Üsküdar University Dental Hospital

Dry mouth can result from insufficient saliva production, a decrease in saliva volume, or the sensation of the mouth feeling drier than normal. Many factors can cause dry mouth, ranging from simple causes such as not drinking enough water during the day to medications, mouth breathing, certain systemic diseases, and treatments that affect the salivary glands.

Short-term dry mouth is often caused by temporary factors such as dehydration, intense physical activity, stress, or prolonged speaking. However, if the sensation of dryness becomes persistent—especially if it is accompanied by difficulty eating or speaking, bad breath, a burning sensation in the mouth, or an increase in tooth decay—it is important to investigate the underlying cause.

Saliva is not merely a fluid that moistens the inside of the mouth. It helps protect the teeth and oral tissues, aids in the removal of food particles from the mouth, facilitates chewing and swallowing, and plays a role in balancing acids in the mouth. For this reason, prolonged dry mouth can affect both his daily comfort and his oral and dental health.

Pregnancy gingivitis is a common condition of the gums during pregnancy and is often associated with hormonal changes. Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body during pregnancy can increase blood flow to the gums, which can cause tenderness, swelling, redness and even bleeding. Even simple oral hygiene practices, such as brushing or flossing, can lead to gum irritation more easily. This is particularly common during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as hormone levels are at their highest.

Black spots on teeth are dark-colored changes that appear on the tooth surface or within the tooth structure. These discolorations—which may appear black, dark brown, or in the form of spots—do not always stem from the same cause. While some result from pigments accumulated on the tooth surface from tea, coffee, and tobacco, other black areas may be related to tooth decay, tartar, or color changes within the tooth’s internal structure.

Therefore, it is incorrect to assume that every black spot on a tooth is a cavity, just as it is incorrect to dismiss every black stain as merely a superficial discoloration. In particular, dark-colored areas that have recently appeared, are growing, or are accompanied by tooth sensitivity or pain should be evaluated by a dentist.

Superficial stains on teeth can be reduced or removed through professional procedures such as tartar removal and polishing. However, if decay lies beneath the black appearance, simply removing the stain is not sufficient; the decay must be properly treated. Similarly, the treatment approach for color changes originating from the tooth’s internal structure differs from that used for superficial stains.

Therefore, how to remove black stains on teeth depends primarily on the cause of the stain.

Tooth transparency is a condition caused by the thinning or loss of the enamel layer on the surface of the teeth. This condition is usually caused by a variety of factors, such as excessive consumption of acidic beverages, excessive brushing, acid reflux, the use of dental abrasives or genetic factors. The weakening of tooth enamel can cause teeth to lose their natural whiteness and acquire a transparent appearance.

Toothache is often associated with tooth and gum problems. Below are some common causes of tooth aching and some general suggestions that can be used to alleviate or relieve this problem. However, these suggestions may only provide temporary relief and it is important to consult a dentist to solve the actual problem.

Enamel is a hard, mineral-rich layer that covers the outer surface of the tooth. Enamel is the outermost layer on the tooth and surrounds the softer tissues of the tooth (dentin and pulp). This mineralized structure usually contains calcium and phosphorus and ensures that teeth are durable, hard and able to chew. To strengthen tooth enamel, it is important to first adopt regular dental care habits. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a fundamental step in protecting enamel. Using toothpastes containing fluoride is also an effective way to strengthen tooth enamel.

Toothache during pregnancy can occur due to factors such as hormonal changes, increased blood circulation and an increase in stomach acid. Problems such as gum sensitivity, tooth decay or gingivitis can also cause toothache during pregnancy. Recommended measures against toothache during pregnancy include regular brushing, flossing, regular dental check-ups and a healthy diet.

Toothache is sometimes felt as a mild sensitivity, while at other times it can be severe enough to wake someone from sleep at night. Particularly throbbing, prolonged toothache that recurs despite painkillers should not be regarded merely as temporary sensitivity. Different problems such as caries, inflammation of the dental nerve, abscess, cracked tooth, or gum diseases can cause pain in a similar way.