expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Andrew M. Spector, D.M.D.

Dentist

Dr. Andrew Spector is a Dentist practicing in Haworth, NJ. Dr. Spector specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
34 years Experience
Dr. Andrew M. Spector, D.M.D.
  • Haworth, NJ
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Accepting new patients

Are these crackling sounds in my ear from TMJ?

That's a great question. It does not sound uncommon as TMJ can come and go; especially depending on various factors like stressful situations or grinding and clenching during sleep. READ MORE
That's a great question. It does not sound uncommon as TMJ can come and
go; especially depending on various factors like stressful situations or
grinding and clenching during sleep. I would suggest consulting with an
oral surgeon. Many of them specialize in the joints associated with your
jaw. They can better guide you in managing these symptoms with different
treatment approaches.

Clicking in my jaw

Your dentist's referral to an oral surgeon is completely normal. Oral surgeons have a more specialized training, in most cases, regarding jaw joints and how to diagnosis whether READ MORE
Your dentist's referral to an oral surgeon is completely normal. Oral surgeons have a more specialized training, in most cases, regarding jaw joints and how to diagnosis whether your clicking is a problematic issue for your overall health.

Things like grinding, clenching or TMJ spasms can affect more than the stability and functionality of your teeth but can also lead to migraines and facial pain similar to trigeminal neuralgia.

I suggest scheduling a consultation with an oral surgeon to determine the reasoning for your issue and different ways to treat it.

Adult tooth is loose. What should I do?

I advise you to contact a dental professional as soon as possible to determine the extent of the injury and to review and discuss your treatment options.

Bloody painful gums, what should I do?

Irrigations of the mouth are never fun. Typically when a patient complains of painful, bloody gums, it indicates a form of inflammation. The inflammation can be related to several READ MORE
Irrigations of the mouth are never fun. Typically when a patient complains of painful, bloody gums, it indicates a form of inflammation. The inflammation can be related to several things ranging from food packing to severe periodontal disease (gum disease).

If you're having localized discomfort, I would suggest having a dentist evaluate to determine if there is debris caught in between your gums. Some foods, like popcorn, seeds, and nuts are notorious for embedding into gum tissue and causing discomfort and bleeding to that particular area. Also, aggressive flossing can cause microscopic cuts or scratches which can lead to pain and bleeding.

If you're having general pain and bleeding, I would advise going to the dentist as you may have a form of gum disease. There are several stages of this disease.

In the mildest cases, gum disease is calling gingivitis. Inadequate oral hygiene often causes gingivitis. Some of the other factors that may contribute to gingivitis include but are not limited to smoking, systemic diseases, and diabetes. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

However, untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. Over time, plaque can spread and germinate below the gum line. The harmful bacteria in plaque will irritate the gums; these toxins create a chronic inflammatory response. As hard as your body tries to fight the germs, it can not keep up with the rapid population, and the inflammation leaves it impossible to remove all the bacteria without a professional. If left untreated, the tissues and bone that support teeth are broken down and destroyed. Eventually, teeth become mobile because of the lack of supporting structure; this ultimately leads to the extractions.

These are just some of the factors that can contribute to your bleedy, painful gums. I would advise consulting dentist as soon as possible to pinpoint your exact issue.