• Stay calm and be gentle to avoid injury or damage to your retainers
• Try swishing warm water to loosen tight retainers before removing them
• Retainers and aligners become tight if not worn consistently
• Overly tight retainers may damage teeth and gums
• Seek professional help if your retainers are fixed or if they cause significant pain

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Tight Retainer

Retainers or clear aligners can occasionally feel snug and be difficult to remove. This could be because you haven’t been wearing them regularly or because you just started wearing a new set.

If you’re having a hard time removing your retainer, there are a few steps you can follow. Note that the advice in this article applies to removable retainers. If you have other types of retainers, you’ll have to see your orthodontist for adjustments.

These are the steps you can try to remove tight retainers:

1. Get the area dry — Moisture can make it hard to grip your retainer, so let your mouth get a bit dry before trying to remove it. You can pat your teeth with a paper towel to speed this up.
2. Keep a soft touch — Do your best to stay calm and be gentle. While you want a firm grip, you don’t want to use so much pressure that you damage your retainer. This applies even if you have an aligner removal tool (see below).
3. Start from the back — Gently pull your retainer off your molars (back teeth) and then work your way forward, reaching your front teeth last. This will make things easier for you and help avoid damage.
4. Keep things even — Alternate from side to side as you go. Pulling your retainer off from one side can cause unnecessary strain and may damage it.

Additional Dos and Don’ts for Removing a Tight Retainer

Here are some additional tips to consider when trying to remove a tight retainer:

1. Stay Calm and Go Slow

It’s best to keep calm while trying to get your retainer off. While having a retainer stuck on your teeth can be disconcerting, panicking and using excessive pressure could cause injury or break your retainer.

Staying calm and doing things slowly will maximize your chances of removing the retainer safely and without damage. Feel free to take a short break if you’ve been having trouble.

2. Consider Getting a Removal Tool

A clear aligner removal tool, or pull tool, is a small plastic tool with a hook designed to grip your retainer. This can help you remove your retainers or clear aligners in a safe and sanitary way.

You can find these tools for purchase online. Your orthodontist may also be able to provide you with one.

3. Use Warm Water

Before drying your retainer for removal, you may want to try swishing a bit of warm water. This can help soften and loosen your retainer. Ensure the water is warm but not hot, as excessive heat could warp your retainer and/ or burn your mouth.

4. Call Your Orthodontist

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t get your retainer off, it’s time to call your dentist or orthodontist. They can remove it safely and determine whether or not you need a new one.

Why Do Retainers Get Tight?

Retainers and aligners generally become tight when they aren’t worn consistently. If you stop wearing your retainer for a long period of time (or try to wear an old one), it may feel too tight and be hard to remove. This is because your teeth aren’t maintaining their new positions.

Cleaning your retainer with excessively hot water can also make it too tight. Depending on the material of your retainer, the heat may warp it, changing how it fits.

However, it’s normal for a brand-new retainer or set of clear aligners to feel snug the first few times you wear them. As you continue using them, they should begin to fit more comfortably.

Can Tight Retainers Cause Damage?

It’s possible for overly tight retainers to damage your teeth and gums. There’s also a risk of damage to the retainer if you aren’t careful when removing it.

A new retainer or aligner being a bit tight initially isn’t necessarily a sign that anything is wrong. But it's best to call your dentist if your retainer is painfully tight or remains tight even after several days (see below).

When to Seek Professional Help

You should call your dentist or orthodontist if your retainer causes significant pain or if you’ve been wearing it properly and still regularly have trouble removing it.

It’s best to see the orthodontist who originally provided you with braces or aligners, but if they aren’t available, another dentist can still help.

Can Orthodontists Adjust Tight Retainers?

Your orthodontist may be able to adjust the fit of your retainer depending on the type. Alternatively, they may provide you with a new one with a better fit.

How to Prevent Retainers from Getting Too Tight

To keep your retainers fitting properly, it’s best to wear them consistently, as recommended by your dentist or orthodontist. When you first get a retainer after orthodontic treatment, you’re expected to wear it for most of the day. This keeps your teeth straight and helps them maintain their new positions.

Over the following months, you may be able to gradually reduce your retainer wear time without affecting the results of your orthodontic treatment. Talk to your orthodontist about the optimal amount of time to wear your retainer every day.

Cleaning and Storing Your Retainers

Proper cleaning and storage are also important for ensuring your retainer stays effective and continues to fit well.

Here are some tips you can follow:

• At least once a day after taking out your retainer, rinse it with warm (not hot) water and gently brush it
• Use a different brush from the one you use for your teeth
• You can use a bit of baking soda or dish soap to help clean your retainers
• Don’t use toothpaste or soaps with microbeads, as these can damage your retainer
• Once or twice a week, do a deep cleaning with water and baking soda or a denture cleaner 

Talk to your orthodontist about the best method since different retainers are made with different materials. When you aren’t wearing your retainer, you should dry it and store it in a safe, cool place that’s easy to access.

This means there are scams to watch out for in the dental field. In this article, we’ll talk about common dental scams, how to spot them, and how to avoid them.

What are Common Dental Scams?

The most common dishonest practice in dentistry is to insist on unnecessary treatment. For example, a dentist may encourage you to get veneers (which can cost up to $2,500 per tooth) even if you’re a good candidate for bonding, crowns, or orthodontic treatment.

Specific dental procedures may be necessary in certain situations, but a dentist may push for treatment even when it isn’t called for. This can happen with fillings, root canals, dental crowns, and other procedures.

For example, significant tooth decay will require a filling or even a root canal and/or crown. But a dishonest dentist may insist that you need a filling even in the early stages when tooth decay can be arrested. Alternatively, they may push for a root canal and/or crown when a filling is sufficient.

Other common dentistry scams or fraudulent practices include:

• Inflated bills — Some dentists may add “phantom procedures” to your bill that never occurred. Similarly, they may dishonestly list something they did as a billable service, allowing them to get more money from you or your insurance company.
• Unbundling procedures — This is similar to inflated bills. Some dental offices may take a single procedure, such as a root canal, and divide it into multiple items billed separately.
• Fraudulent insurance plans — Some businesses may falsely present themselves as dental insurance companies to collect money without providing any benefits.
• Misleading dental grants — An organization may claim to be a provider of dental grants without giving you the full picture. They may work with a dentist to give you a “discounted” price that is still higher than what other dentists might charge.
• Low-quality work — Even an honest dentist can make a mistake, but they’ll do everything possible to avoid it. However, a dishonest dentist may deliberately provide poor treatment, so you’ll have to come back to pay for additional treatment.

What Are Signs of a Dental Scam?

Some potential signs that you’re dealing with a dishonest dental office include:

• Poor communication — If a dentist can’t explain why you need a certain procedure, it’s a bad sign. Likewise, a dentist should be able to discuss the costs and benefits of different options. You may want to obtain treatment elsewhere if they can't do this.
• Urgency without explanation — Another red flag is a sudden urgency about a given treatment without any explanation. Similarly, a fake dental insurance company might push you to sign a contract without giving you enough information.
• Unnecessary X-rays — Some dental clinics take X-rays of your teeth even when they aren’t needed. They can then bill for these X-rays, getting reimbursement for an unnecessary procedure.
• Poor patient reviews — While one bad review isn’t always enough to draw a conclusion, you’re likely to avoid a clinic that has more negative reviews than positive ones.
• Suspicious pricing — Some dental procedures are simply expensive, and high prices aren’t necessarily a red flag. But if you suspect a certain price is unusually high, you may want a second opinion before beginning treatment.

