

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

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.

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.