Many medications and therapies can cause side effects that negatively impact your oral health and lead to further oral disease requiring more extensive treatment. It is important to understand these risks and take the proper precautions. You should always be open and honest with your dentist about any medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements you take. This will help them inform you of possible oral health effects of these products, give them an additional set of symptoms to look for at your appointments, and alter your dental treatment plan if necessary.
Misaligned teeth refers to upper and lower teeth that do not conform to the normal bite position.
Mouth sores include mouth ulcers, cold sores, canker sores, and other related conditions. It also includes a variety of unusual cuts, bumps, or lesions found in the mouth or on the lips. Mouth sores can be caused by an underlying disease, virus, or condition, along with burns, bites to your tongue or cheek, acidic foods, or stress. Some medications can also cause mouth sores. If you are concerned about a sore in your mouth, especially if it has not receded in a week or more, contact your dentist.
If you participate in sports or activities that can cause the risk of facial impacts, you should wear a properly-fitted mouthguard to reduce your risk of dental injuries. Participating in these activities without a properly-fitted mouthguard exposes your teeth to the risks of chipping, displacement, or being knocked out entirely.
There are different types of athletic mouthguards.