Dr. Michael Lebowitz

Dentistry 35 years experience

Taste buds: Dry mouth is a leading cause of irrated tongue. A review of medications you are taken along with a full blood panel would be recommended to rule out s... Read More

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Dr. Robert Trager agrees1 doctor agrees

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A 38-year-old male asked:

In a car accident when i was about 18 i am now 26 and have been prescribed pain killers for the 8 years is this malpractice? i got mris and xrays taken when i was 18 and yes there was some damage spurring in the spine and... honestly i don't remember what

Dentistry 35 years experience

Pain killers: Unfortunately the use of opioids for chronic pain is still part of the standard of care. Your concern leads me to believe you do not feel you should c... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jeffrey Kass and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 49-year-old member asked:

Is there a good way to make teeth white asap?

Dentistry 35 years experience

White teeth: If you need to whiten quickly i would recommend an info ice bleaching treatment followed with whitening trays. The trays alone are the most effective ... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 54-year-old female asked:

Can a professional cleaning from a dentist whiten teeth that have been severely stained from neurontin (gabapentin)?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Staining: Regular cleanings in conjunction with the new whitening toothpastes can control staining. Whitening treatments from your dentist is also very effectiv... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

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A 37-year-old female asked:

What is a gum abscess? my gums are swollen, with i think pus underneath

Dentistry 35 years experience

Abscess: If your gums feel swollen and you notice puss you may have periodontal disease and should see your dentist as soon as possible.

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

I need to have a crown done. can you tell me how this is performed? i am scared to feel the pain and i had to be numbed 4 times for a filling.

Dentistry 35 years experience

Dental fear.: You need to first spend time with your dentist and have them discuss the treatment and answer your questions. The procedure itself is not the problem ... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. James Wright and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 31-year-old female asked:

My mil has excessive salivation and tingling tongue and fingertips (no other symptoms). she has had at least three heart attacks. what could it be?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Tingling: These symptoms ore neuropathic in nature and need to be evaluated by a neurologist. I would recommend she sees an md as soon as possible..

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Theodore Davantzis agrees1 doctor agrees

A 34-year-old member asked:

Is vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and tongue pain caused by vitamin deficiency?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Tongue pain: The tongue pain can be muscular in nature and be a result of drug induced tardive dyskinesia. This is a constant uncontrolled movement of the tongue.... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and 3 doctors agree4 doctors agree

A 23-year-old male asked:

Does emax crowns requires no removal of tooth structure or very minimal tooth structure?

Dentistry 35 years experience

EMax: Emax porcelain is similar to bruxir but is not the same. Structural strength of emax is very close to enamel and has a wear rate that is also similar.... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Robert Trager agrees1 doctor agrees

A 65-year-old female asked:

I have ph due to severe central and obstructive sleep apnea. i use an asv machine and oxygen 4l. what other treatment(s) are available?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Sleep apnea: Depending on the level of your sleep apnea an oral mandibular advancement appliance can be used instead of the cpap. Appliances do not treat central a... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Louis Gallia agrees1 doctor agrees

A 47-year-old member asked:

I want an alternate medicine for obtructive sleep apnea apart from surgery?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Dental sleep : A dental sleep appliance repositions the jaw forward resulting in increased airway space. Tis device works very well for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Louis Gallia and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 46-year-old member asked:

Could allergy to watermelon cause blisters on back of tongue?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Enlarged bumps : Very often the bumps or blisters you may be seeing are just enlarges taste buds known as circumvallate papillae . These are the largest papillae on th... Read More

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 63-year-old male asked:

Dentist said x-ray looked ok.still bit itchy. it is crowned, root canalled. can it itchy by being too tight on metal crown, if so what can it be done?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Itchy tooth: The problem you are having is that your dentist has never heard of a tooth feeling itchy. A further discussion of exactly what you are feeling and the... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali agrees1 doctor agrees

A 38-year-old member asked:

Does everyone have bumps on the back of tongue?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Tongue bumps: Bumps on the tongue in most cases are just normal taste buds. Sizes vary depending on the location. If you feel that some bumps are new or have become... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Scott Bobbitt and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

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A 31-year-old member asked:

What does it meam when my tongue goes numb?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Numb tongue: Numbness or tingling is related to nerve involvment. A thorough exam and nerve exam will be needed to determine the cause. See your dentist or oral su... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 38-year-old member asked:

Can you get pimples in your mouth?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Pimples: Not like the ones you see on your face but little clear bumps that appear on your cheeks can be mucoceles or blocked salivary glands. If you do see a ... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali agrees1 doctor agrees

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A 34-year-old male asked:

All of a sudden i have a terrible toothache?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Tooth ache: Sudden onset could be due to an infection or tooth nerve involvement. Its best to see your dentist as soon as possible to establish cause and begin tr... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Gary Sandler and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 32-year-old female asked:

