Dentist Castle Rock Talks about Plaque on Teeth
Posted by: | CommentsDentist Castle Rock Talks about Plaque on Teeth
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that continually forms in between and on the surface of the teeth. It is formed, as in any biofilm, by colonizing bacteria trying to attach itself to a smooth surface of a tooth. It has been estimated that as many as 400 distinct bacterial species may be found in plaque. In addition to the bacterial cells, plaque contains a small number of epithelial cells, leukocytes, and macrophages. Dental plaque can be classified in several different ways. Plaque is classified as supragingival or subgingival based on its relationship to the gingival margin. Supragingival plaque is evident on the tooth above the gingival margin explains Dentist Castle Rock. Plaque can also be classified by its relationship to the tooth surface, as either attached or unattached plaque. Unattached subgingival plaque is more closely associated with the wall of the subgingival tissues than is the attached plaque. Inorganic components are also found in dental plaque; largely calcium and phosphorus which are primarily derived from saliva.
Symptoms of Plaque
Plaque is made up of invisible masses of harmful germs that live in the mouth and stick to the teeth. Some types of plaque cause tooth decay. Other types of plaque cause gum disease. Mild gingivitis does not cause any symptoms and so you may not realize that you have it. The gums look slightly swollen and reddened. Moderate gingivitis can cause more marked swelling and reddening of the gums. The gums often bleed a little when you clean your teeth. Uneasiness or pain from the gums is rare if you only have gingivitis. Periodontitis often does not cause any symptoms until an affected tooth becomes loose. However, in some cases, symptoms develop and may include: halitosis (bad breath), some pus formation in small pockets between teeth and gums, pain and difficulty eating, a foul taste in your mouth, affected teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out if not treated. Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes the loss of the tooth says Dentist Castle Rock. Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than non-sticky foods because they remain on the surface of the teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities).
Dentist Castle Rock Talks about Plaque on Teeth
Removal of Plaque
If your gums appear healthy with no inflammation or redness, then twice daily brushing and proper daily flossing will break up the plaque that naturally accumulates on your teeth. Brushing with fluoride-based toothpaste will help to remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and floss or interdental cleaners will help to remove plaque between your teeth says Dentist Castle Rock. If you notice that your gums are red and inflamed, or that they bleed after you brush your teeth, it is important that you see your dentist. Gingivitis and early periodontitis can be controlled by routine professional teeth cleanings and more diligent brushing and flossing at home. If your dental professional observes an excessive buildup of plaque and calculus below the gum line, then a procedure called scaling and/or root planing may be necessary. This non-surgical procedure is used to remove plaque and calculus from around the roots of teeth and in the gum pockets. Scaling and root planing is performed in your dentist’s office. It is not uncommon for dentists to refer more advanced cases to a periodontist, a dentist specializing in gum disease.
Calculus aka Tartar
Even if you practice the best oral hygiene, there are bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria, along with proteins and food byproducts, form a sticky film called dental plaque. This film coats teeth. Plaque is most prevalent in areas that are hard to clean — like the back teeth — just along the gum line, and around fillings or other dental products. Calculus is hardened calcified plaque. It is sometimes called tartar. It sticks firmly to teeth. Generally, it can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist with special instruments. Unlike plaque, which is a colorless film of bacteria, tartar is a mineral buildup that’s fairly easy to see if above the gumline. The most common sign of tartar is a yellow or brown color to teeth or gums. The only way for sure to detect tartar and to remove it; is to see your dentist. Proper brushing, especially with a tartar control toothpaste, and flossing are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Once tartar has formed, only your dentist or hygienist can remove it. The process for removing tartar is called scaling. During a scaling, the dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth above and below the gumline. A bigger problem arises if plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth and harden explains Dentist Castle Rock. That can happen after just 26 hours. When this occurs, the plaque hardens into tartar, or dental calculus. Because it has mineralized onto your teeth, tartar is far more difficult to remove than plaque. If tartar is not removed and gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into a more serious form of gum disease. That more serious form is known as periodontitis.
