COMMON DENTAL AILMENTS
Dental problems are never any fun, but the good news is that most of them can be easily prevented. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating properly and regular dental check ups are essential in preventing dental problems. Educating yourself about common dental problems and their causes can also go a long way in prevention
Tooth Decay
Did you know tooth decay, also known as cavities, is the second most prevalent disease. Tooth decay occurs when plague, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the food we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day, flossing daily and going to your regular dental check ups. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.
7 Ways to Prevent Cavities
1. Brush Your Teeth
In the fight against cavities, it is essential that you brush your teeth properly at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
2. Floss Daily
Food debris gets caught in between our teeth when we eat. If the debris is not removed, it can lead to cavities. Flossing everyday is the best way to remove food debris from in between the teeth.
3. Eat Healthy
Proper nutrition plays an important role in good dental health. Eating nutritional snacks and limiting the amount of sugary drinks will help to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth.
4. Visit Your Dentist
Many cavities can only be detected by a dentist or a dental X-ray. Visiting your dentist for regular check ups and cleanings are a key factor in preventing cavities and staying on top of good oral hygiene.
5. Have Sealants Placed
Dental sealants are a protective coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant protects the tooth from getting a cavity by shielding against bacteria and plaque. Sealants are more common in children because of the new growth of permanent teeth, however, sealants can benefit adults to.
6. Use a Mouthrinse
There are several antimicrobial mouth rinses on the market that have been clinically proven to reduce plaque. Rinsing with these mouth rinses after brushing or eating can aid in cavity prevention.
7. Chew (Sugarless) Gum!
Believe it or not, chewing certain sugarless gums can actually help to prevent cavities by increasing the flow of saliva in your mouth.
Bad Breath
If you suffer from bad breath, you are not alone. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be downright embarrassing. According to dental studies, about 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition that is to blame. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth and bacteria on the tongue are some of the dental problems that can cause bad breath. Using mouthwash to cover up bad breath when a dental problem is present will only mask the odor and not cure it. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, visit your dentist to rule out any of these problems.
Top 7 Ways to Prevent Bad Breath
Question: Preventing Bad Breath - How Do I Prevent Bad Breath?The following guidelines will help you eliminate or significantly reduce your halitosis. If you experience chronic bad breath, see your dentist or doctor as there may be a more serious cause for the embarrassing condition.
Answer:
- Prevent bad breath by brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day, especially after meals that contain food and spices known to cause bad breath. Remember to brush your tongue, or try using a tongue scraper, to remove any trapped food and plaque caught in the tiny hair-like fibers on the tongue. Finish off your brushing by rinsing thoroughly with water or mouthwash.
- Prevent bad breath by visit your dentist on a regular basis (every six months or as indicated by your dentist) for a complete examination of your teeth and gums and thorough cleaning by the dental hygienist.
- Preventing bad breath is achievable when you have dental problems treated as they occur, such as tooth decay, gum abscesses, and abscessed teeth.
- Preventing bad breath from smoking is easy when you take the necessary steps to quit smoking, as this is the only way to eliminate bad breath from the use of cigarettes, which is also responsible for periodontal disease.
- A dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a major factor when it comes to bad breath. Sip water throughout the day and during meals. Chew sugar-free gum or dissolve a sugar-free candy slowly in your mouth to keep help produce more saliva.
Gum (Periodontal) Disease
Gum disease is an infection in the gums surrounding the teeth. Gum disease is also one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults. There are two major stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Regular dental check ups along with brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily play an important role in preventing gum disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is mainly caused by bacteria from plaque and tartar build up. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Gum disease can be easily treated if it is diagnosed in the early stages.
Other factors that have the potential to cause gum disease may include:
- Tobacco use
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Certain medications
- Genetics
It is important to notify your dentist if you have any of these following warning signs of gum disease:
- Your gums bleed easily.
- Your gums are very red, tender and / or swollen.
- You can see pus in between your teeth and gums when they are pressed.
- Your gums seem to be pulling away from your teeth.
- You have chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
- You notice a change in your bite or in the way your teeth fit together.
- Your teeth are loose or they are separating.
- The fit of your partials or dentures have changed.
Treatments for Gum Disease
Depending on the type of gum disease, some of the available treatment options are:
- Removal of plaque and calculus by way of scaling done by your dental hygienist or dentist.
- Medications such as chlorhexidine gluconate, a mouth rinse prescribed by your dentist or hygienist to help kill the bacteria in your mouth, along with frequent cleanings.