If you already know you have a dental problem, you may need prompt treatment, and a sense of urgency may be appropriate. But you should be skeptical if your dentist doesn’t explain anything or the push for treatment seems unusually sudden.

How to Avoid Unethical Dental Practices

Your first defense against unethical dental practices is to do your research beforehand. Find out what previous patients have said about the clinic. If reviews are overwhelmingly poor or the clinic has no online presence at all, you may want to seek a second opinion.

Once you’re in the dentist’s office, be willing to ask questions about the benefits and drawbacks of different treatments. A good dentist will be able to respond with options and explanations.

You can also always decline treatment and do more research. It’s best to look for systematic reviews in published literature rather than websites simply trying to market the procedure.

What to Do If You Suspect Dishonesty?

If you suspect a dentist or clinic is being dishonest, do the following:

1. Don’t agree to anything right away — You can tell the clinic you’d like to look over some things and return at a later date.
2. Do some research — Go online and consult reviews, forums, social networks, and medical journals to learn about people's experiences in similar situations to yours.
3. Get a second opinion — Consult another dentist, and compare what they diagnose, what they recommend, and the price they offer. You may want to get a third opinion if they differ substantially from what the first dentist said.

Is Dental Insurance a Safeguard Against Scams?

To some extent, having insurance may help you avoid dental fraud. Perhaps most obviously, it prevents you from falling into a dental insurance scam. You won’t be in the target market of a fake insurance provider if you already have real insurance.

Insurance may also make it harder for a clinic to deceive you about pricing. This is because they’ll have to bill your insurance provider, making it harder to pass off a fraudulent or misleading bill of services.

However, it’s still possible that a dental office might try to defraud an insured patient or an insurance company. Insurance providers can’t completely eliminate the potential for deceptive billing practices.

How Can You Find a Trustworthy Dentist?

To find a dental practice you can trust, do the following:

• Ask around — If you have a friend, family member, or coworker who has had dental work done, ask them about it. If they have good things to say about their dentist, you may want to visit them too.
• Check reviews — With or without a recommendation from someone you know, checking online reviews is a good idea. This can give you additional clues about the quality and honesty of a dental clinic, and it’s especially important if you’re traveling abroad for care.
• Be willing to compare — Seeing more than one dentist can provide perspective on good communication, reasonable costs, and other factors.

Summary

As in any other field, there are scams and dishonest practices in dentistry. These include misleading patients about treatment, insisting on unnecessary procedures, and deceptive billing.

You can avoid these dishonest tactics by being aware of how different dentists do things, seeing what other patients say, and making a reasonably informed decision.

Look for a dentist who communicates openly about different treatment options, their pros and cons, and their costs.

In this article, we’ll discuss how dental bills work, ways they could potentially be fraudulent, and how to protect yourself from dental billing fraud.

What Are Illegal Dental Billing Practices?

When dentists bill for services, they’re expected to be honest about what services were performed and what they charged. But dentists can make fraudulent claims, especially when insurance companies or federal healthcare programs enter the picture.

If you have dental insurance, it may cover all or part of a given treatment. Your dentist can get more money from your insurance provider by claiming the completion of additional services or inflating costs.

Fraudulent claims are illegal and can cost you and your insurance company. If insurance will not fully cover the cost of a certain treatment, your dentist may pass on the rest of that extra cost to you.

What Are the Signs of Fraudulent Billing?

It’s not always easy to spot fraudulent dental billing, but there are some possible tells, including:

• A discrepancy between the cost you’re initially quoted and the price you end up paying after treatment
• Items on a bill that don’t seem to reflect your treatment
• Inaccurate treatment dates or personal information

Keep in mind that fraud requires intent. It’s possible for dental office staff to unknowingly file bills illegally due to human error.

For example, your records could be confused with someone else’s. Alternatively, the dental office may neglect to update information when you switch to a new insurance provider or when they get new dental billing software. This would be considered negligence rather than fraud.

However, dental billing mistakes like these can cost you money and put your dental office in legal trouble. Intentional or not, you should question any discrepancies in your bill.

Common Types of Dental Billing Fraud

Common illegal dental billing practices include:

• Upcoding — Each dental procedure has a designated code insurance providers use to verify the cost. By “upcoding” or listing a treatment with a more expensive code, a dental office can receive more money than they’re entitled to.
• Unbundling — Refers to listing one comprehensive procedure as several lesser procedures, increasing the claimed cost. A similar fraudulent billing practice is double billing, or submitting claims for the same procedure more than once.
• Phantom charges — A dental bill may list one or more services that didn’t take place.
• Waiving copays — Waiving copays or deductibles may sound nice to you as a patient, but it’s illegal. It gives your dentist an unfair advantage over competitors and may incentivize you to get treatment you don’t need.

The Consequences of Illegal Dental Billing

Dental insurance fraud can have monetary and legal repercussions, putting patients, dentists, and dental practice staff at risk.

What Risks Do Patients Face With Fraudulent Billing?

With fraudulent dental practices, losing money is the most obvious and immediate risk for you as a patient. If your dental office inflates their bills and your insurance coverage isn’t 100%, the remainder of the cost will likely be passed on to you.

This is especially risky if you pay out of pocket upfront and expect to be reimbursed afterward by your insurance. A fraudulent dental office might submit an additional claim without telling you.

Another risk to the patient is having to undergo unnecessary procedures. A dentist may recommend expensive and invasive treatments in cases that require no more than minor preventive care.

This means that, besides spending more money, you could needlessly undergo invasive treatment. You may also require follow-up procedures later, adding to the cost.

What Are the Legal Repercussions for Dentists?

Legal consequences for dentists or staff found guilty of fraud can vary. In most cases, the dentists will at least have to pay penalties or fines. Additional consequences can include suspension of their license, probation, and even prison time.

In some cases, dental office staff are found to have committed fraud without the knowledge of the practicing dentist. If this happens, the dentist might be found not guilty or guilty of negligence.

Protecting Yourself from Dental Billing Fraud

Being proactive and aware can help protect you from fraud. This includes paying attention to what you’re quoted and contacting your insurance provider.

How Can You Verify Your Dental Bills?

To verify your dental bills, you should look closely at two documents: one from your dentist and one from your insurance company.

The one from your dentist is a written statement detailing your treatment and estimated costs. Most dentists provide this upfront before treatment begins. If your dentist doesn’t give you a statement, it’s wise to ask for one.

On the insurance side, you should review your explanation of benefits (EOB). This is a document provided by your insurance carrier (online or by mail) once they’ve processed the claim.

By comparing your EOB and your dentist’s estimate, you can check to ensure everything looks accurate.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Billing Fraud

Do the following if you notice signs of potential fraud from your dental office:

1. Contact your insurance company ⁠— Be prepared to be persistent, as not every staff member you speak with may want to pursue the issue. You want to make sure you get back whatever you’re owed.
2. File a complaint with your state government ⁠— This is your next line of support. There should be a hotline or contact email for consumer complaints through your state’s Department of Insurance, Department of Financial Services, or Insurance Commissioner’s office.
3. Contact other lines of support ⁠— You may consider contacting the National Healthcare Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA) or the Healthcare Fraud Prevention Partnership (HFPP).

