Dental Health

Dental Health                             


Adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Gum disease and decay are caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, teeming with bacteria which sticks to your teeth at the gumline.(see picture below).  Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. Thorough daily brushing and flossing removes this bacteria and helps prevent periodontal (gum) disease.
Your tooth. 

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing coupled with a healthy diet and regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, many still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

Preventing Cavities

The best way to prevent cavities is effective daily brushing and flossing coupled with a healthy diet and regular professional examinations and cleanings. Fluoride is another way to help prevent cavities. Fluoride in drinking water is vital for developing teeth in children. Once your permanent teeth are formed, we recommend fluoride treatments in our office and encourage using toothpaste with fluoride and non-alcohol fluoride mouthrinse.

What Causes Cavities?

Most of the time cavities are due to a poor diet (high in sugary or sticky foods) and a lack of brushing and flossing. Recent research has also shown other factors contribute to cavities:

•There is a genetic link between cavities and oral health. If your parents had many cavities, your risk is increased.

•Consistency of saliva makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly.

•Decay-causing bacteria is readily transferred between mouths. Avoid putting an item in your mouth and then putting that item in your child's mouth.


         Other important
    factors affecting your
            oral health:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Stress
  • Clenching/grinding teeth
  • Medication
  • Poor nutrition

 

Why is Diet important for Oral Health?

Limiting sugar intake is key. Every time you eat, an acid reaction occurs inside your mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities. This is why frequent snacking or drinking sweet liquids throughout the day can easily lead to decay. We encourage having plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and using whole grains. These foods provide vitamins and minerals needed for strong teeth and healthy gums.