

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 manage oral ulcers in summer
When patients experience oral ulcers, it may be due to hot weather in the summer or poor diet, leading to loss of appetite and lack of certain nutrients. It is recommended that patients adjust their diets accordingly, consuming light foods and staying hydrated. If patients lack appetite, they can eat some fresh vegetables and fruits to adjust their diet. Additionally, it is crucial for patients to avoid spicy and irritating foods, as these can worsen the ulcers and cause symptoms of heatiness. Therefore, during summer when experiencing oral ulcers, local treatment is also necessary. Topical medications for oral ulcers can be used to help heal the ulcerative lesions.

Can third-degree periodontitis be cured?
Periodontal disease is generally caused by long-term accumulation of bacteria, dental calculus, and plaque, which gradually stimulates chronic inflammation. Periodontal disease leads to inflammation around the tooth roots and results in the resorption of the alveolar bone, eventually causing the teeth to loosen and fall out. It is recommended that patients with periodontitis seek timely treatment to prevent the condition from worsening, which could complicate the treatment process. For those diagnosed with stage three periodontitis, treatment is generally still effective. Therefore, it is advised that patients promptly visit a hospital and follow the specific treatment methods prescribed by their doctor to effectively treat periodontitis.

If cavities that do not have holes are not filled, how will they develop?
In such cases, it is recommended that patients seek timely treatment at a dental clinic. Generally, the treatment might involve cleaning the area around the cavity. If the cavity is deep but not painful, a temporary filling with zinc oxide eugenol may be used. If there is no pain after about a week, a permanent filling can be placed, and root canal therapy may not be necessary. Specifically, it is best to go to the hospital for an X-ray to examine the condition properly. If there is food impaction in the teeth, it might indicate the presence of cavities. It is advisable for the patient to undergo some examinations to fill these cavities. Considering the sensitivity of the teeth, active treatment should be pursued.

Is suppurative gingivitis serious?
Purulent gingivitis is a further development of common gingivitis. If common gingivitis only causes some congestion, swelling, sensitivity, or pain in the gums, it may lead to the formation of pus in the gum tissues if not treated timely. Patients are advised to seek treatment early in such cases. If the progression of gingivitis is not controlled in time, it may lead to periodontitis, damage to the tooth root tissues, and some alveolar bone. Therefore, it is advised that patients seek immediate medical attention when experiencing purulent gingivitis, as it is a severe condition. Treatment usually involves localized anti-inflammatory and purulent management at a standard dental hospital. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a light diet, ensure oral hygiene, and develop proper brushing habits.

What water should you drink for frequent oral ulcers?
Patients who frequently suffer from oral ulcers can appropriately drink some herbal teas to clear internal heat, such as honeysuckle tea or chrysanthemum tea, which are good choices. It is important to drink plenty of water. If you frequently have oral ulcers, it is suggested that patients visit a hospital to diagnose the causes of the oral ulcers, identifying what leads to them. Because recurrent severe oral ulcers can often be caused by systemic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or other diseases, which may lead to oral ulcers. Only by identifying the specific underlying causes can effective treatment be achieved. Additionally, oral ulcers may also be related to the patient's diet and lifestyle. Some patients may also experience ulcers due to high work stress, tension, or fatigue, and the long-term use of certain medications can lead to recurrent oral ulcers.

Can you ignore a cavity if it doesn't hurt?
When patients develop dental caries, it is recommended that they visit a formal medical institution for treatment. If the tooth decay is not addressed, it may worsen significantly. While it may not always cause pain, the teeth can still be damaged. Over time, the teeth might deteriorate severely, potentially leaving only the roots. This could also lead to damage to the tooth roots, causing inconvenience in the patient's dietary life and might lead to severe complications later on, including pain and irritation to the gum tissue. Therefore, it is advised that patients seek early medical treatment and undergo appropriate therapeutic measures based on the condition of their dental caries.

Can erythromycin eye ointment be used for cheilitis?
Cheilitis is a localized inflammation of the lips. When a patient has cheilitis, applying erythromycin ointment locally can effectively alleviate some inflammatory symptoms on the lips, reducing congestion, swelling, pain, or peeling and bleeding, and can aid in healing. Additionally, patients should pay attention to their diet when experiencing cheilitis by eating light, including fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and high-quality proteins, as a comprehensive diet can provide essential nutrients and help in the healing of cheilitis. Furthermore, patients should avoid touching their lips frequently with their hands to prevent worsening the inflammation or causing an infection.

What causes summer cheilitis?
Summer cheilitis is commonly caused by actinic cheilitis, as the skin on the lips is delicate. During summer, strong sunlight and high UV intensity can cause inflammation of the lips, leading to dryness, peeling, or swelling. It is advisable for patients to protect themselves by wearing masks or using sun-blocking umbrellas when going out to effectively prevent direct UV exposure and reduce lip trauma. Additionally, patients should be cautious about consuming certain foods in the summer, such as cold drinks that may contain a lot of colorants, which could also lead to allergic reactions on the lips. Therefore, it is recommended that patients pay attention to their lifestyle and diet.

Can I still apply lipstick if I have cheilitis?
When patients suffer from cheilitis, they certainly should not apply lipstick. During cheilitis, cracking, bleeding, or dryness may occur. At this time, patients should apply anti-inflammatory ointments, which can promote the healing of cheilitis and also alleviate cracking and dryness. If patients apply lipstick during this time, it may aggravate the inflammation of the lips and hinder the healing process of cheilitis. Therefore, it is recommended that patients avoid applying lipstick when suffering from cheilitis. Some cheilitis might be allergic cheilitis; in this case, applying lipstick is even more inappropriate as it may also be an allergen. Hence, patients with cheilitis should pay attention to local hygiene, clean food residues, brush their teeth morning and evening, and rinse their mouths promptly after meals.

Is sesame oil effective for angular cheilitis?
Patients who develop angular cheilitis may generally be experiencing a vitamin deficiency, or it may occur in relatively dry seasons, leading to breaks at the corners of the mouth. It could also be a result of internal heat in the body, causing angular cheilitis, also known as cracked corners of the mouth. It is generally not advisable for patients to apply aromatic oils as they do not have antibacterial properties and may even facilitate bacterial invasion. It is suggested that patients use some anti-inflammatory ointments, such as erythromycin ointment or gentamicin eye ointment, which can help reduce inflammation and heal the skin's soft tissue damage. Therefore, it is recommended that patients seek medical advice and apply medications prescribed by a doctor. Additionally, when applying ointments, do not use hands directly; instead, use medical cotton swabs and maintain personal hygiene. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a physician.)