Dentist Castle Rock Talks about Plaque on Teeth
Dentist Castle Rock Informs on Rapid Tooth Decay
Posted by: | CommentsDentist Castle Rock Informs on Rapid Tooth Decay
The query ‘what causes tooth decay’ remains unknown to many people. Actually, decay in the tooth is resulted from demineralization process, which in turn is caused due to accumulation of acids on the tooth surface. This acid is secreted by bacteria present in the mouth, in the presence of glucose, sucrose or fructose. In short, the causes of tooth decay are acid producing bacteria and dietary choices. All of us want to stay healthy throughout our lives explains Dentist Castle Rock. This includes keeping all or most of our natural teeth. Just the simple fact that we are keeping our natural teeth longer means our teeth are more at risk of some dental conditions. Common oral conditions in adults can include tooth decay, gum disease, tooth wear, dry mouth and tooth sensitivity. Dentists are fighting a losing war against bacteria, the battleground is your mouth, and in the process you lose healthy tooth structures, and money.
Normal Causes
When food containing fermentable carbohydrate and sugars are ingested, bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus act on them, leading to production of lactic acid. Dental plaque is then formed by combination of saliva, bacteria, acid, and food wastes. In such an acidic condition, demineralization of the tooth takes place, this over time results in holes and cavities. No doubt, our teeth are always in a state of demineralization and remineralization processes. But, in a decaying tooth, dissolving of mineral occurs in a rapid rate and the affected tooth cannot recover. Acids can dissolve (erode) tooth enamel. Often teeth that appear to be severely worn down have been affected by erosion. The acids that erode tooth enamel usually come from foods and drinks or from gastric reflux. Some inhalers, especially those containing steroids, can cause dental erosion. The frequent need to use antacid products or a sour taste in your mouth may indicate that you have gastric reflux. Frequency of intake of acidic drinks or foods is an important factor in erosion explains Dentist Castle Rock. Sipping orange juice frequently, chewing vitamin C tablets, frequent intake of soft drinks or sports/energy drinks, or the generous use of vinegar in foods may contribute to tooth erosion. In an extensive study of over 15,000 people, the Centers for Disease Control published some statistics regarding tooth decay that should be cause for alarm for most people. Here is a summary: The older you get, the more your teeth are affected by decay. That’s why old people have dentures (fake teeth) and most young people do not…yet. On average, people in the 16-19 age group have 11.6% of all teeth affected by decay at one time. This steadily increases, and by the time adults are over 60, more than half of their teeth (62.36%) have been affected by decay. A total of 93.1% of all people over the age of 60 have had teeth affected by tooth decay.
Dentist Castle Rock Informs on Rapid Tooth Decay
Prevention & Care
Have a look in your mouth regularly. Although you cannot check your mouth as well as a dental professional, you may see some early signs of tooth decay. Gently lift your lip and look at your teeth near the gum line. Early decay may look like a white spot near the gum line. A dark spot may be decay or may be stain says Dentist Castle Rock. Your dentist can confirm if you have tooth decay. Use fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily, especially before bedtime. If you have trouble brushing thoroughly, try a battery powered or electric toothbrush. Use floss or other special cleaning aids to clean between teeth. Make changes to your diet to reduce sugar intake. If you have dry mouth, follow the advice for dry mouth in the next section of this brochure. If your dentist confirms that you are “at risk” of tooth decay, you may need to increase your fluoride protection. Vital vitamins are absent from most people’s diets, so their teeth decay and their gums recede. Learn how to add those vitamins back into your diet to achieve remarkable tooth remineralization. Have you ever wondered if what you are eating might be causing your teeth to decay? Here you will get clear information on which foods cause tooth decay, and which foods stop it.
Acute Rapid Decay
Based on the location, there are two types of tooth decay, namely, pit and fissures carries and smooth surface carries. Decay in adults can be common around fillings and between teeth. A particular problem may be decay on the root surfaces of teeth when gums recede states Dentist Castle Rock. Also, acute carries (rapid decay) and chronic carries (slow decay) are classified, depending upon the rate of disease progression. Most people are affected with chronic type, while acute condition is triggered by certain factors. The causes of rapid tooth decay are attributed to poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, dry mouth, diabetes, and radiation therapy. Changes in lifestyle, such as starting a family, changing jobs, moving house, intensive athletic training or the psychological impact of losing a loved one, can disrupt normal daily care and diet, increasing the risk of caries. Medicines may contain high levels of ?hidden sugars? or may reduce saliva flow. When gums recede, teeth may appear to be getting longer, as the root of the tooth becomes more visible. Saliva is the body´s natural defense against tooth decay. Saliva washes away acids and puts minerals back into teeth. If you lack adequate saliva flow, your teeth can decay and wear away more easily and you can get more gum problems. Smoking, caffeine, some medicines and illnesses (including depression) that affect saliva glands may reduce your saliva flow.
