Preventing problems:

Good hygiene is the greatest weapon against most dental problems. Brushing and flossing 2-3 times a day removes plaque and bacteria that lead to decay and periodontal disease. Using fluoride toothpaste also prevents tooth decay by making enamel more resistant to acid erosion caused by bacteria in your mouth. Regular dental visits are just as important because they allow the dentist to detect problems as they develop. Cavities, gum disease and early oral cancer are all asymptomatic at their early stage and when caught early, can all be healed. Often times, patients do not come in until they experience pain, at which time expensive and extensive treatment will be required. Please keep in mind; a filling is less painful and costly then a root canal, periodontal treatment is also cheaper and less intrusive then extensive gum surgery, and oral cancer is easily treatable before it progresses to an advanced stage. This is why we encourage all of our patients to maintain all of their recall appointments.

Understanding conditions:

Tooth Decay:

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that live in your mouth. The bacteria produce acid which erodes the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities. Plaque helps these bacteria to thrive and multiply which in turn produces more of the damaging acid. The longer the erosion continues, the deeper the cavity becomes. If a little cavity is treated the decay process stops, however if left untreated, the decay reaches deep inside the tooth. An abscess is then formed causing severe pain and swelling due to the infection reaching the nerve of the tooth. At this point, a root canal needs to be performed to save the tooth and prevent an extraction.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease:

The bacteria living in plaque not only cause tooth decay but also gingivitis and periodontitis. These conditions affect the gum that surrounds your teeth causing redness, bleeding and inflammation. At an early stage the disease is called gingivitis; it is caused by poor oral hygiene and can be reversed with good home care and dental treatment. In advanced stages the bacteria spread beneath the gum line and continue to release toxins. This chronic bacterial infection causes the tissue and bone around your teeth to break down. The gum separates from the tooth and the bone reseeds, causing the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Unfortunately, the damaging effects of periodontitis are irreversible; however, your dentist can prevent the problem from progressing. At an advanced stage scaling and root planning procedure is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading. The plaque needs to be removed from underneath the gums and an antibiotic is necessary to kill the bacterial infection. Remember; preventing gum disease is easy and painless so please maintain proper oral hygiene and never miss your recall appointments!

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