What Can Prevent Dental Billing Abuse?

To prevent dental billing mistakes or fraud, do the following:

• Stay informed — Getting a written statement and estimate from your dentist before treatment is a good first line of defense. Knowing what your insurance policy does and doesn’t cover will also help you identify potential inconsistencies.

• Pay with a credit card — If you want to be especially careful, consider paying with a credit card. Credit cards tend to have strict policies regarding fraud and may make things easier if you need to dispute a charge.
• Get a second opinion — If something about a dental practice doesn’t seem right, seeing a different dentist may give you some perspective.

Summary

Dental billing fraud can cost you money and time and result in the completion of unnecessary dental work. To protect yourself, be on the lookout for any unusual items or discrepancies in your dentist’s cost estimate. It also helps to know your insurance policy well.

Contacting your insurance carrier is a good first step if you suspect fraud. You can also contact your state’s insurance watchdog agency for more resources.

Dental implants are an important part of restorative dentistry. If you’ve lost one or more teeth, there’s no higher-quality or longer-lasting replacement than a dental implant.

Unfortunately, dental implants can be expensive, costing between $1,000 and $5,000 per implant. Even with insurance, the price of a dental implant can make you put off a treatment you need to maintain your dental health.

Fortunately, there are some ways to get significantly discounted dental implants, such as having the procedure done at a dental school. It’s even possible to get free implants.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of these options. We’ll also talk about how to avoid scams that claim to provide grants for dental implants.

What Free Dental Implant Programs Are Available?

You can try several potential avenues for free or lower-cost dental implants. Dental schools and clinical trials are likely to provide the most affordable option, but in some cases, government programs can help.

How Do Dental Schools and Clinical Trials Offer Free Services?

Dental schools often provide low-cost (and sometimes free) dental work. This is because dental students perform the procedures as part of their training. Depending on the school and your specific needs, you may be able to have dental services done by:

• Undergraduate dental students — These are students in training to become dentists. Because they work under supervision, appointments can take longer but are also the most affordable.
• Dentistry school faculty — In some cases, established dentists who are part of the school’s faculty may provide care. These appointments will take less time but will likely cost a bit more.
• Graduate students — This option is somewhere in between. New dentists often undergo additional training to gain specialization in certain fields of dentistry. You might be able to find affordable dental implants through these programs by looking to see if a dental school in your area offers this procedure. 

Look for dental schools in your area and inquire about what kinds of services they provide. In many cases, they provide basic information online. You’ll likely need to call for details and to make appointments.

Similarly, clinical trials can also be a way to get free implants. The researchers performing these trials need participants to help them test new methods or materials.

This option is harder to come by since there won’t always be a clinical trial in your area relevant to your needs. However, you can search for “clinical trials near me” or contact local universities.

What Options Are Available for Veterans and Seniors?

The federal government may fund dental care for veterans and seniors, including dental implant treatment.

Although the criteria are strict, you may qualify for VA dental coverage if you're a veteran. You’re most likely to be eligible if you are disabled and unable to work. You can learn more at the VA website.

If you’re over 55 and meet certain conditions, you may be eligible for covered treatment through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). This coverage might be in addition to any Medicaid benefits you have. See their website for more information.

Are There Government Grants for Dental Implants?

Unfortunately, there are no government grants specifically for dental implants. Some organizations may claim online that they offer free dental implant services or discounts as part of a federal program. But this is likely false unless the organization is a federal HRSA Health Center.

However, in some cases, federal programs may assist with implants:

• As mentioned above, PACE and VA dental coverage may be available.
• If you have HIV, you may be eligible for dental care funded by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. Note that funds are provided to the care facility, not directly to you as a patient.
• Medicaid sometimes also covers dental procedures such as implants (see the next section).

How Can Medicaid Assist in Dental Implant Procedures?

Medicaid is a federal program that provides health insurance for low-income adults and children. However, even though Medicaid is set up by federal law, federal funding is partial, and individual states are in charge of their own Medicaid programs.

This means that Medicaid dental benefits will vary by state, and some state Medicaid programs don’t offer non-emergency dental services. Even in those states that offer dental assistance under Medicaid, it can be difficult to qualify for free dental implants.

Medicaid is more likely to cover dental implants if:

• They’re considered medically necessary (by your state Medicare board’s definition)
• They’re the least costly option
• You’re under 21 (in this case, you have a right to a diagnostic screening (EPSDT), which could uncover a need for implants)

Unfortunately, this doesn’t apply to many cases. Most people on Medicaid won’t get assistance with dental implants.

To know for sure, contact your local Medicaid office to find out what they will and won’t cover. If they offer dental coverage, you’ll have to talk to both the board and your dentist to determine if your dental implants qualify.

If you’re not already on Medicaid, you’ll have to be eligible in the first place to get any of the available benefits.

Additional Resources and Alternatives for Affordable Dental Care

While finding free dental implants isn’t always possible, you can make them more affordable in several ways. From dental insurance to tax deductions, we’ll discuss these avenues below.

Dental Insurance

Some dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for dental implant procedures. While many insurance companies categorize implants as cosmetic, not all do.

While you’re unlikely to find full coverage for implants, insurance can sometimes cover as much as half the cost. If you only need to replace one or a few teeth, this may be a decisive factor in making it affordable.

You can shop online for dental insurance plans and compare what they cover. One insurance provider known to offer partial implant coverage is Delta Dental.

Avoiding Scams

It’s best to avoid organizations claiming to offer dental implant grants. They tend to work by claiming to provide a discount through a participating dentist. And despite sometimes having the word “program” in their name, they are not government programs.

They start with a high initial price and then “discount” it to a price that may still be higher than what other dentists might charge. This allows them to make money while leading you to believe you’re getting a deal.

However, if you apply with one of these organizations, compare the final price you’re offered with those of other dentists in your area. Having multiple consultations can help you make an informed decision (see below).

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for making dental implants more affordable:

• Get multiple quotes — See a few different dentists to get a sense of what’s a fair price. You may be able to get the procedures you need for a lower price than you initially thought.
• Consider another option for now — While dental implants are the optimal way to replace missing teeth, it may be more affordable to go with a fixed bridge or dentures. Talk to your dentist about what might work best for you.
• Try working out a payment plan — Ask your dentist if payment plans are available for implant costs. Some dental clinics allow for payment plans, while others don’t.
• File a tax deduction — If your medical and dental expenses are 7.5% or more of your annual income, the IRS may allow you to write them off as a deduction. Learn more here.
• Use HSA/FSA funds — If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer, you may be able to use these funds to help pay for dental implants. Talk to your employer or fund manager to know for sure.

Summary

Dental implants are the best long-term solution for missing teeth, but their price can make them unaffordable for many people.

If you’re on a low income or meet certain criteria, you may be able to get affordable treatment through a dental school, government assistance, or a clinical trial. Insurance may also provide partial coverage.

