the simple blog

Sometimes a recent cold or flu can cause sinusitis, an inflammation of the lining of your sinus cavities.  Swelling and irritation are often symptoms.  The maxillary sinuses happen to be directly over the upper back teeth.  The swelling can bear down on the teeth, creating a dull toothache.  Sometimes the sinus literally elevates the teeth a tiny bit out of socket, creating a high bite and chewing difficulties.

If your dentist is not careful, you can end up with an unnecessary root canal treatment.  A proper diagnosis of every toothache usually includes an x-ray, cold test, percussion (tapping test), biting test, and periodontal probing (gum check).   A positive biting or tapping test during or after a recent cold or allergy event may just indicate sinusitis, not a dental problem.  If dental findings are inconsistent or inconclusive, you can be referred to your medical doctor for a consult.  We had one or two such cases last year, and possibly one this morning.  I routinely ask my patients with dull toothaches, especially on upper teeth, if they've had recent sinus infections, colds, flu, or allergies.  The best way to get correct diagnosis, as always, is to be thorough (collect a lot of data), and look at all the facts, not just the dental ones.

Follow theSimpleTooth on twitter:  learn what's new in dentistry in manageable 140 character bites.  Our dental office has its first dedicated twitter feed.

For every new twitter follower we get between now and the end of the year, we'll donate one toothbrush to a child  in need.  Pass it on.

The Australian Dental Journal reports that milk fortified with amorphous calcium phosphate (marketed here in the US as ACP or Recaldent) remineralizes enamel 81-164% more than your standard milk.  I've seen firsthand how amorphous calcium phosphate can remineralize damaged teeth .   If ACP-fortfied milk ever makes it to the states, it could have a greater effect on preventing cavities than any municipal water fluoridation effort.  (and with less angry anti-fluoride comments on my blogs, too.)

We've been waiting for a gum that combines the cavity fighting sweetener xylitol and the remineralizing power of amorphous calcium phosphate.  That wait is now over with Trident's new Xtra Care gum.   It's now our highest recommended chewing gum...with some reservations.

Municipal Water District (MWD) of Southern California recently began fluoridating the drinking water. Some parents (and grandparents) have asked about using fluoridated tap water for baby formula. Here's our recommendations.

Calcium fortified fruit juices do significantly less erosive damage to your teeth, reports the American Dental Association. If your teeth are prone to erosion, pick one of the following calcium fortified juices.

Many people are taking bisphosphonates (Actonel, Fossamax, Boniva) to treat osteoporosis, cancer and other conditions.  While safe in the vast majority of cases, in rare instances you can get a painful condition known as osteonecrosis in your jaws.  Basically, an area of bone tissue of the jaw starts dissolving itself.  Here's the symptoms you should watch out for, and what you should do at the dentist if you take bisphosphonates.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is finally fluoridating the drinking water of much of Orange County.  Fluoride, in small amounts, strengthens enamel and prevents cavities.  The following water districts will be getting fluoride...

Three sugar free gums from Wrigley's have obtained the coveted ADA seal.  Find out how Wrigleys got the seal, which gums were approved, and what it means to you, the chewing gum consumer.

As summer ends, school begins.  Dental checkups are an important part of every school year.  One in four children has a common chronic dental disease that's easily detectable, and easily treatable, if caught early.