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.

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.

Once baby arrives, you will need advice on dental care for his or her gums and primary teeth.

Believe it or not, research reveals that cavities are contagious, especially for babies and younger children!  Children can develop tooth decay from being exposed to certain bacteria passed on from their parents.  The transmission can come from sharing utensils, or any other activity that might transmit even a minute particle of saliva transferred from one mouth to another.  By keeping their own teeth clean, healthy and free of decay, parents can help reduce their children’s exposure to decay- causing bacteria, and therefore reduce the chances of cavities in their children’s early years.

How Does The Damage Occur?

Typical thumb habits tend to protrude the upper teeth, as well as retrude the lower teeth.    The higher the frequency and longer the duration of the habit will cause corresponding increase in severity of the problem.

What Should Be Done?

At an early age, treatment may begin with simple behavior management using encouragement, positive reinforcement, and rewards.  if the damaging effects are slight, spontaneous correction may occur when the habit is stopped early enough.

In cases where the harmful habit persists beyond the eruption of the 1st molars (about age 6), a fixed habit breaker/ tongue crib is used.  It is important to help the child understand the appliance is intended as a ‘reminding appliance’ and not a punishment.  Again, positive reinforcement and rewards can be a powerful incentive to help a child who needs to wear such an appliance.

How Does It Work?

A habit breaker appliance works passively by allowing the lower jaw to continue normal growth without interference of a thumb habit.  When inserted early enough, there is a good possibility for auto correction.

How Long Should It Stay In?

In younger children, it should be left in place for at least several months after the habit has stopped, or until an open bite has closed, whichever is longer.  In older children, further orthodontic treatment may be necessary, though the appliance still should remain in place for 6-12 months after the habit is gone.

How Is A Habit Breaker Appliance Made?

An impression is taken of the upper teeth and the appliance is fabricated from that.

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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.