Talk to your dentist about your options, and consider comparing quotes from different dentists. If you're eligible, you can also talk to local dental schools and explore government assistance. But be wary of organizations that claim to offer dental implant grants.

Loose dentures aren’t just uncomfortable. They generally signal an underlying problem that will worsen with time. If your dentures become loose or have never fit well, it’s best to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Bone Resorption and Loss

The main reason dentures become loose is bone resorption. The loss of bone tissue makes dentures fit more loosely over time, and dentures themselves contribute to this process.

Natural teeth are an essential part of maintaining the jawbone’s structure and shape. However, when the teeth are no longer there, bone tissue in the jaw will start breaking down, and the body will reabsorb (resorb) it over time.

In other words, the jaw will shrink. And because dentures are meant to fit the jaw, this shrinkage makes it harder to keep them in place.

Wear and Tear Over Time

Dentures can also become loose due to gradual damage from long-term wear. After years of chewing with the same dentures, they can gradually wear down and weaken. They can also fracture, making them unwearable.

Ill-Fitting Dentures

Another reason dentures are loose is that they simply never fit securely in the first place. Ill-fitting dentures are naturally harder to keep in place.

It’s also more difficult to eat solid food when dentures don’t fit well, contributing to further bone loss. As a result, they are more vulnerable to breaking down over time.

How Can You Deal With Loose Dentures?

There are several ways to approach the problem of loose-fitting dentures. Remember that dentures contribute to bone loss, so they will naturally tend to become loose over time. This means that some of these solutions are more temporary than others.

Talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of each option. Your needs may differ depending on whether you wear complete or partial dentures.

Denture Reline

Getting your dentures relined or replaced can restore a secure fit. Because your jaw is progressively shrinking over time, you’re likely to need a reline every 1 to 2 years.

Note that having your dentures relined won’t prevent bone loss. However, it may mitigate it by allowing you to continue eating solid food that exercises your jaw.

Utilizing Denture Adhesives

Denture adhesives are another way to help dentures fit more securely. These adhesives can come in pastes, creams, powders, or liners (adhesive strips). The shape of your jaw and the shape of your dentures may make one of these options better than the others.

The best type of denture adhesive for you will also depend partly on your preference. Some of these products have a taste you may find unpleasant, for example. It’s best to look closely at product ingredients and reviews before buying a new denture adhesive.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are a more permanent solution that addresses the problem of missing teeth without causing bone loss. Instead of resting on your gums, they’re attached to titanium implants surgically placed in your jawbone.

These dentures are sometimes called all-on-4 or all-on-6 dentures depending on how many implants are in each arch of your mouth. They offer several benefits over traditional dentures, including:

• Preventing bone loss — Because dental implants mimic natural tooth roots, they provide your jawbone with the stimulation it needs to stay strong. If you have already lost bone tissue in your jaw, a bone graft procedure can be performed before implant surgery.
• Durability — Dentures attached to implants have more support than traditional dentures and can last longer.
• Comfort — These dentures won’t shift or come out of place, making eating and talking more comfortable.
• Less maintenance required — Fixed implant dentures can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth. However, hybrid, removable implant-supported dentures are also available.

Implant surgery does come with some risks, such as post-operative infection or nerve damage. These are rare, but some people may be at greater risk than others. Your dentist can help determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants.

What are the Implications of Loose Dentures on Quality of Life?

The most obvious and immediate impact of loose dentures is discomfort. Dentures that don’t fit well may slip or shift in your mouth, causing pain and irritation. They may make it uncomfortable to eat and talk. Ill-fitting dentures may affect your confidence and self-esteem.

Dentures, in general, can negatively affect your quality of life by contributing to bone loss. Eventually, many denture wearers lose so much jawbone tissue that their dentures can’t be held in place at all. This is known as facial collapse.

Summary

Loose dentures are a common concern for denture wearers because bone loss causes dentures to lose their proper fit over time. Periodic adjustments and denture adhesives can help mitigate the problem.

Only implant-supported dentures can replace your teeth in a way that prevents bone loss. However, only some people are good candidates for dental implants. Implants are also significantly more expensive than traditional dentures.

If you have loose dentures, talk to your dentist as soon as possible. They can address the problem immediately and help you determine your options.

Many people lose their retainers at some point. They’re small and easy to misplace. If you’ve lost your retainer, you aren’t the first to do so, and your dentist or orthodontist will be able to help.

However, it’s important to get a replacement as soon as possible. While your teeth aren’t in immediate danger of shifting out of alignment, the risk will increase the longer you wait.

What Immediate Steps Should I Take After Losing My Retainer?

If you lose your retainer, you should make an appointment to get a replacement as soon as possible. Contact your orthodontist to let them know you need a new retainer. If you no longer live near the orthodontist who did your orthodontic treatment, contact a new one.

Your other option is to get a custom retainer from an online vendor such as SportingSmiles, JS Dental Lab, or Chomper Labs. These companies offer retainers for nightwear and other types of mouthguards, and they’re often more affordable than they would be at a dental office.

In either case, it’s best to take the next step as soon as possible. Waiting even two weeks is enough to make your old retainer no longer fit comfortably. With enough time, your teeth may shift enough to be visibly misaligned again.

What If I Had Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign offers a plan for four sets of Vivera retainers (to be changed every three months) for an annual fee. However, you’re not required to use these because you had Invisalign treatment.

If you run out or lose your last set of Vivera retainers, you can get a new clear retainer from an online seller for the same or lower price. 

What to Do While You Wait for Your New Retainer

If you’re getting a replacement retainer through your orthodontist’s office, they may provide you a temporary retainer while you wait. With an online seller, you may not have this option.

In the meantime, continue taking good care of your teeth. Brush and floss daily, be mindful of hard or crunchy foods, and avoid using your teeth for things other than chewing. Once you get your new retainer, start wearing it as soon as possible.

How Quickly Can Teeth Shift Without a Retainer?

Though you may not notice a difference, your teeth can begin shifting within just a few days without a retainer. Fortunately, this movement will be subtle and easily corrected once you resume wearing your retainer.

Even after several weeks or months, the teeth shifting can be so subtle you might not notice it, or they have moved enough that your retainer is painful to wear. Additionally, your retainer might not fit anymore at all, in which case you’ll need a new one anyway.

In general, your teeth are less likely to shift dramatically if:

• Your orthodontic treatment needs were mild to begin with
• You were treated as a teenager before your jaw was fully grown
• You’ve worn your retainer consistently for several years

What are My Options for Replacing a Lost Retainer?

You have two basic options for replacing a lost retainer:

• Getting a new one from your orthodontist ($100-$600) — Ideally, you would go to the same orthodontist who made you the original retainer. If this isn’t feasible, you can still contact another orthodontic office for a replacement retainer.
• Purchasing one from an online vendor ($100-$200) — Several companies offer custom-made retainers for purchase online. They’ll mail you a dental impression kit, and once you’ve mailed it back, they can produce a custom retainer.

In either case, you’ll have to have new impressions taken of your teeth. These will ensure the retainer fits your teeth in their current positions (since they’re likely to have shifted at least a bit).

Will Insurance Cover a New Retainer?

Unfortunately, dental insurance usually doesn’t cover replacement retainers. However, some policies offer coverage for the first replacement or backup retainer.

