Pain-Free, Decay-Free?
Decayed teeth may or may not cause a toothache, depending on the location and depth of the decay. For example, if the cavity is in the tooth enamel- the outer layer of the tooth- you probably wouldn’t feel a thing. It’s only after the decay continues through the enamel to the dentin- the softer, mid-layer of the tooth that lies between the enamel and the pulp- that you will start feeling the toothache throb.
Catching the decay while it is on the enamel layer of your tooth or in the dentin usually ensures that any damage can be repaired, and your tooth can be saved. However, once the decay makes its way into the nerve-filled pulp at the center of the tooth, the situation gets more complicated. Depending on the degree of decay, you may need to undergo a root canal to save the tooth. If the degree is large, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Saving yourself unnecessary discomfort, aggravation and money at the dentist can be as easy as following a consistent routine of flossing daily, brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and seeing your dentist regularly for a thorough cleaning and oral examination. In many cases, we can see what you can’t feel, and can recommend treatment plans that will address small dental issues before they become big, uncomfortable problems.
Dental Needs Of Seniors
Seniors are living longer than ever, and happily, preserving their natural teeth longer than previous generations, too. The inevitable inconvenience of tooth loss in senior years is fading, as seniors today are recognizing that vigilant oral hygiene combats age-related tooth loss.
The understanding that tooth loss is due to oral disease, rather than the result of how many years the teeth have been in service, is an enlightening moment for many.
In addition to regular dental cleaning and checkups, open communication is also part of the long-term oral health formula for seniors. Many people require more medications as they age. The downside to some medications is their effects on dental health.
It’s important that patients keep the dentist informed on their health conditions, and any medications they are on. For example, many medications cause a decrease in the saliva flow, which can lead to a dry mouth, subsequent dental decay- often showing up in the roots of teeth where the gums have receded to expose them- and possible tooth loss. It is imperative that dentists keep patients’ medical records updated- not only can this help explain some of the dental problems a patient may experience, it can also prevent potentially harmful drug interactions with the dental office.
There are different dental considerations at every stage of life. Only with consistent dental care and regularly scheduled continuing care dental appointments, can we improve our chances of healthy smiles right into our twilight years.
Toothbrushing Time Is Important
Despite the fact that periodontal (gum) disease begins between the teeth, and flossing is the best way to keep those areas clean, toothbrushing remains the primary method of oral hygiene. However, people do not spend adequate time brushing. Average toothbrushing time is between 30 and 60 seconds.
Recent studies have shown that longer brushing times indeed result in more plaque removal, but even at 3 minutes, significant plaque typically remains at the gumline. Studies have also shown that brushing without toothpaste removes as much plaque as brushing with toothpaste. Therefore, you should pay close attention to brushing at the gumline, and make sure you use toothpaste with fluoride in it as the main reason to use toothpaste is to provide strength and cavity fighting properties to the teeth. Yes, it also gives you minty breath!
The proper amount of time to brush the teeth is at least 2 minutes, with much cleaner teeth resulting if you brush for 3 minutes. An electronic toothbrush with a timer may be a good idea.
Poor Oral Health Linked To COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease making breathing difficult. It is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 12 million people are currently diagnosed with COPD and there are likely just as many more who are undiagnosed. Smoking is a significant risk factor for COPD.
Researchers now indicate that poor oral health is a risk factor for COPD. Major factors are plaque buildup, gingivitis and periodontitis. Careful screening by your dentist is essential.
Plaque linked to heart disease
Filed under: Dental Health, Health Related, Periodontal disease
A new article has linked subgingival bacteria (the main component of plaque) to heart disease. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD’s) are still the most common cause of death in industrialized countries. Known risk factors for CVD’s include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and male gender. However, accumulating evidence points to a bacterial or viral cause, with the bacteria in plaque becoming prime suspects.
Excellent home care is always an excellent course of action, but having your dentist screen for plaque buildup and periodontal disease is vital. In the future, there may be further screening tests to determine which type of plaque you may have and how likely you are to be susceptible to heart disease.
Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Implants are man-made ‘anchors’ that look like cylinders or screws. They are artificial replacements for natural tooth roots.
Implants are used in upper and lower jaws. They are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They attach to the jawbone and gum tissue to become a stable base for one or more replacement teeth.
How old is dental implant technology?
Dental implants have been used for several decades. More patients are using them as an option to replace missing teeth, according to the American Dental Association. One survey shows that more than 1.5 million implants were placed in a recent year.
Why consider dental implants?