- Surgery may be necessary in certain cases to stop, halt, or minimize the progression of periodontal disease. Surgery is also used to replace bone that was lost in advanced stages of the disease.
What Can I Do to Prevent Gum Disease?
Proper brushing and flossing is the easiest way to reduce and prevent gum disease, but regular cleanings with your dental hygienist or dentist are necessary to remove calculus and treat advanced gum disease. If you are concerned that you may have gum disease, contact your dentist. Brushing twice a day is not enough to remove plaque from in between the teeth, so it is very important to floss your teeth daily.
Mouth Sores
There are several different types of mouth sores and they can be pesky and bothersome. Unless a mouth sore lasts more than two weeks, it is usually nothing to worry about and will disappear on its own. Common mouth sores are canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores, ulcers and thrush.
Question: Canker Sores - When Should You See a Dentist?
Answer: Canker sores are very common and they are not contagious. These irritating little sores will normally go away on their own in about one to two weeks.
A dentist can easily diagnose and recognize the type of sore in your mouth based on where its located and how it looks.
The exact cause is still unknown. Women statistically suffer from canker sores more often than men. Canker sores are typically seen in people between the ages of 10 and 40, although they have been known to show up at any age. There is reason to believe that certain types of bacteria and/or viruses are responsible for the painful mouth sores. Canker sores are not contagious and are not related to the herpes simplex virus, also known as cold sores.
Treatment is generally not necessary for most canker sores as they tend to heal quickly on their own. Even though treatment is usually not necessary for a canker sore, you should see a dentist if one or more of the following occur:
- The canker sores persist more than two weeks
- The canker sore is unusually large (more than one centimeter in diameter)
- A persistent high fever accompanies the sores.
- The pain from the canker sore is unbearable
- You experience difficulty drinking with the sores
Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion is the loss of tooth structure and is caused by acid attacking the enamel. Tooth erosion signs and symptoms can range from sensitivity to more severe problems such as cracking. Tooth erosion is more common than people might think, but it can also be easily prevented.
How to Prevent Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion can do severe damage to your teeth, but it can also be prevented.
Tips to prevent tooth erosion:
- After eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages, rinse your mouth with water so that the acid will be neutralized.
- Wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth after consuming acidic foods or beverages to allow the teeth to remineralize after the acid exposure.
- Cut back on carbonated drinks and try replacing them with water, milk or un-sweetened coffee and tea.
- Use a straw when drinking carbonated beverages or other sweet drinks, such as natural fruit juices, which are very acidic. A straw enables the liquid to go quickly to the back of your mouth instead of washing over the teeth.
- Always use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride can help to reduce tooth sensitivity.
Since tooth erosion can occur from several different factors, it’s important to talk with your dentist if you suspect that you might have tooth erosion. Your dentist can also keep you informed of dental products that are designed specifically to help sensitivity caused by tooth erosion.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects millions of people. Basically, tooth sensitivity means experiencing pain or discomfort to your teeth from sweets, cold air, hot drinks, cold drinks or ice cream. Some people with sensitive teeth even experience discomfort from brushing and flossing. The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated.
What is Fluoride?
Answer:
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is often added to drinking water and is commonly found in toothpaste. Research has shown that the rate of cavities decreases in areas where fluoride is added to the water supply. Health authorities, such as The American Dental Association and The World Health Organization, both advocate the addition of fluoride to drinking water, and recommend you use toothpaste that contains fluoride, if age appropriate.
If you do not have fluoride in your water, fluoride is also available in:
- Tablets
- Rinse
- Varnish
- Foam
Speak with your dentist if you are concerned whether or not you are receiving enough, or too much fluoride daily. Fluoride treatments are also given at your dental office after a cleaning appointment every six months to one year.
Toothaches and Dental Emergencies
I can't think of much worse than suffering from a toothache. While many toothaches and dental emergencies can be easily avoided just by regular visits to the dentist, we all know that accidents can and do happen. Having a dental emergency can be very painful and scary. Fortunately, you can do several things until you are able to see your dentist.
Tips for Managing Dental Emergencies
As we all know, accidents can and do happen. If you or someone you know has a dental emergency, don’t panic. These tips will tell you what to do in case of a dental emergency.
1. Toothaches
Never put any pain killers, including aspirin, on the gum because it can burn the gum tissue. Clean your mouth out by rinsing thoroughly with warm water. Gently floss around the tooth to remove any food particles that may be caught there. If your tooth continues to hurt, you should call your dentist as soon as possible. A toothache can result from several dental problems. Regular dental check ups and dental cleanings can help prevent toothaches.