Overall, it’s likely that you’ll have to pay out of pocket for your replacement retainer. For this reason, you may want to get your replacement retainer from an online seller. Their prices are at least slightly lower than what you’ll get at a dental office.

What if I End Up Finding My Old Retainer?

If you find your old retainer, you can continue wearing it. If it’s been only a day or two, you have nothing to worry about. If it’s been a few weeks, expect it to be uncomfortable for the first few days as your teeth readjust.

However, if you only find your retainer after several months or years, you will need a new one anyway. Your teeth are likely to have shifted enough to make the old retainer impossible to wear.

If you’ve already purchased a replacement retainer, talk to your orthodontist about what to do with the old one. If it hasn’t been long since you lost it, it may be worth keeping.

How Can I Prevent Losing My Retainer in the Future?

A good general rule is that if you aren’t wearing your retainer, it should be in its case. This makes it easier to keep track of.

It’s best to have a designated area for your retainer case and/or keep it with you when going out. This helps limit the number of places for your retainer to end up.

Wherever you store your retainer and case at home, it should ideally be:

• In a location that’s easy for you to remember and access
• Out of reach of pets and small children

More Reading

• Types of Retainers
• What Are Permanent Retainers?

Summary

If you’ve lost your retainer, you aren’t alone. Many people lose track of their removable retainers after orthodontic treatment.

However, it’s essential to act quickly to avoid new dental problems. If you don’t find your retainer within a few days, it’s best to start the process of having a new one made. Waiting too long could lead your teeth to shift out of alignment gradually.

How often and how long to wear your retainer are concerns that vary from person to person. Talk to your orthodontist about the best ways to keep your teeth straight for life. 

While teeth whitening products and procedures can safely whiten teeth, it’s still possible to experience gum irritation and tooth sensitivity due to their chemicals.

In this article, we’ll talk about how teeth whitening works, why gum irritation occurs, and how you can protect your gums during teeth whitening.

How Do You Treat Gum Burns after Teeth Whitening?

You can manage irritated gums after teeth whitening with immediate and long-term steps. Some cases may also call for professional help.

Immediate Soothing Methods for Burned Gums

If a whitening product is causing a burning sensation in your gums, cease treatment immediately and rinse your mouth with warm water. Once you’ve got the whitening tray and bleaching agent out of your mouth, try the following:

• Apply a mouth-safe salve to your gums, such as vitamin E oil or honey
• Apply an oral numbing gel
• Take over-the-counter pain medication (don’t take more than the recommended dose on the packaging)

Avoid any numbing agents with peppermint, eucalyptus, or other essential oils if you know you’re sensitive to them. Otherwise, they may make the burning sensation worse.

Post-Treatment Care

During the hours and days following whitening treatment, you’ll want to continue taking care to avoid exacerbating the pain. Here are some guidelines for managing both gum burns and sensitive teeth:

• Avoid hot, cold, spicy, or acidic foods, as these can make gum irritation and tooth sensitivity worse
• Avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol
• Rinse your mouth periodically with warm salt water
• Try a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth (hydroxyapatite toothpaste, in particular, can help restore the natural mineral content of enamel)

When to Seek Professional Help for Burned Gums

If your gum pain following teeth whitening is severe or lasts for several days without improvement, or if you notice your gum tissue peeling, call your dentist. Gum irritation following whitening is usually temporary; lasting or severe pain could indicate an underlying problem.

How to Prevent Burned Gums from Teeth Whitening?

You can reduce the risk of gum burns during teeth whitening by doing the following:

• Following the directions carefully — Although it can easily happen, the bleaching agent in whitening kits isn’t intended to make contact with your gums. By carefully adhering to the directions that came with your kit, you’ll stand a better chance of avoiding gum pain.
• Avoiding peroxide — Opting for a non-peroxide whitening product, or one with a lower peroxide concentration, is another way to avoid irritating your gums.
• Choosing a custom fit — Many at-home whitening kits include impression putty for making a custom whitening tray. This will ensure a better fit for your teeth, minimizing the risk of overflowing the whitening materials onto your gums.

Professional vs. DIY Teeth Whitening Treatments

Consider professional teeth whitening with a dental practitioner. In-office teeth whitening tends to use stronger peroxide concentrations than DIY whitening products. Despite this, it’s also less likely to cause unintended pain or discomfort.

There are two main reasons for this:

• A licensed professional will be monitoring every step of the process. They can adjust the whitening tray's fit, the bleaching agent's concentration, and the treatment duration.
• Your gums can be protected from the peroxide. Many in-office treatments include a protective coating that’s applied to your gums.

What Causes Gum Irritation During Whitening?

Gum irritation can result from tooth whitening products making contact with the soft tissue of your gums. Similarly, overexposure to these chemicals can also cause tooth sensitivity.

How Do Chemical Burns Occur?

Most teeth whitening products use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (which breaks down into the former). Hydrogen peroxide has a bleaching effect on tooth enamel.

While these products can be used safely, the peroxide could touch your gums. If this happens, the gum tissue may become temporarily irritated. Prolonged exposure can cause a mild chemical burn.

Impact of Whitening Trays and Kits

It’s easier to accidentally irritate your gums with at-home whitening trays and kits than with custom treatments administered by a dental professional.

This is partly because the concentration of peroxide isn’t being actively monitored. When applying it yourself, it’s also easy to misapply or overuse the bleaching agent.

Can Teeth Whitening Cause Permanent Damage to Gums or Enamel?

Excessive exposure to whitening products can cause long-lasting damage. Worn enamel can still be remineralized, but it won’t grow back on its own.

Gum burns from teeth whitening aren’t likely to last more than a few days. However, excessive use of whitening products or an underlying infection could make it last longer.

The Link Between Teeth Whitening and Sensitivity

Many people experience an increase in tooth sensitivity following bleaching treatment. This is normal and usually only lasts a few days, but understanding why it occurs may help you manage it.

Understanding Tooth Sensitivity Post-Whitening

Hypersensitivity in teeth is usually caused by thin enamel. When your enamel is worn down, it exposes the dentin underneath. This layer of the tooth contains small tubes, called dentinal tubules, that lead deeper into the nerves of your teeth.

The peroxide used in most whitening treatments can wear your enamel down if used excessively. It can also affect any dentin that’s already exposed.

Exposure of the dentinal tubules makes teeth significantly more sensitive to heat, cold, and pressure. Ironically, it also makes teeth appear less white, as dentin is naturally yellow.

In addition, hydrogen peroxide dehydrates your teeth, further contributing to pain and sensitivity. As your teeth gradually rehydrate, they’ll become less sensitive, but worn enamel may still be a factor.

How to Ensure a Safe Whitening Experience

To maximize your satisfaction with teeth whitening and minimize discomfort and pain, try the following:

Monitor Application Time

Don’t leave a whitening product in for longer than the recommended time. Prolonged exposure to the peroxide will make any side effects worse. One benefit of in-office treatment is that a professional takes care of the timing element.

Another form of excessive exposure is through using whitening products too frequently. If your product comes with a recommended schedule, it's important to stick to it and avoid using it more than directed.

