General Dentistry

Bad breath

Halitosis is very embarrassing and an annoying problem to have. If not treated properly, bad breath can interfere with your work and social life, not to mention your love life.
Whilst some foods may contribute to bad breath such as onions and garlic it is a common misconceptions is that halitosis is caused by the purely by the foods we eat. While many manufacturers promote home remedies to clear the smell, they only mask the problem, subsequently causing more harm than good. The only way to rid yourself of the bad breath is to find its source. The only full-proof way of eliminating halitosis is to see your dentist to determine the cause. There could be many factors at play, such as gum disease, dry mouth (xerostomia) or certain medical conditions.

Tips for top tip breath:

• Floss and brush your teeth, gums and tongue daily.
• Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of fluids, chewing sugar-free gum
• Be aware of foods that may contribute to bad breath such as onions and garlic.
• Brush your teeth after consuming milk products, fish and meat.
• Cut back on tobacco use and alcohol intake
• Talk to your dentist about oral or medical problems that might be the cause of bad breath.

Oral Hygiene

Meticulous oral hygiene is important to keep your mouth healthy, to prevent gum disease and decay of the teeth. In addition, several recent clinical studies show a direct link between poor oral hygiene and serious systemic diseases, such as

• Cardiovascular Disease (Heart attack and Stroke)
• Bacterial Pneumonia
• Low Birth Weight
• Diabetes complications
• Osteoporosis
  

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque breaks down to produce acids that attacks tooth tissue. Eventually this will cause tooth decay after repeated attacks. Thorough daily brushing and flossing will keep plaque at a minimum.

Plaque bacteria can also cause irritation to the gums, making them red, tender, or bleeding easily. In some cases, the gums pull away from the teeth, leaving cavities inhabited by bacteria and pus. If this is not treated, bones around the teeth can be destroyed. Teeth may become loose or have to be removed as with periodontal (gum) disease in mostly adults. This is called gum disease.

Brushing should be carried out twice a day minimum, taking at least two minutes each time . It is a good idea to time yourself as most people will brush for less than this time.. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gumline, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:

• Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
• Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
• Clean the chewing surfaces
• For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too

Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline and sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline.	Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes.	Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath

Flossing is an important element of the oral hygiene, since it removes the plaque and the decaying food remaining stuck between the teeth. For proper inter-dental cleaning is recommended to floss at least once per day, preferably before bedtime. If you find flossing difficult there are other intredental aids to clean between the teeth. These include interdental brushes and oral irrigation systems.

Diet and Decay

Mouth bacteria will use dietry sugars to produce acids that attacks tooth tissue. Eventually this will cause tooth decay after repeated attacks. Keeping sugary and sweet foods to a minimum will reduce your susceptility to decay. .It is important therefore to try to encourage infrequent consumption of food and drinks containing sugar Limiting sugar-containing foods and drinks to meal times is one way to reduce the incidence of cavities. Sugars from fruit and fruit juices are equally likely to cause cavities if taken in excess. Drinking drinks such as orange juice or cola, or simply tea/coffee containing sugar, throughout the day raises the risk of dental cavities tremendously. Smoking and chewing tobacco are also tooth strongly linked with multiple dental diseases.

Another factor which affects the risk of developing cavities is the stickiness of foods, particularly if they are sugary. It is important that teeth be cleaned at least twice a day, preferably with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, to remove any food sticking to the teeth. Regular brushing and the use of dental floss also removes the dental plaque coating the tooth surface.
Chewing gum assists oral irrigation between and around the teeth, cleaning and removing particles, but for teeth in poor condition it may damage or remove loose fillings as well.

