+There is a lump on the roof of my mouth directly behind my upper front teeth. One of my bottom front teeth also bleeds quite a bit when I brush. What could be the problem? Is it due to gum disease?
The area that you describe sounds like the incisive papilla behind your front teeth. The nerves and blood supply for the front part of the roof of the mouth enter here. I think you have some inflammation in the area. Trauma is the likely cause. A sharp object like a popcorn kernel must have caused that inflammation. I suggest you ask your dentist to check the area around your bleeding gums. If you have not been to the dentist lately, go for a check-up and cleaning. Gum disease, or periodontitis, usually has no noticeable signs until it is further along in bone destruction. In most cases, this takes a long time to progress. Bleeding is a sign of inflammation which may or may not be gum disease. A dentist can treat gum disease, and once it is under control, good home care (brushing, flossing, etc.) can prevent its return.
+My dentist recently filled a cavity on the side of a tooth through the bottom of the tooth. There still seems to be a small hole on the side of that tooth. Could bacteria build up and cause another cavity?
Yes, it could. Any area that can trap food or plaque has the potential for decay This is usually a slow process, but I would get it rechecked to make sure.
+When I smile, my gums and some part of my teeth show. It looks ugly. What can I do to get a better smile?
Talk with your dentist about a referral to a periodontist (gum specialist). The periodontist will evaluate how much tooth is below the gums and the possibility of lengthening the tooth by removing excess gum tissue, known as a gingivectomy. A periodontist or experienced dentist can evaluate and successfully perform this procedure. It is a minor surgical procedure done under local anaesthesia with very good results and few complications.
+There is a lump on the roof of my mouth directly behind my upper front teeth. One of my bottom front teeth also bleeds quite a bit when I brush. What could be the problem? Is it due to gum disease?
The area that you describe sounds like the incisive papilla behind your front teeth. The nerves and blood supply for the front part of the roof of the mouth enter here. I think you have some inflammation in the area. Trauma is the likely cause. A sharp object like a popcorn kernel must have caused that inflammation.
+I had three cavities - two large and one small - refilled. After the refill I became even more sensitive. Even the water at room temperature is bothering me a lot. My dentist said the roots may have been irritated. What should I do now?
I need to know whether these fillings are composite (tooth-colored) or amalgam (silver). If they are composite, then there could be a leaky restoration. Composites can look fine, but if the margins are not sealed because of contamination - usually saliva - they can be sensitive. Did the dentist use a rubber dam when placing the composite? This isolates the tooth from the oral fluids in the mouth. If it is amalgam, it could be a leaky restoration, but high occlusion (bite) on the restoration can cause sensitivity, too. Why were they replaced? Were areas broken around the edges of the filling, or did you have a cavity under the old filling? If there was a cavity and it was deep, then there could be some inflammation of the nerve in the tooth. Depending upon your situation, redoing the restoration may work. If the nerve in the tooth is sick, a root canal may be needed. Discuss with your dentist in detail about your situation. Take a second opinion if you are not satisfied with your current dentist.
+My girl friend has a really slimy mouth. How can it be improved?
Good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) is probably the best answer, but an examination by a dentist can make sure that there are no other serious problems associated with that.
