Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plaque?
Plaque is the accumulation of bacteria,
microorganisms and their products which sticks to the tooth
surfaces. Dental plaque is soft and easily removed by brushing
and flossing the teeth. Accumulation of plaque can lead to gum
disease (gingivitis) and periodontal disease, as well as tooth
decay.
When you eat foods containing sugars and
starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack
tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in
contact with teeth. After the teeth are attacked in this way
many times, the tooth enamel breaks down forming a hole or
cavity.
Plaque can harden into something called
calculus (another name for it is ‘tartar’). As calculus forms
near the gumline, the plaque underneath releases poisons causing
the gums to become irritated and inflamed. The gums begin to
pull away from the teeth and the gaps become infected. If gum
disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth
is destroyed and healthy teeth may be lost. Gum disease is the
biggest cause of tooth loss in adults and can lead to dentures,
bridges or implants.
Calculus is dental plaque that has
mineralized. Calculus can form when plaque is not removed from
the tooth surfaces. This plaque becomes old and eventually forms
into calculus. Calculus can form above or below the gumline. The
bacteria that
sticks to calculus can cause gum disease (gingivitis) or
periodontal disease. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing and
flossing. A dental hygienist checks for calculus formation when
you visit the dental office. It is removed with special
instruments designed to adapt to the tooth surface affected
without causing trauma to the soft gums.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Some common features
associated with gingivitis are red and swollen gums, and the
presence of bleeding while brushing and flossing. The cause of
gingivitis is the bacteria in dental plaque. This disease is
reversible with good oral hygiene practices.
What is
Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is destruction of bone and the structures
supporting the teeth. Unfortunately periodontitis is
irreversible, but you can stop its progression through good oral
hygiene and visiting your dental professional.
·
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
your teeth
·
Gums that are red, swollen or tender
·
Gums that have pulled away from teeth
·
Infection including purulence(pus) between
the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed
·
Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
·
Any changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
·
Any changes in the fit of your partial denture
·
Bad breath
·
Itchy sensation
It is important to remove plaque and food
debris from around your teeth as this will stop your gums from
swelling and becoming infected. If you leave plaque on your
teeth it can develop into tartar, which can only be removed by
the dentist or hygienist. It is important to keep up your
regular appointments so that your teeth can have a thorough
cleaning if they need it.
Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth
is important because it removes plaque. If the plaque isn’t
removed, it continues to build up, feeding on the food debris
left behind and causing tooth decay and gum disease.
Worn-out toothbrushes cannot clean your teeth
properly and may damage your gums. It is important to change
your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner if the
filaments become worn. When bristles become splayed, they do not
clean properly.
Tests have proved that certain electric
toothbrushes are better at removing plaque. They are
particularly useful for people with limited movement, such as
disabled or elderly people, who often find that using a normal
toothbrush does not allow them to clean thoroughly. Electric
toothbrushes can also be better for children as they may be
more inclined to brush regularly because of the novelty of using
an electric toothbrush. Discuss the idea with us to find out if
you would benefit from using an electric toothbrush.
As well as regular family toothpastes, there are many special
toothpastes. These include tartar control for people who are
prone to tartar build-up, and ones for people with sensitive
teeth. Total care toothpastes include ingredients to help fight
gum disease, freshen breath and help reduce plaque build-up.
Whitening toothpastes are good at removing staining, Children’s
toothpastes have about half the level of fluoride that adult
toothpastes have. They still provide extra protection for the
teeth, but as children have a tendency to ‘eat’ their
toothpaste, there is less risk of them taking in too much
fluoride.
What is a Cavity?
Dental cavities (caries) are holes in the two outer layers of a
tooth called the enamel and the dentin. The enamel is the
outermost white hard surface and the dentin is the yellow layer
just beneath enamel. Both layers serve to protect the inner
living tooth tissue called the pulp, where blood vessels and
nerves reside. Dental cavities are common, affecting over 90% of
the population. Small cavities may not cause pain, and may be
unnoticed by the patient. The larger cavities can collect food,
and the inner pulp of the affected tooth can become irritated by
bacterial toxins, foods that are cold, hot, sour, or
sweet-causing toothache. Toothache from these larger cavities is
the number one reason for visits to dentists.
How does a Cavity Form?
The formation of a cavity is due to many factors. For example,
the tooth itself plays a role (how strong it is); the mouths
ability to cleanse itself (your flow of saliva); diet (frequency
and selection of sugary foods); the bacteria in your mouth (good
or bad); and the length of time the tooth is under attack by the
bacteria in your mouth
Signs of a Cavity
Formation
The first sign of a cavity forming may be a white spot, which in
time may turn brown.
If it is a white spot, low concentrations of fluoride applied
frequently can arrest further development.
If the white spot phase progresses, further breakdown of enamel
will occur. At this point, a visit to your dental professional
is necessary. The cavity may be restored with a filling.
Good Habits to Help
Prevent Cavities
1. Regular
visits with your dental professional on an appointment schedule
that he/she recommends
based on your own needs. Regular visits will ensure you have the
benefits of preventive care and early diagnosis, as well as,
treatment for any dental problems. Guidance about home dental
care can also be provided to avoid future problems
2. Diet
plays an important role. Minimize the frequency of sugary foods,
thus reducing the amount of acid produced. Select snacks that
are less cavity causing, such as fresh fruit, plain yogurt and
raw vegetables
3. The use
of fluoride will help decrease the risk of cavity formation
4. Good
plaque control. Maintain a strict and regular home care routine
to minimize plaque growth
5. It is
recommended that you consult your dental professional before
using any commercial products. You want to make a selection
based on the effectiveness of the product and your own personal
needs
What is Bad Breath
(Halitosis)?