A tooth ache(in a tooth that had a root canal 2 years ago.) i had 2 x-rays, i was put on amoxcil 250+metronedazle for 5 days with paracetamol. but it is still painful?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Endo pain: Continued tooth pain after root canal therapy could be caused by a number of factors, missed canal, fractured tooth or persistent peri apical abscess ... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Sahba Ferdowsi and 4 doctors agree5 doctors agree

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A 59-year-old male asked:

Why hasn't my dental specialist tested me for bacterial type? flap surgery to extraction always comes up as only option. can testing really help?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Surgery: In determining the treatment recommendations bacterial culturing can be of help but we are limited in type specific treatments available. The overall ... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 41-year-old member asked:

What is the difference between chlorhexidine digluconate and chlorhexidine gluconate?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Chlorhexadine: From researching this question it seems that the active ingredient in the dental rinse is Chlorhexidine gluconate the reference to the digluconate app... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Arman Roksar agrees1 doctor agrees

A 28-year-old member asked:

My tongue feels like i burnt it and i know i didn't burn it. it started out itchy all in my mouth tongue and cheeks. my taste buds raised, red and irritated. what could this be?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Burnt tongue: Sounds like a possible allergic reaction. A otc antihistamine may work if no change you will need to see you dentist for further evaluation. If swelli... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A member asked:

I have had an issue with my tongue cramping whil sleeping. what causes this?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Tongue cramping: Tongue cramping is usually muscular in nature but it is unusual for it to wake you with pain. Left side jaw pain can also be related to cardiac involv... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 38-year-old member asked:

What metals are used in dentures?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Dentures: Full dentures usually do not contain metal. A partial denture is usually made using a chromium cobalt type metal. Gold has been used in the past but d... Read More

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 42-year-old member asked:

Why is my gum bleeding after root canal done 3 weeks ago?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Bleeding gum: If you are still having bleeding around the treated tooth three weeks after treatment a return visit to your dentist is recommended. Material lodged u... Read More

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 59-year-old male asked:

Can the extraction of an upper back molar tooth without bone grafting that resulted in a sinus droop commonly lead to a tmj disorder?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Extraction: The extraction and sinus will not lead to tmj/tmd symptoms directly. Indirectly the opening during surgery and the change in occlusion as a result of ... Read More

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4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Louis Gallia agrees1 doctor agrees

A 31-year-old member asked:

Could allergies be causing a metallic taste in my mouth and a sore tongue?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Metal taste: Allergies can cause a post nasal drip that can result in a funny taste in your mouth but the metal taste and sore tongue sounds like a possible side e... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

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A 40-year-old member asked:

When does the dry socket paking come out?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Dry socket: Depending on the packing material used the time frame will vary. Most non resorbable material will migrate out in 7 to 10 day after surgery. Resorbabl... Read More

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 32-year-old member asked:

Does thrush come and go with teething?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Oral thrush: Oral thrush can be a result of antibiotic treatment or other medical problems. A visit to your pediatrician first for a general exam followed by a vis... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

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A 21-year-old female asked:

Could wisdom teeth surgery have damaged my sinus? i had a sinus infection for six months afterwards and reoccurring problems ever since.

Dentistry 35 years experience

Sinus infection: A sinus infection follow a tooth extraction is certainly possible but not as likely with a third molar extraction due to the location of the tooth and... Read More

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4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 24-year-old male asked:

I focus on swallowing too often and when i don't have any saliva left, i have difficulty swallowing. drinking and eating not an issue. normal?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Swallowing: If you are aware of swallowing when you eat and are having difficulties a visit to an ENT is highly recommended. Ear nose and throat specialist.

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 19-year-old male asked:

What is the best way to cure and prevent mouth ulcers. i don't consume alcohol or tobacco.

Dentistry 35 years experience

Oral ulcers: If you are finding it difficult to properly treat these ulcers and your dentist is uncertain of the answer i would recommend finding a dentist that s... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 3 doctors agree4 doctors agree

A female asked:

Will a surgery to remove sinus mucocele, turbinate reduction under general anesthesia require urine cathetor? also, will breathing tube impact my tmj?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Breathing tube TMD: The breathing tube should be no problem but let the surgery team know you have a history of TMJ issues. They should take special care during intubatio... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Louis Gallia and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

1 comment

A 23-year-old male asked:

Which dental restoration has the same durability as natural tooth with proper oral hygiene?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Dental materials: Historically gold restorations are considered the finest and longest lasting restorations dentistry has had to offer. We now have many new materials t... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 24-year-old female asked:

