Oral Health Issues and Treatments

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of treating Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS)?

Identify genetic predispositions to RAS

Promote healing of the ulcers

Prevent secondary infections

Relieve pain so the patient can eat, drink, and maintain oral hygiene (correct)

Which of the following factors is NOT a common precipitating factor for RAS?

Nutritional deficiencies (iron and B vitamin)

Smoking

Local trauma

Alcohol consumption (correct)

What should be done first in the treatment approach for RAS?

Start with systemic medication immediately

Administer oral debriding agents

Inspect the lesion for signs of infection

Begin with a topical oxidizing agent (correct)

How often can a topical oxidizing agent be applied for RAS treatment?

Up to 4 times a day Signup and view all the answers

Which rinsing method is recommended for RAS treatment?

Rinse with 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with equal parts water for 10-15 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is a secondary goal in the management of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS)?

To prevent secondary infection and recurrence Signup and view all the answers

Which product is recommended for reducing the incidence of RAS?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-free toothpaste Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended topical oral anesthetic for RAS?

Benzocaine gel Signup and view all the answers

What is a common nonpharmacologic therapy recommended for managing teething discomfort?

Applying cold teething rings Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with teething?

Fever Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is recommended for children to alleviate teething pain?

Pediatric doses of acetaminophen Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of tooth hypersensitivity?

Sharp pain upon stimulation Signup and view all the answers

What nonpharmacologic method can help with tooth hypersensitivity?

Waiting before brushing after acidic foods Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can lead to increased tooth hypersensitivity?

Aggressive brushing methods Signup and view all the answers

When is the American Dental Association recommending a child's first dental visit?

Within 6 months of first tooth eruption Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding the use of benzocaine in infants?

It is harmful for children under the age of 2 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of an eruption cyst?

Requires no treatment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about tooth hypersensitivity is true?

It can be associated with sweet stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of excessive rinsing in oral care?

Increased tooth sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT recommended for a patient experiencing recurrent aphthous stomatitis?

Ice application Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication for a patient with recurrent aphthous stomatitis to seek medical attention?

Symptoms worsen during self-treatment Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is appropriate for herpes simplex labialis during the prodromal stage?

Abreva Cream Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger a recurrence of herpes simplex labialis?

Exposure to sunlight Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with using aspirin on an active lesion?

Aspirin burn Signup and view all the answers

Which of these strategies is recommended for preventing autoinoculation in herpes simplex labialis?

Avoid touching the lesion Signup and view all the answers

What systemic symptoms may indicate a secondary infection requiring medical evaluation in a herpes patient?

Swollen lymph glands Signup and view all the answers

What is a common nonpharmacologic therapy for reducing discomfort in recurrent aphthous stomatitis?

Cold compresses with ice Signup and view all the answers

What vitamins are commonly associated with nutritional deficiencies that might lead to recurrent aphthous stomatitis?

Iron and Folate Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Teething

Starts as early as 3 months of age
Can cause sleep disturbance, irritability, and pain
Does NOT cause vomiting, diarrhea, nasal congestion, malaise, fever, or rashes

Teething - What to Avoid

Baltic amber, as it is a choking hazard

Tooth Hypersensitivity

Response to stimuli, such as thermal, chemical, or physical
Short duration, sharp pain
Stops when stimuli is removed
Can be caused by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods

Tooth Hypersensitivity - Nonpharmacologic Therapy

Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
Wait 30-60 minutes to brush after consuming acidic drinks and foods
Brush with a desensitizing toothpaste

Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS)

Otherwise known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers
Affects up to 25% of the population
80% of those with RAS have a mild condition
Affects the non-keratinized mucosa

RAS - Precipitating Factors

Local trauma
Systemic factors, including immunologic, genetic, allergic, and nutritional factors (such as iron and B vitamin deficiencies)
Chemical irritation
Biting cheeks or lips
Trauma from toothbrushing
Trauma from braces

RAS - Treatment Goals

Relieve pain so the patient can eat, drink, and maintain oral hygiene
Prevent secondary infection and recurrence

RAS - Treatment Approach

Inspect the lesion
Identify any contributing factors
Begin with a topical oxidizing agent, advancing to systemic medication if necessary

RAS - Treatment Approach - Oral Debriding Agents

Aid in debris removal
Cleanse minor wounds
Cleanse recurrent ulcers

RAS - Treatment Approach - Oxidizing Agents

10-15% carbamide peroxide or 1.5% hydrogen peroxide: Apply a few drops to the affected area for 1 minute before expectorating, up to 4 times per day.
3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with an equal amount of water: Rinse for 10-15 minutes 3-4 times per day.
1.5% hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse

RAS - Treatment Approach - Topical Oral Anesthetics

RAS - Treatment Approach - Oral Protectants

RAS - Oral Rinses

Listerine Antiseptic
Saline rinse (1-3 teaspoons in 4-8 oz of warm water)

RAS - Patient Education

Encourage improved diet or supplements to address nutritional deficiencies (iron, folate, vitamins)
Avoid spicy, acidic, and sharp-textured foods
Apply ice in 10-minute increments (no more than 20 minutes per hour)
Do not apply heat in case of infection
Do not use debriding agents for more than 7 days

RAS - Excessive Rinsing

Can lead to tooth sensitivity due to enamel decalcification
Can cause black hairy tongue

RAS - Systemic Analgesics

Aspirin or NSAIDs
Do not place aspirin on the lesion

RAS - When to Seek Medical/Dental Attention

Symptoms do not abate after 7 days
Lesions do not heal in 14 days
Symptoms worsen during self-treatment
Manifestation of systemic infection (fever, rash, swelling)

Herpes Simplex Labialis

Caused by herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1)

Herpes Simplex Labialis - Prodromal Stage

Burning, itching, tingling
Symptoms may include pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and malaise

Herpes Simplex Labialis - Contagiousness

Contagious through contact
Transmissible through contact
After primary infection, can be latent and reactive later (cold sore)
Reactivated by sun, stress, fatigue, cold, windburn, fever, or dental work

Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis - Symptoms

Mainly in children but may occur in adults
Lips and gums
Covered by a pseudomembrane
Submandibular lymphadenitis
Swallowing difficulty
Halitosis

Herpes Simplex Labialis - Treatment Goals

Pain relief
Prevent secondary infection
Curtail the spread of lesions
Topical skin protectants (such as zinc oxide, camphor 3%)
Handwashing to prevent autoinoculation

Herpetic Stomatitis Lesions

Abreva Cream at the prodromal stage 5 times a day until the lesion is healed but not more than 10 days
If secondary infection, apply topical triple antibiotic cream 3-4 times daily

Herpetic Lesions - When to Seek Medical Attention

Lesion does not heal in 14 days
Self-treatment does not relieve discomfort
Systemic illness (fever, malaise, rash, swollen lymph glands)
Symptoms worsen

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Description

This quiz explores key aspects of common oral health issues such as teething, tooth hypersensitivity, and recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Learn about symptoms, what to avoid, and effective nonpharmacologic therapies. Test your knowledge on how these conditions affect individuals and their oral health.