Dentist Castle Rock Informs on Rapid Tooth Decay
Dentist Castle Rock How Air-Abrasion Systems are Used
Posted by: | CommentsDentist Castle Rock How Air-Abrasion Systems are Used
Serving as an alternative to a traditional dental drill, an air-abrasion system is primarily used to treat small cavities, preserving healthy tooth structure without the use of a local anesthetic. Air-abrasion allows for the precise removal of decay through a blast of pellets consisting of air and aluminum oxide. The air-abrasion technique can also be used to help repair old tooth restorations by accessing difficult areas such as those between the teeth. These particles are made of silica, aluminum oxide, or a baking soda mixture and are propelled toward the tooth surface by compressed air or a gas that runs through the dental hand piece say Dentist Castle Rock. During air abrasion, an instrument that works like a mini sandblaster is used to spray away decay. During air abrasion, a fine stream of particles is aimed at the decayed portion of the tooth. Small particles of decay on the tooth surface are removed as the stream of particles strikes them. The particles of decay are then “suctioned” away. In skilled hands, air abrasion equipment can be a useful adjunct to a dentist who wishes to do conservative dental procedures. The ability to cut small and shallow holes may make local anesthesia unnecessary.
Use
Air abrasion is most commonly used to prepare teeth for composites, or “white fillings.” Air abrasion also helps to repair cracks and discolored teeth, to prepare teeth for bonding procedures, such as sealants, and for various other procedures. Air abrasion works well to repair chipped, fractured, or worn teeth; to prepare teeth for cosmetic surgery; remove stains and spots; repair old fillings and sealants; and repair broken crowns and bridges. Your general dentist, who has been trained in restorative dentistry techniques, will perform any procedures that use air-abrasion technology. Air Abrasion is not advised for removing old silver fillings, but it can remove white fillings rather well, and is ideal for teeth that have never been filled, such as in children. The downside is that the devices do blow powder into the mouth, but most people are not bothered by the gritty feeling. When they rinse, all is back to normal. Mums and dads are always impressed when the technology is demonstrated, and those who hate needles or drills are truly appreciative. It’s not a panacea for everything (such as deep fillings), but it’s a great extra option that suits a lot of dentists and their patients. Ask your dentist if he or she uses air-abrasion equipment and if this technique is right for you says Dentist Castle Rock.
Dentist Castle Rock How Air-Abrasion Systems are Used
Injuries can Occur
Because the machine cuts so quickly and does not touch the tooth while cutting, the operator can only gauge the cut after it is made. Dentists normally rely upon touch to know when they have removed softer decayed material and reached harder sound tooth structure beneath. But air abrasion systems do not enable the dentist to feel the depth or “softness” of tooth structure, and a fog of particles obscures the operator’s vision. Also, the stream of abrasive particles is one-directional. Rotary tools stop cutting instantly when you lift them from the tooth. The potential hazards of air abrasion systems are excessive frictional heat, major soft tissue damage, air embolism, particle showers with aspiration, and vaporization of mercury if the machine is used to remove amalgam fillings says Dentist Castle Rock. To cut the right and left sides of a hole the hand piece of the instrument must be stopped, reversed and restarted. In contrast, rotary tools cut in all directions using the same positioning. The heat generated by an air abrasion system can injure the dental pulp, creating a need for a root-canal treatment. Further, heat and friction can cause amalgam to decompose and release mercury vapor. Air abrasion offers considerable potential for abuse. Overtreatment has been reported among people covered by insurance programs, particularly Medicaid, and several state dental boards are investigating this problem.