Hi there, for the past day or two i cannot seem to drink enough water, and my tongue will even hurt. it's happened before, could it be hormonal?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Thirsty : The first think to check is blood sugar to rule out diabetes. Then look into hormones. The constant thirst is the concer to be addressed. Burning tong... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 26-year-old female asked:

Baby top middleteeth came in first, bottom teeth following but appear crooked like forming v shape is this normal? started teething at 11 months

Dentistry 35 years experience

Baby teeth: Yes this is not unusual. Avoiding improper oral habits such as finger sucking will help prevent improper jaw growth and tooth malalignment. Yor pediat... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Franklin Allen agrees1 doctor agrees

A 59-year-old female asked:

I use a cpap for sleep apnea. i have been diagnosed with mg and notice that it is more difficult to breathe with the cpap. is a bipap better for mg?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Difficulty breathing: Based on your question and the difficulty inbreathing i would recommend a device tit ration during a sleep study to truly evaluate the effectiveness o... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 32-year-old female asked:

My inner ear is almost swollen shut with jaw head and tooth pain what can do it hurts?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Infection: With that level of swelling an acute infection can be the cause and immediate evaluation and treatment is recommended.

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Kenny Chuu agrees1 doctor agrees

A 38-year-old female asked:

Can fertility treatments cause tooth decay? cavities?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Not directly: Not directly but be aware of changes in dietary habits. Hormone therapy can on the other hand can cause changes in the periodontal tissue similar to ... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 24-year-old female asked:

What are effects of tooth decay to our health?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Tooth decay: Untreated tooth decay can lead to infection and tooth loss. Many emergency room patients with swelling in the neck can track the cause back to abcesse... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Franklin Allen agrees1 doctor agrees

A 21-year-old female asked:

If i had toothache, fever, headache and numbness around the lips, what might had cause it?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Toothache: A severe dental abscess can put pressure on the nerve usually on the lower lip and cause a certain degree of numbness. With the level of symptoms you ... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

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A 22-year-old female asked:

Keep getting burning sensation on tongue when i eat things, especially ketchup. looks at tongue in mirror&have a few lumps on sides of tongue. ideas?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Tongue lumps: The lumps on the side of the tongue are taste buds and are larger than the ones on the top of the tongue. The burning can be due to a number of causes... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 27-year-old female asked:

Swelling in gums during 16 week of pregnancy?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Pregnancy gingivitis: Swelling of the gums during pregnancy is called pregnancy gingivitis and is related to the increase in hormone levels during pregnancy. Your tissue is... Read More

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Dr. Robert Trager and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 59-year-old male asked:

In some cases, a laser may be used to remove tooth plaque. less bleeding, swelling compared to traditional deep cleaning. all perio dds's have it?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Lasers: A number of different types of lasers are available for dental procedures. Diode lasers are the most common and are used for soft tissue surgery and b... Read More

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5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 55-year-old female asked:

Why does my tongue feel sore. have had this going on for several years gp didn't seem to know why's also i feel tired most of the time. blood count shows low white cells but this is normal for me for the past years?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Sore tongue: Lysine supplement has been known to help with burning tongue syndrome. Your complaint of feeling tired and low white count brings up other questions. ... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 36-year-old member asked:

Does hydrogen peroxide harm your taste buds?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Peroxide rinse: Hydrogen peroxide is not recommended as a daily rinse. It can irritate the soft tissue and mucosa with regular exposure.

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 47-year-old member asked:

Do apthous ulcers cause swollen lymph nodes?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Swollen lymph nodes: Apthous ulcers would not cause swollen lymph nodes but can occur in conjunction with another problem. The ulcers are thought to occur due to stress an... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 60-year-old female asked:

What is the "wax try in" when getting a denture?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Dentures: The wax try in is to check the setup of the teeth before the denture is finished. The dentist will have a acrylic denture base with the teeth positio... Read More

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Dr. Zahid Ahmed agrees1 doctor agrees

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A 42-year-old male asked:

How long should it take before you get results from a night time tmj mouth guard. is it normal for clicking to get worse while wearing it?

Dentistry 35 years experience

TMD Mouth guard : Symptoms usually improve within the first few nights then tend to return. Progressive adjustments and monitoring are essential to the success of oral... Read More

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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 49-year-old member asked:

How normal would it be for my teeth to become sensitive after having tooth exposure surgery?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Tooth sensitivity: Yes after tissue is removed to expose more tooth structure you can experience some tooth sensitivity. First recommendation is to begin using desensiti... Read More

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5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Robert Mokbel and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 49-year-old female asked:

Swollen cheek impacted wisdom tooth and cyst, pain in side of palate?

Dentistry 35 years experience

Wisdom tooth: The answer you are probably expecting is to see yor dentist or an oral surgeon and schedule to have wisdom teeth removed. Based on your description yo... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Gary Sandler and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree