Q.
Hi Doctor. I’m worried that my mouth will be in a state of disrepair this winter and I know that sounds silly but allow me. a few days ago I came down with a reall bad cold and I’m worried that that may impact on the health of my teeth/gums. what I want to know is whether or not gum disease can be instigated/contracted as a side effect if you will of the common cold? my jaw muscles really ache and this makes me kind of teeeth if you get me, makes me tense my jaw- clasping my jaw shut, to try and resist the aching temporarily. I was wondering whether this could cause irritation to my gums or something? it sounds fair fetched but it better to be safe than sorry and ask an expert, as far as I’m aware my gums are in fine condition at the present and I don’t want that to change.
Hi Doctor. I’m worried that my mouth will be in a state of disrepair this winter and I know that sounds silly but allow me. a few days ago I came down with a reall bad cold and I’m worried that that may impact on the health of my teeth/gums. what I want to know is whether or not gum disease can be instigated/contracted as a side effect if you will of the common cold? my jaw muscles really ache and this makes me kind of teeeth if you get me, makes me tense my jaw- clasping my jaw shut, to try and resist the aching temporarily. I was wondering whether this could cause irritation to my gums or something? it sounds fair fetched but it better to be safe than sorry and ask an expert, as far as I’m aware my gums are in fine condition at the present and I don’t want that to change.
A.
Gum disease is an infections disease at its start; its progression may be influenced by several factors. Having a bad cold means that your immune system is “busy” and ‘weakened” and that may impact the way you cope with oral bacteria. In this way it’s possible that a person feels more “sensitive” or ‘bleeding” gums. On the other hand, the way you bite, especially if “clenching” of jaws and “jiggling” movements happen, can accelerate (not initiate) destruction of the tooth’s support if you already have an underlying inflammation on the gums. My recommendation is that you see your dentist and ask his advise on how to protect your dentition from these “excessive” bite forces and “relax” the muscles, and of course, to reassure you that your gums are not inflamed.
Gum disease is an infections disease at its start; its progression may be influenced by several factors. Having a bad cold means that your immune system is “busy” and ‘weakened” and that may impact the way you cope with oral bacteria. In this way it’s possible that a person feels more “sensitive” or ‘bleeding” gums. On the other hand, the way you bite, especially if “clenching” of jaws and “jiggling” movements happen, can accelerate (not initiate) destruction of the tooth’s support if you already have an underlying inflammation on the gums. My recommendation is that you see your dentist and ask his advise on how to protect your dentition from these “excessive” bite forces and “relax” the muscles, and of course, to reassure you that your gums are not inflamed.
Dr Jose Zurdo
Mall Dental Care
Pall Mall, Manchester, M2 4DU
Web: www.malldental.com Tel: 0161 830 7300