Benefits
Patients like the near absence of noise, and the total absence of vibration. There is never any burning smell as the teeth cannot get hot. Properly used, air abrasion often does not require a ‘shot’. You can imagine how disappointed folks are when they find they can have treatment without an injection, and feel no pain. The buzz words in surgery now are ‘minimally invasive’. While the medics look at ways of doing things through keyholes, dentists are also excited by earlier more delicate interventions on teeth explains Dentist Castle Rock. Air abrasion excels at doing delicate work. Ideally, early decay should be spotted by laser diagnosis. This is long before anything can be seen on an x-ray film, or visually. The laser readings are recorded in the dental chart at each check-up. Sometimes it becomes clear that diet and cleaning advice is not working, and the laser readings are inexorably increasing. If someone is clearly at risk from decay, and the bugs are winning, how nice to have the option of ‘micro dentistry’ using air abrasion! The air abrasion device may be used to gently remove the areas of very early decay before the hole can even be seen. Children benefit especially, as they feel so little, and the extra cleaning means that their fissure sealants are placed quickly, and with a better bond. Much smaller holes can be filled earlier in this way, rather than waiting until the hole is much bigger, or worse, cutting lots of healthy tooth to get to a small hole.
Dentist Castle Rock How Air-Abrasion Systems are Used
Dentist Castle Rock Dental Sealants
Posted by: | CommentsDentist Castle Rock Dental Sealants
Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants are put on in dentists’ offices, clinics, and sometimes in schools. Getting sealants put on is simple and painless. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. The dental sealants are plastic resins and they can be bonded into the fissures and pits of the tooth to make the tooth surface smooth; this will facilitate the bristles of the tooth brush to access all areas of your tooth and remove the plaque thereby preventing tooth decay says Dentist Castle Rock. The teeth that are likely to be benefited by the application of this plastic coating are the permanent molars. It is ideal if you get the sealant applied immediately after the eruption of teeth and this will prevent tooth decay. Another problem that you could face is that the thickness of the enamel layer in the fissures and pits is lesser than that in the other parts of the tooth. This means that this area is not only susceptible for cavity formation but also the cavities will penetrate the enamel layer in a shorter period.
Prevent Decay
A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—premolars and molars. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids explains Dentist Castle Rock. The tooth is then washed off and dried. Then, the sealant is painted on the tooth. The dentist or dental hygienist also may shine a light on the tooth to help harden the sealant. It takes about a minute for the sealant to form a protective shield. Sealants can only be seen up close. Sealants can be clear, white, or slightly tinted, and usually are not seen when a child talks or smiles. Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food. Applying sealants does not require drilling or removing tooth structure. The process is short and easy. After the tooth is cleaned, a special gel is placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds.
Dentist Castle Rock Dental Sealants
Sealants for Kiddos
Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in — before decay attacks the teeth. The first permanent molars — called “6 year molars” — come in between the ages of 5 and 7. The second permanent molars — “12 year molars” — come in when a child is between 11 and 14 years old. Other teeth with pits and grooves also might need to be sealed. Teenagers and young adults who are prone to decay may also need sealants. The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well. Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy mouth are twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste; cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners; eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks; and visiting your dentist regularly. Ask your Dentist Castle Rock about whether sealants can put extra power behind your prevention program. Your dentist might think it is a good idea, especially if your child’s baby teeth have deep pits and grooves. Baby teeth save space for permanent teeth. It is important to keep baby teeth healthy so they don’t fall out early. Sealant application is a preventive process whereas filling is the treatment carried out after your tooth is damaged because of tooth decay. Filling weakens your tooth because every time filling is done the dentist drills your teeth. You can save money, time and discomfort with dental sealants as compared to fillings.
Lifetime for Sealants
Sealants can last up to 10 years. But they need to be checked at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or worn away. The dentist or dental hygienist can repair sealants by adding more sealant material. What if a small cavity is accidentally covered by a sealant? The decay will not spread, because it is sealed off from its food and germ supply explains Dentist Castle Rock. Sealants have been around since the 1960s. Studies by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and others led to the development of dental sealants and showed that they are safe and effective. Sealants are not new, but many people still do not know about sealants. In fact, fewer than 25 percent of children in the United States have sealants on their teeth. Risks in sealants are because most of the sealant materials contain BPA – Bisphenol A – and this is an endocrine disruptor that causes negative health effects. FDA is also concerned about its exposure to fetuses, children and infants. However, recent studies have shown that the dental sealants can be used safely on kids as long as the dentists ensure that all the residues of the sealants are rinsed or wiped out after application. On the other hand the researchers of this study are of the opinion that using sealants on pregnant women is to be avoided as far as possible unless the treatment is an absolute necessity.
