DENTAL EXAMINATIONS & HYGIENE

Plaque is a colourless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If left undisturbed, it hardens to form tartar. The bacteria in the plaque produce byproducts that can not only irritate the gums and make them bleed, but it can also lead to periodontal disease. A daily regimen of proper brushing, flossing and rinsing (plus, regular dental visits), will help you keep your teeth healthy.

Healthy tissue doesn’t bleed. This is most likely a sign of early gingivitis. If you experience bleeding gums, see your dental health professional to review proper brushing and flossing techniques. Schedule a soft tissue evaluation with your dentist that will include x-rays and prophylaxis cleaning. Gum bleeding must be taken seriously because if left untreated, it will lead to periodontal disease.

People accumulate plaque at different rates. Although most insurance plan coverage is for a twice a year schedule, it’s sensible to get your teeth professionally cleaned as often as your dental health professional advises you, even if it’s every 3 months.

At least once a day. There’s an old adage among dentists:Floss only the teeth you want to keep. If you don’t want to lose your teeth, floss every day. Otherwise, you’ll be 75% more susceptible to periodontal disease that has been documented to have serious health consequences, e.g. a higher likelihood of heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia and infections. About 45% of American adults have some form of gingivitis, and most adults over 60 have already lost their teeth. Don’t be one of them. Floss at least once a day.

Bad breath occurs when sulfur compounds are produced in the body and released into the air. The most common source of this sulfur is anaerobic (without oxygen) bacteria that live in the grooves or fibers at the back of the tongue. These bacteria produce the sulfur that gives off an unpleasant smell. This frequently occurs when the mouth is dry, creating an ideal environment for anaerobic bacteria to thrive. Sulfur compounds are also produced when certain types of food are consumed. The compounds make their way into the bloodstream and then to the lungs, where they are excreted into the air we exhale.

Canker sores are shallow, painful sores in your mouth. They are usually red or may sometimes have a white coating over them. You may get them on the inside of your lips, the insides of your cheeks, the base of your gums or under your tongue. Canker sores are different from fever blisters, which usually are on the outside of your lips or the corners of your mouth.

Anyone can get canker sores, but women people in their teens and 20s get them more often. Canker sores may run in families, but they aren’t contagious. Causes of canker sores are unknown but they may be triggered by stress, poor nutrition, food allergies, spicy foods and menstrual periods.

Treatment

Canker sores usually go away without treatment. However, for pain relief your dentist may recommend medicines such as Anbesol, Oragel, Orabase and Zilactin-B, which may prevent your canker sores from becoming irritated by eating, drinking or brushing your teeth. These medicines can be applied directing on the sore with your finger tip or a Q-tip. Gently dry the sore with a swab before applying. Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after applying.

Prevention

Unfortunately, causes of canker sore formation are unknown. However, using toothpaste that does not contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), avoiding hard, crunchy or spicy foods and chewing gum may help reduce mouth irritation. Brushing your teeth after meals, using a soft toothbrush and flossing every day will also keep your mouth free of food that might cause a canker sore. If you get canker sores often, or if they’re very painful, talk to your dentist.

When used in appropriate amounts it encourages “remineralization,” a strengthening of weak areas on the teeth such as the pits and the fissures on the teeth. Fluoride occurs naturally in water and in many different foods, as well as in dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, gels, varnish and supplements. Fluoride is effective when combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.

Topical fluoride is applied on cleaned tooth surfaces to strengthen teeth and help fight decay.

Children who benefit the most from fluoride are those at highest risk for dental decay. Risk factors include a history of decay, high sucrose carbohydrate diet, orthodontic appliances and certain medical conditions such as dry mouth.

Dental tarter is a layer of deposits formed over teeth which should be removed from time to time. Normal teeth brushing and flossing may not be able to remove certain deposits. Dental prophylaxis is the medical term used for professional dental cleaning. This process is followed by dentists to prevent dental diseases. During the process plaque and other irritants which can cause harm to oral health are removed from the oral cavity. Dental prophylaxis is recommended protect the patients from dental diseases. The team also takes X-rays to check signs of tooth decay and gum infection.

Scaling and root planing also called as deep cleaning is performed to remove tarter and infectious bacteria from the surface of the teeth and roots. Dentists use special tools to remove the tarter from the gum pockets and teeth surface. This can cure and prevent gum diseases. If left untreated periodontal diseases can affect the teeth roots and cause them to loosen and fall out. The process of scaling and root planing can be done in multiple visits. This depends on the amount of tarter present over teeth. After the procedure is complete patients should follow the tips provided by dentists and visit the practice routinely to keep the periodontal disease in control.

Tooth decay is the disease known as caries or cavities — a highly Preventable disease caused by many factors.

The answer is… everyone who has a mouth. We all host bacteria in our mouths which make everyone a potential target for cavities. Risk factors that put a person at a higher risk for tooth decay include:

• Persons with diets high in sweets, carbohydrates, and sugars
• Persons who live in communities with limited or no fluoridated water supplies
• Children and senior citizens