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Dental Facts
By peace | January 7, 2007
The appearance of normal teeth varies, especially the molars. Abnormally shaped teeth can result from many different conditions. Specific diseases can have a profound effect on tooth shape, tooth color, time of appearance, or absence of teeth.
The two most prevalent diseases in Western man are dental decay and a gum disease called gingivitis. It is only within the last ten years that research has shown not only what causes these disease, but how we can prevent them and keep our natural teeth for life.
From birth, the mouth contains many kinds of bacteria. Only a few are harmful — those that constantly form a sticky film called plaque on the teeth and gums. Plaque harms the teeth most when it is combined with sugar, but it is also harmful by itself if allowed to remain on the teeth for more than 24 hours. When sugar is taken into the mouth in either food or drink, it is immediately absorbed by saliva, which then attaches itself to the sticky film of plaque.
Within 12 minutes of any sugar entering the mouth the dissolved sugar and plaque combine to increase dramatically the level of acid, always present in small quantities. The acid eats into the tooth enamel and so starts the process of dental decay. The acid level does not return to normal until at least 25 minutes later.
The vital factor in acid formation is how often sugar is consumed rather than how much. IF sugar is consumed throughout the day, the acid in the mouth is continually rising to a high level and exposing teeth to attack.
Dental decay can start when a child is only one year old and can continue throughout life. But decay and gingivitis can be prevented by cleaning the teeth regularly and thoroughly, cutting down on sweet stuffs and visiting the dentist regularly.
Gingivitis
If dental plaque is not removed effectively every 24 hours, it accumulates around and underneath the gum margin (where the tooth meets the gum) and gradually forms a hard, rough substance called calculus, or tartar, which collects plaque more easily and leads to inflammation of the gums. The many fibres that attach the tooth to the jawbone and act as a ‘cushion’ against shocks are also destroyed. Eventually, the teeth become loose and have to be removed, or else fall out of their own accord.
The main symptom of gingivitis is bright pink gums which bleed on brushing. The disease can start at a very young age — often under five years. If it is not corrected with careful oral hygiene, the damage eventually becomes irreversible to the extent that teeth may be lost.
Care of Dentures
Dentures are false teeth. Dentures may be partial, with just one or several teeth, or they may be complete, replacing all the teeth in both upper and lower jaws. Unfortunately , preventive dentistry is often too late to stop people losing their teeth. Many people wear dentures. In Britain alone, more than 2 million sets are supplied each year.
When natural teeth have been extracted, the gums shrink — quite rapidly for the first six months, then more slowly. Anyone wearing new dentures, therefore, may find that they become loose and may need to return to the dentist to have minor adjustments made to them. Full and partial dentures should be checked for fit by a dentist if they become uncomfortable, and a full set should be examined once every five years.
Unclean dentures are unattractive to look at and uncomfortable to wear. Once a day they should be removed and thoroughly cleaned. The best way to clean dentures is to brush them with a medium-texture brush and a proprietary brand of denture paste. Rinse the paste off in lukewarm water and continue brushing until the dentures are meticulously clean. Soaking dentures in a cleanser may only bleach them.
Dentures should be removed before the wearer goes to sleep and put in water to help keep them fresh.
Visiting The Dentist
Everyone, especially children, should visit the dentist every six months. Apart from examining the teeth for any decay, the dentist will check whether developing permanent teeth are growing correctly or will need straightening by an orthodontist.
All patients visiting the dentist should tell him if they are taking any course of medicine, or suffering from a weak heart.
Did You Know?
Dental Implants
Dental Implants are a substitute or, replacement tooth roots. They provide the same function as natural tooth roots, including stimulating the bone, thereby preserving it and preventing the bone loss that would normally occur with tooth loss. The jawbone actually forms a bond with dental implants, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.
The impact of deteriorating bone from complete tooth loss includes collapsed facial profiles, lost lip support, increased wrinkles around the mouth and appearance of pointed nose and chin that are too close together.
Tooth replacement with dental implants prevents further deterioration of facial structures and the related health problems that would normally occur with complete tooth loss.
Benefits of having Dental Implants
- Preserved facial structure by stopping the bone loss
- Improved heath with the ability to chew comfortably
- A mouth restored as closely as possible to its natural state
- Increased comfort by eliminating loose-fitting dentures and partials
- More natural smile
- Improved appearance and self-confidence
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