Adult's Dentistry
It's easy to ignore, but a little bit of tooth decay or gum disease always leads to a little bit more. The outcome of these untreated problems inevitably becomes pain, emergency treatment, and tooth loss. So why does this happen?
It's because of an infection.
All dental disease is due to bacteria and it’s byproducts in the oral cavity. Millions of bacteria swarm our mouths, and like all living creatures, they need an energy source. Sugars are their snack of choice, but bacteria will break down all simple carbohydrates in the mouth and produce acidic waste. It is this acid that erodes the hard enamel surfaces of your teeth and creates cavities.
Some bacteria also produce a toxic waste that inflames gums, leading to the destruction of the bone around the teeth, also known as periodontal disease. Over time, enough bone destruction leads to teeth loosening.
Because the mouth is constantly full of bacteria and the hard tissues of teeth lack a good vascular supply, traditional antibiotics are not effective in controlling dental disease. Good oral hygiene at home coupled with professional intervention to periodically remove plaque, tarter, and minor cavities is essential.
The Link Between Oral and Systemic Health
The complex interaction of infection and inflammation extends beyond the gums and mouth. The mouth is a major portal of entry for pathogens into the body. Mouth bacteria penetrating through bleeding gums enters the bloodstream and has been cultured in infections in the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and brain. Chronic inflammation of the gums also produces toxins in your body associated with arthritis, diabetes, low pre-term birth rate, Alzheimers, heart disease, and some cancers. In the last few years, we've learned that a healthy mouth can affect our overall health in many more ways than just a toothache.
A few tips for maintaining a healthy mouth:
Brush and floss every day: Consistent daily habits remove sticky, bacterial plaque that starts the cascading events that lead to decay, gum disease, and other health problems. If you don't like to floss, consider toothpicks, inter proximal brushes or floss threaders. Electric toothbrushes are also an excellent aid to effective brushing.
Keep sugary and acidic foods to a minimum: Foods high in starch and sugar provide fuel to bacteria, which then produce acid. Avoid snacking between meals as this prolongs bacterial activity resulting in pH dips in your mouth. Acidic foods and drinks compound to this acid byproduct to enable faster decay formation. Even diet/sugar-free drinks, including those marketed to be “healthy,” and plain seltzer water contain high levels of carbolic acid, so stick to drinking plain water whenever possible.
Use fluoridated products with the American Dental Association logo on them: fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that kills harmful mouth bacteria and replenishes eroded enamel, with decades of peer reviewed research to support its efficacy. If you appear to be naturally predisposed to a higher decay rate, you may be a candidate for prescription strength toothpaste. Alcohol-free, over the counter rinses containing fluoride are also a useful adjunct to brushing and flossing.
Treat cavities and gum disease immediately: Cavities rarely hurt until they reach a critical stage. Cavities that require treatment always grow over time and often spread to neighboring teeth. After a certain point, teeth with ongoing periodontal disease cannot be salvaged.
See a dentist every six months: The risk of critical dental problems diminishes significantly if you're getting preventative dental care on a routine basis to supplement your efforts at home. Patients that fit preventive dentistry into their budget typically enjoy fewer dental expenditures over time than those who wait for emergencies to develop.