You should wait until any pain from the previous treatment has fully subsided before going for another one. It’s best to consult your dentist before beginning another whitening treatment. 

Choose Non-Peroxide Whitening Options

Whitening kits that don’t use peroxide are also available. Many of these use baking soda, which physically removes stains rather than bleaching your enamel.

One notable non-peroxide option is the Hismile line of whitening products. Instead of baking soda, Hismile uses a bleaching formula that doesn’t cause sensitivity and can even help strengthen enamel.

You can read our review of Hismile’s whitening kit here.

Get a Tailored Whitening Process

Getting a custom whitening treatment rather than a one-size-fits-all product can also increase safety, comfort, and effectiveness.

Not everyone goes into whitening treatment with the same amount of enamel or gum sensitivity. Your baseline tooth sensitivity will likely be higher if you already have thin enamel. This means that whitening your teeth may hurt worse than it would otherwise.

Many at-home whitening kits include trays that can be molded to fit your teeth, as do most in-office whitening procedures. With a proper fit, it’s less likely that the whitening gel will end up on your gums.

Summary

Gum irritation is a well-known side effect of many teeth whitening treatments. It occurs when the bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide) makes prolonged contact with your gums.

Like tooth sensitivity, this irritation typically goes away after several days. However, it can be reduced or avoided by making informed teeth-whitening decisions.

Consult your dentist before using a whitening kit, or ask them if they offer in-office treatment. If an at-home whitening product causes pain, stop using it immediately.

Eagle syndrome (or styloid syndrome) is a rare condition that can cause sharp jaw and neck pain, often on one side. The pain may be brought on by moving the neck or jaw or swallowing.

This condition remains poorly understood, but it involves a bone abnormality that can interfere with nerves in the neck and jaw (see below).

Medical Definition of Eagle Syndrome

To understand Eagle syndrome, it’s important to define some terms regarding the anatomy of your neck and jaw:

• Styloid process — A thin piece of bone that juts out just under your ear. It’s an important anchor point for many muscles and ligaments in your throat and jaw.
• Hyoid bone — The bone that sits below your jaw and above your Adam’s apple. Held in place by multiple muscles, it’s the only bone in your body that isn’t in direct contact with any other bone.
• Stylohyoid ligament (SHL) — The ligament connecting the above two bones.

Eagle syndrome develops when the styloid process is elongated, the SHL is calcified (hardened), or both.

When this happens, turning your head, moving your jaw, or swallowing can become difficult without affecting certain nerves (and sometimes blood vessels) in your neck and jaw.

Why is It Called Eagle Syndrome?

Eagle syndrome (or Eagle’s syndrome) is named for the physician who first described it. Watt Weems Eagle, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon at Duke University, described the condition in 1937.¹

However, symptoms consistent with Eagle syndrome were reported as early as the 17th century.^2,3

Identifying Symptoms of Eagle Syndrome

Symptoms typically associated with Eagle syndrome include:

• Throat, jaw, or ear pain, which may be triggered by neck or jaw movement or swallowing
• The feeling of a foreign object in the throat (foreign body sensation)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excessive salivation

These symptoms are generally the result of nerve compression or irritation from the long styloid process or hardened SHL. They can affect only one side of the head, neck, or both.

Atypical Symptoms

Some cases of Eagle syndrome involve significant pressure on the cranial nerves and blood vessels of the head and neck.

Some less common symptoms, especially when blood vessels are involved, include:

• Persistent headache or pain in the nape of the neck
• High blood pressure within the skull
• Facial pain, which may be on one side of the face
• Jaw or neck swelling
• Unusual sensations in the head and neck

These symptoms can indicate potential complications, such as cerebral hemorrhage or stroke. Severe cases of Eagle syndrome can involve pressure on the jugular vein and/or carotid artery, which are vital for sending blood to and from the brain.

What Causes Eagle Syndrome?

Eagle syndrome is a result of underlying bone and ligament issues. The causes of these issues aren’t fully understood, but some potential risk factors have been identified.

Understanding the Styloid Process

The styloid process is a slender process (an outgrowth of bone) that juts down and forward from the temporal bone of your skull. You have two temporal styloid processes, one under each ear.

These processes are usually between 2 and 4 centimeters long and may be straight or curved.⁴ Several important muscles and ligaments attach to them, allowing you to chew, swallow, and move your neck and jaw.

When the styloid process is especially long, it can cause the pain associated with Eagle syndrome. However, only about 4% of people with an elongated styloid process show symptoms of Eagle syndrome.⁵

Risk Factors for Eagle Syndrome

While there is no one clear cause of Eagle syndrome, a few possible risk factors have been discussed by doctors and medical researchers:^6,7,8

• Tonsillectomy — Soft tissue damage after tonsil removal could cause bone formation, leading the styloid process to grow. Eagle proposed this as a cause, but most people with Eagle syndrome still have tonsils.
• Chronic tonsillitis — Chronic inflammation could affect the styloid process or SHL.
• Trauma — Many people with Eagle syndrome have a jaw or neck injury in their medical history. This trauma could have made the SHL harden, and the styloid process lengthen.
• Genetic factors — Some people may be predisposed to having a longer styloid process, contributing to the risk for Eagle syndrome. However, there doesn’t seem to be a relationship between styloid length and severity of pain.

These are all potential causes of Eagle syndrome, and even more factors may be involved. Researchers generally agree that more work is needed to establish how Eagle syndrome arises and how it might be prevented.

How is Eagle Syndrome Diagnosed?

Eagle syndrome is diagnosed through physical examination, observation of symptoms, and medical imaging.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for getting effective treatment. Because the symptoms sometimes resemble other conditions, people with Eagle syndrome may go from doctor to doctor without properly addressing their condition.²

Clinical Evaluation

An ear, nose, and throat doctor can arrive at a diagnosis by evaluating your symptoms and performing a physical examination.

When Eagle syndrome is suspected, one common test is to palpate (touch) the area of your tonsils. This frequently triggers pain and tenderness in people with Eagle syndrome because it allows the elongated styloid process to be felt.

Your doctor may also administer local anesthesia to your tonsils to see whether this provides relief. This gives your doctor more information about your symptoms and your potential response to treatment.⁵

Your doctor will also want to know your medical history. Any known medical conditions, surgeries you’ve undergone, or previous injuries will provide additional clues.

Imaging and Scans

Your doctor will also order imaging tests to get a picture of the bones and ligaments involved in Eagle syndrome. This includes X-rays, CT scans, and possibly ultrasound.

These scans will allow your doctor to take note of the length of your styloid process and other signs of Eagle syndrome.

Sometimes, an elongated styloid process is found incidentally during the evaluation of a panoramic X-ray at your dentist’s office. 

Treatment Options for Eagle Syndrome

Eagle syndrome is most effectively treated with surgery, but more conservative measures can also help. These less invasive methods may be used alongside surgery to provide complete relief.

Conservative Treatment Approaches

Conservative methods of treatment are generally the first resort and may consist of:

• Local injections — Anti-inflammatory steroids or long-lasting anesthetics may be used
• Oral steroids — Like locally injected steroids, these can help reduce inflammation
• NSAIDs — Non-steroid pain medications such as Tylenol
• Other drugs — These include anticonvulsant and antidepressant medications
• Physical therapy — Guiding, training, stretching, or relaxing the neck and jaw muscles can help relieve pain

Surgical Interventions

If conservative approaches don’t provide relief, the next step is usually surgery. The styloid process is amputated or reduced, and the stylohyoid ligament may also be resected (cut down).

