Tooth Decay

The number one way to prevent tooth decay is by exercising good oral hygiene habits.

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Tooth decay occurs when harmful bacteria build up on the teeth and form layers of plaque, which in turn attacks the enamel on the teeth. There are numerous ways to prevent tooth decay, and everyone can develop better oral hygiene habits beginning with simple steps.

Brushing your teeth is a necessary part of preventing tooth decay. Adults should brush at least twice each day in the morning and at night before bed. Children should also brush regularly, preferably in the morning and before bed, as well as between meals. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay and keeps your teeth looking nice.

Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every six months at the least. For children’s teeth, use soft bristled toothbrushes that are the right size for their mouth and teeth. Always brush teeth in a circular motion and pay attention to all sides of the teeth. Also, remember to brush your tongue and gums, as this helps remove any bacteria that may be resting there. Regular brushing is the best way to prevent the plaque build-up that causes tooth decay.In addition to brushing, flossing between the teeth should become a regular part of anyone’s oral hygiene regimen. Flossing with either dental floss or dental picks helps to remove bacteria from between the teeth that the bristles of your toothbrush may not reach. Dentists recommend flossing each time your brush, but many would settle for a simple once-a-day commitment. You can also help prevent tooth decay by reducing the amount of sugary foods in your diet. Candy, sweets, and foods high in sugar and starch contribute heavily to the build up of plaque. Reducing the amount of candy and sweets you eat, and always brushing after eating them, can prove very helpful in preventing tooth decay. You should also make it a habit for you and your children to only chew sugar free gum.Experts also recommend a dental check up twice annually. However, many people neglect to visit the dentist due to lack of dental insurance, fear of dentists, or lack of accessibility. While adults might get by with less frequent visits, children should see a dentist for an oral check up and routine cleaning at least once, if not twice, each year. If you are without dental insurance, check with your local health department for assistance or referrals to dentists who are working with them to provide dental care at reduced rates.A dentist can examine your mouth and determine whether you have any problems with your teeth or gums that need to be addressed to prevent tooth decay and extend the life of your natural teeth. For certain people, a dentist might recommend a tooth sealant, especially for people whose mouths produce an excess of bacteria. A dentist can not only help you prevent tooth decay, but can also address other concerns, such as gum disease, abscessed teeth, and other conditions or diseases of the mouth.

Dental Cleaning

A dental cleaning is a fairly routine procedure that is rarely painful. Those who fear dentists or who have marked tooth sensitivity may feel more discomfort than the average patient. As well, those who have not had their teeth cleaned in a long while may expect to experience a longer cleaning, and some additional pulling or scraping to remove plaque from teeth. However, for most, a dental cleaning is more inconvenient than painful.

Once can expect the average dental cleaning to take between 30 minutes to an hour. If the cleaning is part of a yearly check-up, the dentist may also wish to take X-rays at this time to make certain no cavities are present. Usually, a dental hygienist performs most of the dental cleaning. The dentist will normally take a last look, and perhaps perform some difficult plaque removal toward the end of the cleaning, as well as evaluate the gums for gum disease.

One usually does not require pain medication for a dental cleaning. Some patients are made so nervous by dentists however that they may ask for and receive nitrous oxide. Alternately, a patient might take a tranquilizer about an hour before the appointment to help with anxiety. In cases of extreme anxiety, some dentists now perform what is called sleeping dentistry, where a patient can be medicated and essentially sleep through a procedure.

The hygienist will generally employ several tools during a dental cleaning. One tool is a tooth polisher that can buff teeth, and eliminate tiny pieces of plaque. Polishers generally have several different sized heads so cleaning can occur in hard to reach places.

Scalers look a bit like metal hooks and are used to remove hard plaque, especially between teeth. When the dentist is using scalers this may feel uncomfortable to painful depending upon one’s sensitivity level and pain threshold. Other factors that may determine pain is length of time since one’s last cleaning and extent of plaque build-up.

Dentists may also employ a device that shoots water into the mouth, so the person can rinse out plaque several times during the dental cleaning. In some cases, the dentist may merely use mouthwash for this purpose.

One can also expect a dentist to inquire about one’s home brushing and flossing activities. One is likely to hear a lecture during a dental cleaning if plaque build-up is bad or if regular brushing and flossing is not practiced. If one is regularly taking care of teeth at home, and plaque build-up is significant, this may indicate the need for more frequent cleanings.

A dental cleaning often concludes with advice about home care of teeth, and scheduling of appointments needed to take care of filling cavities. If one has a busy dentist, it may be wise to schedule the next cleaning well in advance, so one can keep regular six-month cleaning appointments.If one has a heart condition, or has undergone heart surgery, it is extremely important to let the dentist know prior to the day of the teeth cleaning. Those with heart problems or heart defects are at high risk for developing a condition called bacterial endocarditis, which can seriously affect the heart. The only treatment needed prior to a dental cleaning, unless otherwise instructed, is a dose of antibiotics an hour before the cleaning. If a dentist does not know the proper dosage, then one should contact one’s physician. Usually dentists will know the dosage, but if in doubt, one can also check with the American Heart Association, which lists all guidelines for bacterial endocarditis prevention.

