

Li Cui

About me
Graduated with a master's degree in Clinical Dentistry from Central South University in 2008, has been engaged in clinical dentistry for 9 years, currently a Ph.D. student at the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Central South University. A member of the Chinese Stomatological Association, a member of the Dental Pulp Committee of the Hunan Branch of the Chinese Stomatological Association, a member of the Hunan Oral Health Management Committee, and has extensive clinical experience.
Proficient in diseases
Diagnosis and treatment of dental caries, pulpitis, various types of periapical periodontitis, periodontitis, dental implant surgery.

Voices

Will pulpitis cause swelling of the mouth?
If pulpitis is not treated and controlled, the infection can become severe, leading to swollen gums and causing severe pain. During this period, periapical periodontitis can develop. The emergency treatment for acute periapical periodontitis should involve opening the pulp chamber under local anesthesia for drainage, and using the root canal to drain in order to alleviate the pressure at the root apex and relieve pain. Generally, care must be taken to avoid the swollen areas during local anesthesia, as it may cause intense pain and spread of the infection. Hydrogen peroxide can be used for local irrigation.

Can catching a cold cause pulpitis?
Common pulpitis is generally caused by the invasion of certain bacteria, leading to inflammation of the dental pulp and instances of infection and necrosis in the pulp tissue. It is not particularly related to the patient catching a cold, but if the patient does catch a cold and their resistance decreases, their immunity may be lower. Therefore, it is advised that patients pay attention to their lifestyle and take care not to catch a cold. Furthermore, when a patient experiences pulpitis, they must seek medical attention at a hospital promptly, as the pain associated with dental inflammation is typically intense and can significantly inconvenience the patient's eating habits. It is recommended that patients visit a dental hospital promptly for treatment. Methods such as pulp opening for decompression can effectively alleviate pulpitis. Additionally, patients should be mindful of their diet and lifestyle habits and maintain oral hygiene.

Can oral ulcers be contagious?
Mouth ulcers are generally caused by localized mucosal erosion in the patient's mouth, often due to internal heat in the body or a deficiency of certain nutrients. They are not contagious and thus do not spread from one person to another. However, it is advised that patients pay close attention to oral hygiene, rinse their mouth promptly after meals, and brush their teeth regularly in the morning and evening using the correct brushing technique to maintain good oral care. When there is pain or noticeable erosion due to the mouth ulcer, patients can appropriately apply an oral ulcer spray. This can effectively help heal the ulcerated area and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms. Patients should also be sure to drink plenty of water.

What should I do if gingivitis causes facial swelling?
Some patients with severe gum swelling and pain may also experience inflammation and pain in nearby soft tissues, such as facial swelling and pain, which are also common. In such cases, patients can take some anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications for treatment, which can effectively relieve the symptoms of gum swelling and pain. If the gum swelling and pain are alleviated, the facial swelling will also subside, so it is recommended that patients treat it with medications in a timely manner. Additionally, it is essential for patients to maintain oral hygiene, develop correct brushing habits, have regular dental cleanings, pay attention to the method of brushing, and persist in brushing their teeth morning and night, spending three to five minutes each time. Furthermore, patients can appropriately supplement some nutrients to help boost their immunity.

What should be paid attention to normally for cheilitis?
Patients with cheilitis should pay close attention to their diet and lifestyle in their daily life. In terms of diet, patients should opt for light meals and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. A diversified diet is important as it can effectively supplement the nutrients required by the body. Additionally, patients should avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods as much as possible, because such foods are quite irritating to the body. Consuming them regularly may cause patients to experience inflammation in the lips or other inflammatory symptoms. Patients should also pay attention to their lifestyle, ensuring it is regular, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining early sleep and waking times. They should avoid frequently staying up late and increase some outdoor activities. Moreover, during dry seasons, patients should keep their lips moisturized by applying glycerin or lip balm, which helps hydrate the lips. (Medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

What to do if you have tooth decay and swollen, painful gums?
When patients experience dental caries and swollen, painful gums, it is advised that they seek medical attention promptly. They may take some anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to relieve inflammation and pain. After the inflammation has completely subsided, treatment should be based on the extent of damage to the dental caries. If the damage to the dental caries is minor, conservative treatment may be sufficient. However, if the damage is severe, it may affect part of the tooth structure or even the entire tooth and root, possibly leading to cavitation. In such cases, it is recommended that patients consider tooth extraction or filling as remedial measures. Additionally, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene and develop correct tooth brushing habits. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

Can tooth decay pain be relieved with Sichuan pepper?
If a patient has dental caries and is experiencing considerable pain, and there are no medications available nearby, they can temporarily use Sichuan peppercorns for pain relief. This is because certain components within Sichuan peppercorns can alleviate some of the pain, although they do not treat the dental caries directly. Thus, it is recommended that if a patient is suffering from toothache due to dental caries, they should seek timely treatment at a hospital. The specific treatment plan should be based on the extent of damage caused by the dental caries. If the damage is minor, the tooth generally does not require special treatment; however, if the dental caries are severe and have damaged the tooth structure, root, or even the dental nerves or gum tissue, it is advisable for the patient to consider tooth extraction followed by a dental restoration. The specific recommendations should still be based on a doctor’s diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan should be established.

Is vitamin C useful for oral ulcers?
When patients have oral ulcers, taking vitamin C can help repair the ulcers to some extent. However, it is generally recommended that patients use local medications in the mouth, which can provide quicker and more noticeable results. Sprays specifically for oral ulcers can be directly applied to the affected areas, or patches designed for oral ulcers can be adhered directly to the lesions, which can effectively help in healing the ulcers. Additionally, patients may appropriately take some oral vitamins that can effectively enhance the body's resistance and aid in the recovery from certain ailments. It is important to maintain correct dietary and lifestyle habits and pay attention to oral hygiene.

Does dandelion tea treat oral ulcers?
Mouth ulcers, which are also a type of erosion of the oral mucosa, can occur anywhere in the mouth such as the lips, the body of the tongue, the lingual papillae, or under the tongue. This condition is relatively common, and it is suggested that patients can apply oral ulcer sprays or stomatitis sprays locally to the affected areas. There are also oral ulcer lozenges available that can be held in the mouth over the ulcerated surface, which are quite effective in treating mouth ulcers. Dandelion has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. When suffering from mouth ulcers, drinking dandelion tea can be beneficial. However, when mouth ulcers are painful, it is recommended that patients apply local medications, as this method is more direct and tends to be faster. Dietary considerations should include eating lightly and avoiding spicy and irritating foods. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

What to do if periodontitis causes a fever?
Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums and oral cavity. When a patient has periodontitis, they may experience pain and swelling. When the inflammation is severe, the patient may have a slight fever. In such cases, it is generally recommended that the patient take oral antibiotics effective against anaerobic bacteria, such as metronidazole or tinidazole, as well as anti-inflammatory antibiotics like amoxicillin, cephalosporins, levofloxacin, or erythromycin. If fever occurs, it is recommended that the patient take antipyretic analgesics, such as ibuprofen sustained-release tablets or acetaminophen tablets, which can relieve pain and reduce fever. If the periodontitis is severe, it is advised that the patient should promptly visit a hospital and follow a doctor’s guidance to develop an appropriate treatment plan. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)