Bad breath (halitosis) can cause embarrassment, create social and
psychological barriers , and even affect marriages.
CAUSES: The majority of bad breath problems begin in the mouth.
· Bad breath that is of
oral cavity origin can be traced to a sulfur compound produced
by bacteria. Dead and dying bacterial cells release this sulfur
compound, which gives the breath an unpleasant odor.
· Bacterial plaque and food
debris accumulate on the back of the tongue. The tongue's
surface is extremely rough and bacteria can accumulate easily in
the cracks and crevices.
· The tooth attracts
bacteria containing plaque and if not cleaned regularly and
thoroughly, this can result in large accumulations of bacteria
which result in bad breath.
· People who have
periodontitis often experience bad breath because of bacteria
accumulating in areas that are not cleaned easily, such as deep
pockets around teeth.
· Fortunately, treatment is
very effective for people who have bad breath of mouth origin.
What is
Orthodontics (Braces)?
Orthodontics is the
science of straightening and correcting teeth.
Who Needs Orthodontic Treatment?
-
Children as well as
adults, are choosing to have orthodontic treatment for
several reasons:
-
Malocclusion
(bite or occlusion is off)
-
Tooth
malalignment (crooked teeth
-
Unhappy with
appearance of teeth
· During the preteen and
teenage years, the jaws are growing and maturing, therefore it
is easier to shift teeth at this stage rather than later on in
adulthood.
· More adults are choosing
to have orthodontic treatment in order to improve the appearance
of their teeth. Since their jaws are no longer growing,
treatment may take a little longer.
What is an Impacted
Wisdom Tooth ?
A tooth becomes impacted due to lack of space in the dental arch
and gum, bone, another tooth or all three therefore prevent its
eruption. Lack of space occurs because our jaws have become
smaller (through evolution), we do not loose teeth through decay
as frequently as in the past, and our diet is such that our
teeth do not wear down as much.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Today, with modern dentistry, root canal treatment has become a
common form of treatment for diseased (abscessed) teeth.
Teeth that have had
root canal treatment can
stay as healthy and last as long as other teeth. In most
instances, you won't be able to feel or see a difference.
Refer the
general dentistry section
of this site for a detailed explanation.
What is a Crown/Cap?
A
crown or cap is a cover
that fits over a properly prepared tooth that has been damaged
by decay or accident, or is badly stained or shaped.
A crown can be made of acrylic, metal, porcelain, porcelain and
metal, or resined metal. All-porcelain crowns look more like
your natural teeth, and therefore are usually used for front
teeth; while porcelain with metal underlay has more strength and
is good for crowns in the back of the mouth. Sometimes all-metal
crowns are used for back teeth because of the metal's strength.
HERE'S HOW IT'S DONE: In order to
prepare your tooth for a crown, you require a local anaesthetic.
Then the tooth is filed down so the cap can fit over it. An
impression of your teeth and gums is made and a temporary cap is
fitted over the tooth until the permanent crown is made. On your
next visit, the dentist will remove the temporary cap and cement
the crown onto the tooth. The crown will closely match your
natural teeth and give you back your smile.
What Are
Dentures?
Dentures are a set of
replacement teeth for any teeth that are missing. There are
partial dentures, which take the place of only a
few teeth and prevent the others from changing position, and
complete dentures, which replace every tooth in
the mouth. Both types of dentures are removable and usually made
of metal and acrylic resin (say: ah-kri-lick
reh-zen), a plastic-like material that is molded to fit the
exact shape of a person's mouth. Dentures are held in place with
the help of a sticky cream that helps the dentures stick to the
surface of a person's gums.
Although they may sound uncomfortable to wear and aren't always
fun to look at (especially if someone takes out his dentures in
front of you), dentures are important for older folks who have
lost their teeth. They help a person chew, talk, and even smile!
Because they are custom-made by dentists from molds of a
person's mouth (much like a
retainer), each set of
dentures is as unique as the person who wears them. No buying
them off the shelf at the denture store!
If you know someone with dentures, don't make fun of the dentures
or act grossed out. After all, you know plenty of kids with
braces and retainers,
right? Dentures aren't all that different. For the person
wearing them, they may take some getting used to at first. If
you've had braces, you may remember how it took a while to get
used to having a mouth full of metal. Your mouth may have felt
sore, you may have had more
saliva (spit), and it may
have hurt to talk for a few days. It's the same with dentures.
Like braces or retainers, they also need special care - they
need to be brushed daily with a special denture brush and
cleanser or toothpaste and soaked in denture solution when not
in the mouth.
Tooth erosion is the wearing away of tooth enamel by acid. The
enamel is the hard calcified tissue that covers and protects the
outside of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in our bodies.
The saliva in our mouth contains calcium which helps to
strengthen and remineralize the teeth, however, remineralization
can not occur when a great deal of acid is present.
The high amount of acids in the food and drink that you consume
can cause tooth erosion. Soft drinks and pure fruit juices
contain a high amount of acid.
Tooth erosion can also be caused by medical factors such as a
decrease in saliva, acid reflux disease, certain
gastrointestinal conditions and the eating disorder bulimia.
If I cosmetically whiten (bleach) my teeth, how long will the
effects last?
Teeth will become discolored over the years for a number of
reasons. Consuming beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, dark
grape juice, as well as having habits such as smoking (including
smokeless tobacco), will lead to staining of your teeth. After
your teeth have been whitened, these habits will tend to
re-stain your teeth. Avoiding these tooth-staining substances
can help keep your newly whitened teeth looking great for a long
time to come.
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