Healthy snacks:

• Fruits (in moderation) and raw vegetables
• Berries
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Melons
• Pineapple
• Pears
• Tangerines
• Broccoli
• Celery
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices
• Canned fruits in natural juices
• Grains
• Bread
• Plain bagels
• Unsweetened cereals
• Unbuttered popcorn
• Tortilla chips (baked, not fried)
• Pasta
• Plain crackers
• Milk and dairy products
• Low or non-fat milk
• Low or non-fat yogurt
• Low or non-fat cheese
• Low or non-fat cottage cheese
• Meat, nuts and seeds
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Sliced meats
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Nuts
  

Remember to:

Choose sugary foods less often
Avoid sweets between meals
Eat a variety of low or non-fat foods from the basic groups
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after snacks and meals
Diet and GumDisease

Diet plays an important role in a person’s overall wellness and oral health. Eating well and maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce your risk for developing many problems with your mouth, including periodontal diseases.

V I TAMIN C

The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C is 60 mg per day – or about one orange. Consuming less than 60 mg can put you at slightly higher risk for developing certain types of periodontal diseases. The relationship between vitamin C and periodontal diseases is likely due to vitamin C’s role in maintaining and repairing healthy connective tissue along
with its antioxidant properties.

C A L C I UM

Getting enough calcium can also reduce your risk for developing periodontal diseases. Adults should try to consume at least three servings of calcium each day. Good sources of calcium include dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, cheeses, dark green vegetables, fortified orange juice, as well as rice and beans. Consuming enough calcium can help build density in the alveolar (jaw) bone that supports the teeth. This is especially important in developing years.
Periodontal diseases can eventually break down and destroy the tissues and bone that support the teeth. However, with a diet high in calcium, the rest of the jaw bone may not be at risk. Individuals with osteoporosis, who are taking a class of drugs called
bisphosphonates should pay extra attention to the bone in their jaw. Recent research has indicated that certain osteoporosis drugs may be associated with bone necrosis (loss) in the jaw. Individuals taking these drugs have an increased risk of post surgical complications.

V I TAMIN D

D can help slow bone absorption and lessen inflammation associated with periodontal diseases.

OME G A - 3 FAT T Y A C I D S

Fish, tofu, and other forms of soybeans, canola, walnut, flaxseed, and their oils, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help decrease inflammation that is associated with periodontal diseases.

Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is the preferred way to treat an infection in the nerve center of the tooth, known as the pulp. The pulp is the soft, inner core of the tooth that consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When the pulp is diseased or injured and can't repair itself, it dies. The most common cause of pulp death is a cracked tooth or a deep cavity. Both of these problems can let bacteria enter the pulp. Bacteria can cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming a "pus-pocket" called an abscess. Usually pain and swelling will result. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed. The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection.

Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist. At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling using thin files (as seen in the first x-ray). A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle. The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled

About 90 percent of root canals are successful and the pain does not return. However, sometimes a root canal needs to be redone or the tooth extracted.

Fillings

Direct Composites

Tooth Coloured filling material is called composite. They are similar in colour and texture to natural teeth. A "Direct" Composite filling is a tooth colored filling that is done in a single office visit.  It is most appropriate for small restorations. The composite material is bonded to the tooth structure allowing conservation of as much natural tooth structure as possible. Direct Composite fillings are not for every tooth. They work best in small restorations and low-stress areas. Therefore they are not always suitable to fill large cavities at the back of the mouth. They are also more costly than silver fillings because they take longer to place. Research has shown that they do not last as long as other restorations.

Porcelain and Composite Inlays

Porcelain and Composite Inlays are more appropriate for larger restorations. These are “indirect” white fillings which are constructed outside of the mouth and cemented into place. They are much stronger and more durable than white fillings placed directly into the cavity. They will last almost as long as silver fillings but with the advantage of being much more aesthetic.

Gum Disease

There are many signs of gum disease.
These include: Bleeding gums during tooth brushing;
Red, swollen or tender gums;
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth;
Persistent bad breath (halitosis);
Pus between the teeth and gums;
Loose or separating teeth;
A change in the way your teeth fit when you bite;
A change in the fit of partial dentures.

You may have gum disease and not show any symptoms. Many people do not experience any pain due to gum disease. That is why we stress regular checkups which should include a periodontal examination. Most people suffer from some form of gum disease, and it is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, the disease develops very slowly in most people, and it can be slowed down to a rate that should allow you to keep most of your teeth for life. http://www.perio.org