There are plenty of reasons to replace missing teeth. If there’s a noticeable space between teeth when you smile or speak, its likely a cosmetic concern. Some missing teeth also affect speaking or chewing.
If you are self-conscious about having missing teeth or wearing dentures, dental implants may be an alternative that’s right for you. Dental implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth. It offers comfort and stability.
Who can benefit from dental implants?
Patients of all ages have chosen dental implants to replace either a single tooth, several teeth, or to support partial or full dentures. Dental implants help restore the ability to chew food. They help fill out a face that could otherwise look ’sunken’ because of missing teeth. Unlike dentures, implants are not removed for overnight soaking and cleaning. No adhesives are needed.
What steps are involved with dental implant treatment?
Treatment is generally a three- part process that takes several months. In the first step, the dentist surgically places the implant into the jaw, with the top of the implant slightly above the top of the bone. A screw is inserted into the implant to prevent gum tissue and other debris from entering.
The gum is then secured over the implant, where it will remain covered for approximately 3-6 months while the implant fuses to the bone. There may be some swelling and/ or tenderness for a few days after the surgery, so pain medication is usually prescribed to alleviate the discomfort. A diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup is often recommended during healing.
In the second step, the implant is uncovered and the dentist attaches an extension, called a post, to the implant. The gum tissue is allowed to heal around the post. Once healed, the implant and post can serve as the foundation for the new tooth.
In the third and final step, the dentist makes a custom artificial tooth, called a dental crown, based on a size, shape, color, and fit that will blend with your other teeth. Once completed, the crown is attached to the implant post.
Who’s a good candidate for tooth replacement with implant treatment? You are, if you are in good health and have healthy gums and adequate bone to support an implant. You must be committed to thorough oral hygiene to keep your mouth healthy and schedule regular dental visits.
Ask your dentist if implants are an option for you.
Source: American Dental Association
How to reduce bad breath (halitosis)
Bad breath, or ‘halitosis’ can be an embarrassing problem. Here are a few tips to help reduce it:
- Stay hydrated. Drink a lot a water.
- Chew sugarless gum.
- Brush your tongue.
- Brush daily for 2-3 minutes.
- Floss daily
- Get regular cleanings, as advised by your dentist.
- Have a dentist or hygienist make sure your dental work is in good condition.
- Do not use mouthwash more that twice a day.
- Limit halitosis inducing food and drink such as coffee, garlic, and onions.
If you’ve tried these tips and you or your mate notices halitosis, please contact your dentist for an evaluation.
Quick Tips For Patients To Reduce Tooth Hypersensivitiy
- Use a soft toothbrush.
- Brush with a sensitive toothpaste or one with enhanced remineralization properties.
- Chew sugarless gum with remineralization properties.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash 1-2 times a day.
- Avoid placing too much pressure on the toothbrush while brushing. Use a light grip.
- Limit acidic foods/beverages such as soda pop, citrus fruits and their juice, jams, wine, coffee, pickles, vinegar and sauerkraut.
- Avoid all tobacco products.
- Ask your dentist if these tips don’t seem to be working!
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Filed under: Dental Health, Health Related, Periodontal disease
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. Additionally, modifying certain behaviors such as quitting tobacco use, might also be suggested as a way to improve treatment outcome.
The dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.
Medications may be used with treatment that includes scaling and root planing, but they cannot always take the place of surgery. Depending on the severity of gum disease, the dentist or periodontist may still suggest surgical treatment. These are some medications that are currently used:
- Prescription antimicrobial mouthrinse
- Antiseptic ‘chip’
- Antibiotic gel
- Enzyme suppressant
Surgical treatments are also sometimes used to treat periodontal disease in areas that are not responding to non-surgical treatments. Surgical options include:
- Flap surgery
- Bone and tissue grafts
When considering any extensive dental or medical treatment options, you should think about getting a second opinion. Make sure you have had a complete explanation of the treatment plan and that you are comfortable with the dentist and office you are going with.
How Do I Know If I Have Periodontal Disease?
Symptoms are often not noticeable until the disease is advanced. They include:
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive Teeth
Any of these symptoms may signal a serious problem which should be checked by a dentist. At your dental visit:
- The dentist will ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to periodontal disease.
- The dentist or hygienist will examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation.
- The dentist or hygienist will use a tiny ruler called a ‘probe’ to check for periodontal pockets and to measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters.
- The dentist or hygienist may take an x-ray to see if there is any bone loss.
- The dentist may refer you to a periodontist, a specialist who treats gum disease.