2. Broken Tooth
If your tooth breaks, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist immediately. You should also clean your mouth out by rinsing thoroughly with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling.
3. Possible Broken Jaw
If you think that your jaw might be broken, apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling. You will need to see your dentist immediately or go to the emergency room of a nearby hospital.
4. Knocked Out Tooth
If your tooth has been knocked out, rinse the tooth off very gently to make sure it is clean. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue that is attached to it. Be sure to place a towel or wash cloth in the sink so that it does not go down the drain. If you can, gently place the tooth back into the socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a small container or cup of milk. You will need to take the tooth with you and get to your dentist immediately.
5. Bitten Tongue or Lip
If you have bitten your tongue or lip, gently wipe the area clean with a cloth. Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling. If the bleeding will not stop, you should go to the emergency room of a nearby hospital.
6. Something Caught Between Your Teeth
Gently insert a piece of dental floss or a dental flosser. Be very careful not to cut the gum tissue. If you are unable to remove the object, contact your dentist. Never use a sharp object to try and remove something that is stuck in between your teeth.
Unattractive Smile
While an unattractive smile is not technically a "dental problem," it is considered a dental problem by people who are unhappy with their smile and it's also a major reason that many patients seek dental treatment. An unattractive smile can really lower a person's self-esteem. Luckily, with today's technologies and developments, anyone can have a beautiful smile. Whether it's teeth whitening, dental implants, orthodontics or other cosmetic dental work, chances are that your dentist can give you the smile of your dreams.
Teeth Whitening Options
Teeth whitening has become so popular that it seems like everyone is doing it. If you want to obtain a bright and white smile, teeth whitening may be just what you are looking for. Not only is teeth whitening effective, it can also drastically change your smile and improve your self-esteem at the same time.
The peroxide ingredient in most teeth whitening products is what actually bleaches the enamel and makes your teeth whiter. The strength of the whitening treatment typically depends on the strength of the peroxide contained in the whitening product. The current percentages of peroxide in teeth whitening products are 10%, 16% and 22%.
If you are considering teeth whitening, be sure to review the facts about teeth whitening with your dentist first. Only your dentist can tell you if your teeth and gums are healthy enough to go through a whitening process.
If your dentist has determined that you are a candidate to have your teeth whitened, you will need to decide which teeth whitening method to choose from.
Teeth Whitening Options
- In-Office Bleaching -- In-office teeth whitening offers excellent results. This procedure is performed in the dental office and can be done quickly, usually in a little over an hour. In-office bleaching is expensive, but the time that you save by having immediate results can make this option appealing.
- Teeth Whitening Trays and Gels -- Teeth whitening trays and gels are effective, but the desired results take longer to achieve than with in-office bleaching. Depending on the strength of peroxide in the gel, these clear trays are usually worn a couple of hours a day or overnight and could take anywhere from 3 days to a couple of weeks before any results are noticed. There are basically two types of teeth whitening trays and gels: Those purchased from your dentist and those purchased over the counter. While they will both whiten your teeth, the two have noted differences.
Teeth whitening kits from the dentist produce faster and more effective results because they contain a stronger peroxide-bleaching agent than whitening kits purchased over the counter. Another benefit of trays and gels from the dentist is that the trays are custom made and fit your teeth exactly. Over-the-counter trays are generic sized and could allow the bleaching agent to come into contact with your gums, causing irritation.
- Teeth Whitening Strips -- Teeth whitening strips are popping up in every drug store across the nation. These whitening strips sold over the counter are fairly inexpensive, easy to use and most of them really work. Teeth whitening strips may take take longer to produce the desired results depending on the strength of peroxide that they contain. Good Housekeeping did an interesting study about which whitening strips work the best.
- Teeth Whitening Toothpastes -- Teeth whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives to remove surface stains. Some whitening toothpastes may have additional polishing agents and special chemicals that are more effective against stains than regular toothpastes, but teeth whitening toothpastes are not designed to actually "bleach" your teeth.
- Other Teeth Whitening Products -- New teeth whitening products are always popping up including whitening chewing gum, dental floss and mouthwashes. While these products are relatively new, not much research has been done to prove or disprove the effectiveness of these whitening products. I have actually tried all three and I am sad to say that while they tasted good or worked well, I didn’t see any whitening results.