Doctors can perform this surgery by going through the mouth, behind the tonsils, or through an incision in the neck, behind the jaw. You’ll be put under general anesthesia.

Which Treatment Method is Better?

Both methods have advantages. Going through the mouth won’t leave a visible scar and takes less time, but going through the neck allows for a better view of the area being operated on.

Whichever method is used, doctors have to take great care to avoid causing damage to nerves and blood vessels. You may need to take pain medication for a few days following surgery.

Clinical Studies and Further Research

More research is still needed to better understand Eagle syndrome and its causes. For example, it isn’t entirely clear why some people with long styloid processes don’t suffer any pain while others do.

The Importance of Clinical Studies

Much of what we currently know has been provided by case studies of individual people who have been treated for Eagle syndrome.

Dr. Eagle initially believed the condition resulted from soft tissue damage during tonsil removal surgery. But over time, many Eagle syndrome patients with no history of tonsil removal have been evaluated.

However, Eagle syndrome patients often have a previous neck or jaw injury in their medical history. This has given doctors more information about how the elongated SP or hardened SHL may have come about.

Participating in Research

If you’ve been diagnosed with Eagle syndrome, the details of your case may help future patients. Talk to your doctor about their involvement with any medical journals, or consider contacting one of the doctors cited in our list of sources at the bottom of this article.

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What is Eagle Syndrome?

NewMouth Podcast

Summary

Eagle syndrome is a condition involving an elongated styloid process, the piece of bone that juts out under your ear. The long bony protrusion can cause moderate to severe pain due to nerve irritation, and in some cases, it can affect blood flow to your head and neck.

This condition remains poorly understood, but early diagnosis and treatment can lead to complete relief.

Talk to your doctor if you notice sharp or radiating pain when swallowing, chewing, or turning your head from side to side. If you suspect Eagle syndrome, tell your doctor and consider making an appointment with an ENT.

What Are Inner Lip Tattoos?

Inner lip tattoos are small images or short words tattooed inside a person’s lip, usually the lower lip. Unlike permanent lipstick tattoos, they aren’t visible when someone’s mouth is closed.

Why are Inner Lip Tattoos Trendy?

Like many body art and fashion trends, celebrities have played a major role in popularizing inner lip tattoos. They became widely known in the 2010s, as celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Kesha, and Kendall Jenner revealed them.

Other factors that may play into the popularity of inner lip tattoos include:

• Relatively low cost ⁠— Compared to more common skin tattoos, inner lip tattoos can be much less expensive, often costing less than $125.
• Quick healing time ⁠— Inner lip cells regenerate quickly.
• Fading over time ⁠— Inner lip tattoos often fade within 5 years due to the fast cell turnover of inner mouth tissue. For some people, this may be a plus.

Listen In Q&A Format

What to Consider When Getting an Inner Lip Tattoo

NewMouth Podcast

How Painful Are Inner Lip Tattoos?

Inner lip tattoos are often considered to be more painful than some more common tattoos.

However, different people have different pain tolerance levels, so what one person considers very painful may feel mild to another. Other factors can also affect how painful a given tattoo is experienced.

Pain Level Comparisons

Regarding sensitivity, inner lip tattoos are often put in the same category as those on the ribcage, sternum, shins, and feet.

These areas either have a high concentration of nerve endings or are especially bony and low in body fat. They’re generally considered the most painful areas to have tattooed.

By comparison, tattoos on the back, outer chest, outer arms, and thighs tend to be some of the least painful, as these areas have more fat protecting them and/or fewer sensitive nerve endings.

Factors Influencing Pain Sensitivity

While the inner lip itself is more sensitive than many other parts of the body, other factors may reduce the amount of pain you feel, including:

• Your individual pain threshold ⁠— Some people have a higher tolerance for pain in general or in certain parts of their body than others.
• Tattoo size ⁠— Inner lip tattoo designs tend to be small; the smaller they are, the less time they will take. This means you’ll be in pain for a shorter amount of time.
• Technique ⁠— Many inner lip tattoos don’t go very deep to avoid the ink showing up on the outside of your mouth. This makes them less painful than they would otherwise be.

How Much Does an Inner Lip Tattoo Cost?

You can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for an inner lip tattoo. The exact cost will depend on a few factors, including:

• The experience and reputation of your tattoo artist
• Your location
• The complexity of the tattoo

For example, a small, simple lip tattoo design will likely cost less than a complex design done by a high-profile artist.

Inner Lip Tattoo Procedure

After discussing the design and procedure with your tattoo artist and signing the required forms, an inner lip tattoo session will likely go as follows:

1. Preparation ⁠— You or the artist can pull out your inner lip, and they’ll wipe it dry. You must keep it dry and held in place for the entire procedure.
2. Inking ⁠— Once your inner lip surface is ready, the artist can begin working. They’ll inject ink with a tattoo needle to create your design. Expect to hear and feel the vibration of the tattoo machine.
3. Final touches ⁠— Once your design is finished, the artist will wipe away any excess ink and go over the final result with you.

This entire process will not take very long since the tattoo won’t be very large. Tattoo artists also tend to keep inner lip work relatively shallow since deeper ink could become visible on the outside of your mouth.

Complications and Risks of Inner Lip Tattoos

Due to its location, an inner lip tattoo may be riskier than more conventional tattoos. The soft tissue inside your mouth differs from the skin and responds differently to tattooing.

Bacterial Infections and Swelling

Bacterial infection is the most important risk to avoid with an inner lip tattoo. The tattooed area can become infected if you aren't careful because it’s inside your mouth and can easily be irritated by food and drinks.

While some swelling early on is common, an infected lip can swell, making it painful and difficult to eat or drink. Good aftercare is essential to prevent this, as is choosing a reputable artist who uses sterile tools.

Because inner lip ink tends to fade fast (see below), you’d need frequent touch-ups to keep the tattoo looking the same. This could increase your risk of infection, as your inner lip would be repeatedly wounded.

Allergic Reactions

Though uncommon, it’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to tattoo ink. If this happens, you may experience itching, swelling, or hives in the hours following your tattoo session.

In severe cases, an allergic reaction may cause difficulty breathing. If this happens, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Tattoo Longevity and Fading

While inner lip tattoos tend to heal quickly, they also tend to fade for the same reason. Depending on your preferences, this could be a positive or a negative.

The lining of your mouth (oral mucosa) has a rapid cell turnover rate compared to many other parts of your body. This means that old cells are quickly replaced, and tattoo ink will tend to fade.

An inner lip tattoo may begin to fade in just a few weeks if the ink isn’t very deep. If the ink is deep enough, there may still be a faint remnant of the tattoo after 5 years. But the design won’t remain sharp and clear for a long time.