Dental Filling

A dental filling is usually a two-part step. It is first the removal of decaying tooth matter, caused by cavities, or alternately, the removal of damaged tooth matter caused by injury. Secondly, the dentist applies different materials, to fill the removed portion of the tooth, which allows the person to have full function of that tooth. In some cases, tooth decay is so severe, that a crown must be constructed outside of the mouth, which is then fit onto the tooth. This is called indirect restoration. Most commonly, though, the dental filling occurs completely in the mouth, called direct restoration, without need for molds, crowns or bridges to be placed.The first part of the dental filling is often the most uncomfortable and most dreaded by patients. Dentists normally have to drill into a tooth to get to and excise decaying portions of the tooth. Generally, dentists use novocaine to numb the sensation of having the drill applied to the tooth, but both the sound and smell of the dental drill is enough to cause anxiety in many patients. Some patients have adverse reactions to novocaine, and go without it during drilling. The procedure is described as somewhat to very painful depending upon individual perception. A new way of reducing anxiety for people having a dental filling or other dental procedures is called sleeping or sedation dentistry. With certain medications, like versed, a person can be in what is called conscious sedation. They will generally not be conscious during the procedure and usually have no memory of it. Dental filling of teeth with conscious sedation is usually more expensive and not covered by insurance.The easier second half of the dental filling procedure is filling the tooth. Materials for fillings differ. In the US, dental amalgam, and polymer resins are most common. Dental amalgam is made of mercury mixed with metal. Concern about placing mercury into the mouth has been a matter of some debate, since some mercury clearly leeches from the dental filling and is ingested. This has led some dentists to prefer plastic polymers instead, and some parents to insist on children never receiving a dental filling that contains mercury. As yet, controversy over mercury present in dental amalgam has not subsided. Glass ionomer cements may also be used instead of dental amalgam.After a dental filling, some people report minor discomfort, once the novocaine wears off. Discomfort may actually derive more from the injection of the novocaine than from the actual dental procedure. Patients may be sent home with instructions for eating soft foods for the remainder of the day, and for avoiding very hot foods while the novocaine remains in effect. By the next day, most people feel no discomfort, and can indulge in any food or drink they like.

DENTAL FLOSS

DENTAL FLOSS

Though buying dental floss may seem to be a simple task, there are some things to consider before making a purchase. Choosing the right kind of dental floss can be important for caring for your mouth properly. The right dental floss can also make your oral hygiene routine pleasant, instead of frustrating.When buying dental floss, always take the time to consider the spacing of your teeth. Your teeth are unique and you want to make a choice that will work best for you. For example, waxed dental floss seems to work best for individuals with closely spaced teeth. Waxed floss tends to be easier to guide between teeth that are very close together. This type of floss also tends to be sturdier and less likely to break off between your teeth.

If you have wide gaps between your teeth, it may be wise to choose a tape dental floss. Tape dental floss is thicker than other types of floss. As such, it is generally better suited to flossing between widely spaced teeth.

When you’re buying dental floss, you’ll find both flavored and unflavored floss from which to choose. Selecting flavored or unflavored floss is really just a matter of personal preference. However, flavored dental floss may be good to have at times when brushing or rinsing your mouth is not possible. Flavored dental floss can help you to have a clean tasting mouth at such times. If you have limited dexterity or you suffer from a condition that makes manipulating regular floss difficult, consider buying dental floss that is preloaded in a holder. This type of dental floss has a plastic handle, allowing you to floss your teeth without much maneuvering. You can even purchase power flossers designed to make your job even easier. You’ll find lots of variety when you’re buying dental floss. You’ll likely find polymer and cord floss, as well as nylon varieties. Some floss is made of space-age materials, offering a particularly smooth flossing experience. When considering your options, be aware that most dental floss studies show no difference between the cleaning efficiency of the available varieties.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

DENTAL IMPLANTS

It is easy to understand why dental implants have become very popular these days Implant dentistry is highly predictable offers greater flexibility with regards to treatment possibilities and can give patients fully functional teeth in as short as an hour with minimum discomfort and pain using a local anesthetic with or without sedation. With todays technology dental implants can replace a single tooth or the entire upper or lower teeth They also help support dentures making them more secure and comfortable This makes them an ideal option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease an injury or some other reason. In the Philippines oral implants were first popularized by Dr Joseph D Lim a diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and former president of the Asian Oral Implant Academy At his clinic at Suite 202 of the Jollibee Center Building along San Miguel Avenue in Pasig City Manila Lim explained that people with dental implants have many reasons to smile First is because dental implants look feel and function just like natural teeth Lim said they stop the jawbone from shrinking and eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.Unlike traditional dentures and bridgework that rely on neighboring teeth for support Lim said dental implants integrate with the bone and healthy teeth dont have to be destroyed to accommodate them This results in an improved appearance a more natural smile and greater selfconfidence Since they are anchored securely to your jawbone Lim said dental implants also improve your appetite They allow you to eat your favorite foods with comfort and confidence.Just about anyone with missing teeth can get a dental implant provided he or she is in good health and has enough jawbone for the implant But the latter shouldnt be a problem nowadays since manufacturers have come up with new implant designs that match a persons bone structure.What Lim is more concerned about is the misuse of dental implants by some dentists who are pretending to be experts Lim warned that not all dentists can perform implant surgery which has its own share of risks thats why its important to check the persons credentials American Health magazine said that 90 percent of dentists who call themselves implantologists have attended only short weekend courses which are barely enough to make them experts To protect yourself from these pseudoimplantologists get to know the dentists background and training and dont be ashamed to ask. For toothless people who want to eat speak talk and live normally Lim said dental implants are the answer As the technology grows and becomes more affordable Lim is confident its only a matter of time before we see an end to the suffering caused by tooth decay.Oral implants are the future of dentistry In fact it is the only branch of dentistry that can replace missing teeth As the human lifespan increases so will the need for dental implants Despite advances in oral health tooth decay continues to be a major problem and the number of toothless people is expected to grow With dental implants these people can live normally and comfortably.