

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

How to treat gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis and periodontitis are both phenomena of periodontal diseases. Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontitis, with the earliest phase typically being common gingivitis. If gingivitis is not well controlled, it can further develop into periodontitis. However, once periodontitis occurs, there is definitely inflammation of the gums. In the development of both gingivitis and periodontitis, dental plaque and tartar generally play a major role. When gingivitis occurs, the lesions are generally limited to the gum tissue, and at this time, the course of the disease is relatively milder. If gingivitis is not cured and develops into periodontitis, it will not only damage the gums but also the alveolar bone, and other periodontal tissues will also be destroyed. Therefore, it is advised that patients with gingivitis should take timely treatment measures.

Does frequent oral ulcers easily lead to oral cancer?
Patients who frequently suffer from oral ulcers generally do not easily get them. Patients should not worry too much. Pay attention to oral hygiene in daily life. If the occurrence of oral ulcers is occasional, and not frequently appearing singly, it is recommended that patients can undergo localized treatment for oral ulcers. They can use oral ulcer patches, which are applied to the ulcerated area in the mouth and can help heal the ulcers. Additionally, it is suggested that patients should definitely pay attention to oral hygiene. They can appropriately use oral sprays, and it is important to rinse the mouth promptly after meals. Avoid eating spicy, irritating foods, and overly hot foods. Relax and if oral ulcers repeatedly occur severely, it is recommended that patients seek medical attention promptly.

How to determine whether it is cheilitis or herpes labialis
Cheilitis and herpes labialis are generally two different conditions. Cheilitis has a broader meaning and may include allergic cheilitis, or dryness during autumn and winter, cracked lips, and angular cheilitis. For example, common oral herpes is generally referred to as cheilitis. Additionally, cheilitis broadly includes any inflammation of the lips. However, herpes labialis is usually due to a decline in the patient's immune system, leading to a herpes virus infection, so herpes labialis is a simple viral disease. Therefore, there is a distinction between the two. Cheilitis might involve bacterial infections, in which case anti-inflammatory ointments can be applied. If it is herpes labialis, antiviral treatment is generally used.

If gingivitis becomes severe, to what extent will it reach?
When gingivitis occurs, if the inflammation is not controlled in time, severe cases may lead to purulent infections. Also, long-term chronic inflammation can cause the gingival tissue to shrink. As it progresses, this shrinkage may no longer adequately cover the roots of the teeth, leading to loose teeth, and in more severe cases, tooth loss. Therefore, when patients have gingivitis, they can undergo timely treatment, taking anti-inflammatory drugs orally for treatment. Additionally, diet and lifestyle are also important. It is vital to develop correct oral hygiene habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and eat more light foods rich in vitamins and vegetables to aid the nutritional repair of soft tissues.

What are the symptoms before lip inflammation turns into cancer?
Cheilitis is generally caused by some local inflammation of the lips and is also relatively common in clinical settings. The skin of the lips is quite fragile and cannot withstand intense external stimuli. During the autumn and winter seasons, exposure to strong external stimuli may cause inflammation, swelling, pain, and even peeling and bleeding of the lips. However, long-term cheilitis generally does not lead to cancerous changes. If recurrent and long-term outbreaks occur, it may lead to the proliferation of some soft tissues of the lips. It is essential to pay attention to lip care in daily life, maintain lip moisture, and develop correct living habits. Additionally, it is crucial for patients to pay attention to lip care, especially in the dry seasons of autumn and winter, focus on moisturizing the lips, and use appropriate lip balms to effectively care for the lips.

What part of the body is moxibustion applied to for periodontitis?
Gingivitis generally occurs because the teeth surface of patients accumulates dental plaque and tartar over a long period, which causes the gum tissue to be in a chronic state of inflammation, eventually leading to periodontitis. Therefore, it is advised that patients with periodontitis primarily focus on timely cleaning of the dirt attached to the surface of the teeth. If not removed, it will continuously cause progressive irritation to the periodontal tissue, leading to chronic inflammatory changes in the entire dental tissue. If treating periodontitis, the first step should be the removal of the attached substances from the dental tissue, which can effectively eliminate dental plaque and tartar in the periodontal area, and is quite effective in treating periodontitis. Since these substances cannot be eliminated, the treatment generally does not achieve very good results. Thus, when patients suffer from periodontitis, moxibustion treatment is generally not employed, as it cannot remove the dental plaque and tartar on the teeth and does not serve a significant therapeutic effect. Hence, if patients want to effectively manage periodontitis, they must start with some cleaning of the gums. Patients can remove dental plaque and tartar through professional dental cleaning, then take some anti-inflammatory medication, and be vigilant about oral hygiene in daily life. Regular follow-ups are recommended to keep periodontitis under control.

Can allergic cheilitis heal on its own?
Allergic cheilitis generally occurs when the patient's lips come into contact with some allergenic substances. For example, if a patient consumes allergenic foods, like certain proteins that infants and young children might be allergic to, this can lead to inflammation of the lips, itching, and redness. In such cases, it is generally recommended that the patient not worry too much and that no special treatment is required, as observation can lead to recovery. Some adults develop lip allergies possibly due to the use of certain products like lip balms or lipsticks, which can also lead to allergic reactions on the lips. Patients are advised to identify the cause of their allergy and avoid the allergens to alleviate the symptoms. Additionally, if a patient experiences severe allergic reactions on the lips, they can apply some anti-allergy medication to relieve itching.

Is tooth sensitivity caused by exposed nerves?
When a patient has dental caries, it can cause some damage to the gum tissue, resulting in the gums being in a state of acute inflammation. At this time, the gums may be particularly sensitive, especially to hot and cold stimuli, but this does not necessarily mean that the nerves in the gums are exposed. It is recommended that patients pay attention to a light diet and avoid overly hot or spicy foods, as well as hard foods that may irritate the sensitive gum tissue, leading to discomfort. Therefore, patients are advised to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and drink plenty of water. Additionally, it is crucial for patients to develop healthy oral hygiene habits. It is recommended that patients visit the hospital in a timely manner for consultation, and receive specific treatment plans based on the extent of the damage caused by the caries.

What will happen if gingivitis is not treated?
When a patient has gingivitis, if they cannot receive timely treatment, they may experience long-term inflammation that irritates the gum tissue, leading to nutrient loss in the gums and eventual gum recession. Further progression can lead to loose teeth, and ultimately, tooth loss. Therefore, it is crucial for patients with gingivitis to seek prompt treatment. Additionally, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene, as long-term poor oral hygiene is a major cause of gingivitis. It is important to promptly remove food residues after meals to prevent bacterial infections. Furthermore, developing correct brushing habits in the morning and evening is recommended, and patients should consider regular dental cleanings, which can effectively remove tartar and plaque, reducing irritation to the gums.

Does removing a cavity-affected tooth have any impact?
Cavities, also commonly referred to as tooth decay, can impact daily life depending on the situation. Generally, if the cavity is not severe, extraction is not necessary, and treatment should be attempted if possible. However, extraction can be harmful, as it creates a gap. The teeth adjacent to this gap can be affected, leading to tilting towards the gap or becoming loose, which may impact how the teeth come together when biting. The body has a protective mechanism that can automatically close this space, but although this closes the gap, it may destabilize the overall bite alignment and function, potentially affecting the temporomandibular joint function. Therefore, if tooth decay occurs, it is advised to seek prompt treatment at a formal dental hospital or a major hospital’s dental pulp department, where the decayed and necrotic tissue can be removed and the cavity filled to restore the shape of the tooth crown and some of the biting function.