How to Care for an Inner Lip Tattoo

Lip tattoos require proper aftercare to ensure a good result and reduce the risks mentioned above. Take the following steps to care for your lip while it heals:

• Keep it clean — Your mouth is home to many bacteria, and you want to avoid an infection. Use an antibacterial alcohol-free mouthwash twice daily, and brush and floss your teeth as you usually would.
• Cut out irritants — Avoid spicy foods, anything acidic, alcoholic beverages, and mouthwashes while the tattoo heals. These can irritate your lips and prolong healing time. Smoking and vaping may also irritate your skin.
• Avoid sharing bacteria — Kissing, oral sex, and sharing food or drinks will introduce additional bacteria to your mouth. It’s best to keep these to a minimum for the first two weeks after getting your tattoo.
• Stay hydrated — Saliva plays an important role in the healing process for inner mouth tissue. Drink enough water throughout the day to ensure your mouth doesn’t get dry.
• Be careful with touch-ups — This tattoo often fades in weeks or months, leading some to get them touched up. But touching them up too frequently can interfere with healing and may end up blurring the design.

Summary

Inner lip tattoos have become increasingly popular over the past decade or so. Their small size, low cost, and often temporary nature have contributed to the trend.

Before getting a lip tattoo, know the risks involved. Discuss it with an experienced tattoo artist. Consider talking to your dentist, especially if you have any existing oral health conditions.

• Cheilitis is a broad term referring to acute or chronic inflammation of the lips.
• Chapped lips, angular cheilitis, and inflammation due to allergies or infections are all possible forms of cheilitis.
• Keeping your lips protected and moisturized may be enough to address a mild case of chapped lips, but some cases may need a professional diagnosis.
• If you have a sudden change in the appearance of your lips, or your lips are constantly cracking or peeling, it’s best to see a doctor.
• You should especially seek medical attention if you’re in pain or have symptoms affecting other areas of your body.

Listen In Q&A Format

What Is Cheilitis?

NewMouth Podcast

What is Cheilitis?

Cheilitis is a general term for lip inflammation. It can be acute or chronic and affect the following:

• Lips
• The skin around your mouth
• The lining inside your lips

Lip dryness, chronic exposure to the sun, allergies, and infections can all cause your lips to become inflamed. Here are various forms of cheilitis and how you can treat them:

Chapped Lips

Chapped lips are sometimes referred to as common cheilitis or cheilitis simplex. You may notice that your lips crack, peel, and develop deep grooves (fissures). This condition is very common and can have a variety of causes, including:

• Frequent lip licking
• Lip picking
• Cold or dry weather

You may lick your lips to moisten them, but excessive lip licking can worsen the problem. Your lips may become irritated and dehydrated as the saliva evaporates.

Lip balm can help alleviate lip chapping, but many common ingredients in lip balms have the potential to make the problem worse.¹ It may be best to use a bland or hypoallergenic balm, such as petroleum jelly.

Eczematous Cheilitis

Eczematous cheilitis, or lip dermatitis, covers many common lip conditions. It refers to lip irritation from an external cause (a form of contact dermatitis) or an internal one (atopic dermatitis).

Many common ingredients in lip cosmetics and lip balms, such as lanolin and eucalyptus oil, can cause allergic contact cheilitis. However, sometimes the cause is unknown.

Additionally, people who constantly lick their lips may develop another form of eczematous cheilitis known as lip licker’s dermatitis. A red, crusty ring appears around the lips due to the skin being irritated by saliva.

Angular Cheilitis

Angular cheilitis, or angular stomatitis, is inflammation of the corners of the mouth. Dehydration and chronic conditions like celiac disease can be a factor in developing angular cheilitis.

However, the condition is often associated with:

• Iron and vitamin B deficiencies
• Infections such as oral thrush
• Allergic reactions

People missing most or all of their teeth can also develop angular cheilitis. This is due to the mouth overclosing, with the lips folding in. It may occur together with denture stomatitis.

Infectious Cheilitis

Infectious cheilitis refers to any lip inflammation caused by an infection. Cold sores caused by oral herpes may be the most common form of infectious cheilitis.

Some of the known causes of infectious cheilitis include:

• Strep
• Staph infections
• Oral thrush

Poor oral hygiene and nutritional deficiencies can be contributing factors.

Actinic Cheilitis

Actinic cheilitis is caused by overexposure to the sun. UV rays from the sun can cause your lips (especially your lower lip) to become pale, wrinkled, and dry.

This form of cheilitis is more likely to occur if you:

• Spend many hours outdoors
• Have a lighter skin tone
• Live in a sunny climate.

In some cases, actinic cheilitis may develop into oral squamous cell carcinoma, the most common form of oral cancer.

Other Types

Other types of lip inflammation include:

• Orofacial granulomatosis — A painful condition affecting the mouth, lips, and face, possibly related to Crohn’s disease
• Exfoliative cheilitis — A condition where thick brown scales form on the edges of the lips, often related to stress, depression, or thyroid problems
• Drug-related cheilitis — Sometimes caused by vitamin A supplements, certain antivirals, or other drugs
• Cheilitis glandularis — An infection of the minor salivary glands in the lower lip, which can cause it to swell and turn outwards

What Causes Cheilitis?

As we discussed above, cheilitis can have various internal and external causes. The most common causes of cheilitis include:

• Licking or picking at your lips
• Chronic irritation
• Infections

However, cheilitis can also result from sun overexposure, other inflammatory conditions, and nutritional deficiencies, among other causes. Unfortunately, people often lick their lips or otherwise irritate them to alleviate the inflammation, creating a vicious cycle.

What are the Symptoms of Cheilitis?

The exact appearance and symptoms of cheilitis will vary depending on the cause and the person but may include the following:

• Lip dryness
• Flaking or scaling of your lips themselves or nearby areas of skin
• Discoloration of the lips (notably pale, redder than usual, etc.)
• Deep pits, wrinkles, or fissures in your lips
• Redness of the skin surrounding your lips
• Lip swelling
• Pain or itching

Some causes of lip inflammation, such as granulomatosis, may also affect other parts of your mouth and face.

Is Cheilitis Contagious?

In general, no. Even oral yeast infections typically aren’t contagious since they tend to be brought on by a weakened immune system.

However, one notable exception is oral herpes. Avoid kissing or sharing food and utensils if you have an open cold sore on your lip.

How is Cheilitis Diagnosed?

Doctors can generally identify cheilitis based on the appearance of your lips and the symptoms you report. To narrow down the cause of your lip inflammation, your doctor may conduct the following:

• A patch test to identify allergies
• A blood test
• Another diagnostic test

They’ll also note whether you have symptoms affecting other body parts.

What Treatments Are Available for Cheilitis?

The right course of treatment for cheilitis will depend on the underlying cause. It can include any of the following:

• A topical medication or ointment, such as hydrocortisone cream or petroleum jelly
• Eliminating any habits that may have contributed to cheilitis
• Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding specific allergens, eating a nutrient-rich diet, or reducing sun exposure
• Dietary supplements, such as iron, folate (B9), or B12
• Antibiotics or antifungal medications
• Dental work (if your lips are inflamed because of tooth loss or poor denture fit)
• Discontinuing certain medications if they’re causing cheilitis

The most widely applicable treatment is to keep your lips hydrated. However, some people are sensitive to common lip balm ingredients, making irritant contact cheilitis worse. Getting an allergy test and using a hypoallergenic lip balm can help prevent this.