Skin Sensitivity and Peeling Inside the Mouth - Dental Health - Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Dental Health Skin Sensitivity and Peeling Inside the Mouth By Dr. James E JacobsReviewed: June 11, 2007Fact-CheckedQ1. Why does the skin in my mouth peel after I brush my teeth? Is there a toothpaste I can use that will prevent this from happening? It's not normal for the skin in your mouth to peel after brushing. Possible causes of skin peeling in the mouth include:Some type of oral skin reaction to medications you are takingSome type of autoimmune disease showing oral signsEating or ingesting something caustic that would burn the tissueA reaction to radiation therapyAn oral condition, which can occur at different periods in your life, that causes innocuous shedding of the outer skin in your mouth, or a loss of tissue The best thing you can do is to see a knowledgeable oral pathologist or oral surgeon. Skin peeling does not occur without a cause, although this does not mean it is something serious. Someone must evaluate your mouth for different kinds of systemic lesions to determine the culprit. If your mouth is sensitive and irritated, it's a good idea to use the softest toothbrush available and a very gentle toothpaste, such as Tom's of Maine, which can be found in most stores. I also suggest that you rinse your mouth with warm salt water three or four times a day, just to bathe the tissues and make them feel better. However, you must see a professional to determine the cause of the problem so it can be properly treated. Treating the symptoms might make you feel better in the short term, but finding their cause is most important. Q2. I've heard that my old silver fillings probably contain dangerous mercury, and I should have them replaced. I don't think insurance will pay for replacements — but I don't want to leave poison in my mouth! Is it really dangerous to leave old fillings in place? What are the options for replacing them? — Jill, New York The safety of dental silver fillings (amalgams) is one of the hottest topics in dentistry today. Silver fillings are called amalgam restorations because they are an amalgamation of several metals (tin, zinc, copper, and silver) combined with elemental mercury. These metals are mixed together and then placed in the carefully prepared holes made by the dentist. Over the years, people have questioned whether the mercury portion of the fillings leaches, or comes out, and if so, whether the mercury affects their health. It seems as if the answer is no. Recently a series of articles appeared in national publications, including the Wall Street Journal (September 12, 2006), questioning the safety and long-term efficacy of amalgams. However, an FDA advisory panel had reported on September 6 that there was no new scientific evidence to justify regulation of dental amalgams. The report was based on a review of 34 recent studies, which found "no significant new information," though the panel did say that more research is needed. Immediately after the FDA announcement, the American Dental Association issued a news release welcoming further study on amalgam safety, while reiterating that "the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence supports the safety and efficacy of dental amalgam" and that amalgam should remain available for dentists and patients. I have a number of amalgams in my mouth that my dad (also a dentist) placed there 30 to 40 years ago. I personally feel they are safe and would not remove them unless I had a crack or decay around them. Amalgams are amazing restorations and are relatively low-cost, especially given the length of time that they last. However, fillings don't last forever; your dentist must check the integrity of them during your regular cleaning appointments. If it should come to pass that an old amalgam needs replacement because of a crack or decay, you do have options. Replacement fillings can be made of gold (one of the best materials for teeth but no longer stylish), tooth-colored bonding materials, or tooth-colored porcelain. Discuss the options with your dentist to determine which material is best suited for your mouth. People who grind their teeth may be better off with gold restorations since porcelain tends to fracture more easily. It also depends on how much tooth structure has been lost to decay and what type of bite you have. Q3. I am 30 years old and had been seeing the same dentist my whole life, then I moved and had to find a new one. I went for my first cleaning with the new dentist and was told I had 10 cavities. I was shocked since I had just gone for a cleaning 6 months earlier and there was no problem at all. In fact I have no history of having any problems with my teeth. How do I know if I really have that bad of a problem? My teeth never even bother me. – January, Connecticut Dentists trained in U.S. dental schools receive very similar dental educations. There are standardized textbooks, curriculums, and local and national exams to take. These exams are written, oral, and practical. Thus, a diagnosis should be the same everywhere. However, a treatment plan or treatment options can vary. These differences can depend on the dentists' abilities, knowledge, experience, confidence, ethics, concern and continuing education. All dentists should agree on whether or not a cavity (a hole in the tooth) exists. But many dentists may disagree on when to treat the cavity, for there are different guidelines on this. Some dentists treat a cavity when it is only in the enamel (outer layer of tooth structure) whereas others would make note of this hole to watch and treat only if it gets deeper. Many others would wait until the cavity penetrated into the dentin (the second layer of tooth structure). This is a judgment call—there's no right or wrong. The answer to your question is to get a second opinion from a well-respected dentist in your area. Word of mouth may be a good indicator but in seeking a second opinion, make sure you analyze several factors including :Respect in communityOffice staffOffice cleanlinessTechnologyEducation and continuing educationReputation for honestyLevel of compassion and caring Learn more in the Everyday Health Dental Health Center. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Dental Health Byte Invisible Braces Review 2022 Byte clear aligners are a more affordable option for correcting mild to moderate dental issues at home than Invisalign or metal braces. 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