Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugars. Milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas, and other sweetened drinks are examples of common liquids that are culprits of this type of decay. It is advised to never allow children to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice or other sweetened liquids.

Giving an infant a sugary drink at nap or night time is harmful because during sleep, the flow of saliva decreases, allowing the sugary liquids to linger on the child's teeth for an extended period of time. If left untreated, pain and infection can result.

Facts on Flossing

Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria containing germs that accumulates on teeth, including places where toothbrushes can't reach. It is important to use floss in between teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and debris as well as to polish tooth surfaces and control bad breath.

 

Root Canal Therapy

There is an area of soft tissue called the pulp beneath the tooth's outer enamel and within the dentine. This soft tissue carries all the tooth's nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels.

When the pulp becomes infected and bacteria seeps in it can die. Pain is felt when the damaged or dead pulp causes an increased blood flow and pressure within the tooth builds up. Root canal treatment is needed because the tooth will not heal by itself. Infection may spread and pain may worsen.

 

The Right time for Braces

 

Orthodontics is a special discipline of dentistry concerned with aligning the teeth and jaws to improve one's smile and oral health. An ideal time for placement of braces is between 10 and 14 years of age, while the head and mouth are still growing and teeth are more accessible to straightening.

 

Tooth Decay

 

Tooth decay is the disease known as caries or cavities. Unlike other diseases, however, caries is not life threatening and is highly preventable, though it affects most people to some degree during their lifetime. Tooth decay occurs when your teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars). Natural bacteria live in your mouth and form plaque. The plaque interacts with deposits left on your teeth from sugary and starchy foods to produce acids. These acids damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving, or dematerializing, the mineral structure of teeth, producing tooth decay and weakening the teeth.

 

Gum Disease

 

Gum disease is chronic inflammation and infection of the gums which is the major cause of about 70% of adult tooth loss. Disease of your gums is caused by build up of plaque on your teeth that remains in contact with your gums. The plaque causes a reaction in your gums that in its early stages is called Gingivitis. It is characterized by gums that bleed easily when touched or flossed. Most people have some degree of gingivitis. Gingivitis, if left unchecked, leads to a more severe disease called Periodontitis.

Gum disease can be prevented by removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning.

 

Oral Cancer

 

Oral cancer, the sixth most common cancer, accounts for about 3.6 percent of all cancers diagnosed. The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, soft palate tissues in back of the tongue, lips, and gums. If nor diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following surgery, and even death. Your general dentist can perform a thorough screening for oral cancer.

The carcinogens in tobacco products, alcohol and certain foods, as well as excessive exposure to the sun have been found to increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Risk factors for oral cancer may also be generically inherited.

 

Brushing

 

There are a number of effective brushing techniques. Patients are advised to check with their dentist or hygienist to determine which technique is best for them, since, tooth position and gum condition vary.

One effective, easy to remember technique involves using a circular or elliptical motion to brush a couple of teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth.

Place a toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45 degree angle and gently brush teeth in an elliptical motion. Brush the outside of the teeth, inside the teeth, your tongue and the chewing surfaces and in between teeth.

Using a back and forth motion causes the gum surface to recede, or can expose the root surface or make the root surface tender. You also risk wearing down the gum line.