Inflammation
Sublingual issues Doctor, on the evening of April 18th, I suddenly noticed symmetrical raised granulation tissue on both sides of my sublingual frenulum. One side has had a red tip for some time, which seems a bit inflamed. On April 19th, there appeared to be some small white spo...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: The symmetrical raised granulation tissue on both sides of the sublingual frenulum may indicate inflammation at the anterior opening of the sublingual salivary glands, which appears red and has small white spots resembling blisters. However, the blisters later disappear wi...[Read More] Understanding Sublingual Issues: Symmetrical Growths and Inflammation
Understanding Oral Mucosal Changes: Allergies or Something More?
Oral mucosa examination? Hello, doctor. Last time I asked about the swelling on the inner mucosa of my left lip, which has some red spots. The photo below shows the symptoms I noticed until today, four days later. It seems to be less swollen now, but in reality, it looks a bit re...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
The inner mucosa of the left lip appears red and swollen, but it is not very uncomfortable. After four days, the redness and swelling have significantly improved, but there is still some redness. This is likely an inflammatory response caused by an imbalance in the epithelial cel...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosal Changes: Allergies or Something More?
Understanding Lip Lesions: Is It Just a Cold Sore or Something More?
Cracked upper lip? I have a habit of not smoking, drinking, or chewing betel nut. On the inner side of my upper left lip (the side against my teeth), there is a raised, red, swollen area approximately 1.2 cm long and 0.3 cm wide, with a small spot on top that looks like a blister...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: There is a raised, elongated red swelling on the inner side of the upper left lip, resembling a canker sore. It is advisable to check for any lumps, mucosal inflammation, or the possibility of a secondary infection. I recommend consulting a dentist for further examination ...[Read More] Understanding Lip Lesions: Is It Just a Cold Sore or Something More?
Understanding White Bumps on the Oral Wall: Causes and Concerns
There is a white lesion on the oral mucosa? Hello Dr. Tseng, In the past two days, I have noticed a hard, white lesion on the right side of my oral cavity, but it is not painful. Is this situation good or bad? I have already visited a nearby clinic for a preliminary examination...
Dr. Zeng Guanghui Reply:
Hello: There is a white lesion on the right side of the oral mucosa, but it is not painful. It could be due to irritation of the oral mucosal tissue or an inflammatory response caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It is recommended to see a physician for an examination. If t...[Read More] Understanding White Bumps on the Oral Wall: Causes and Concerns