Tooth decay in General Dentistry

Tooth decay rivals the common cold as the most prevalent human disorder. It is not a natural process, as many people believe, but a bacterial disease. This bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause other problems in the body. Bacteria in the mouth combine with mucus and food debris to create a sticky to the surfaces of the teeth. The bacteria in the plaque feed on ingested sugars and produce an acid that leaches calcium and phosphate from the teeth. Gradually, if they sticky deposits are not removed, the teeth erode-first the enamel (the outer layer) and then the dentin (the body of the tooth). If unchecked, decay can progress even further, into the pulp that contains the nerve in the centre of the tooth, resulting in a toothache. infection may result, leaving the tooth vulnerable to abscess. tooth decay depends on three factors: the presence of bacteria, the availability of sugars for the bacteria to feed on, and the vulnerability of tooth enamel. Poor nutrition and poor oral hygiene are probably the main factors behind most cavities. In particular, people who consume large quantities of refined carbohydrates-especially sticky-textured foods that cling to tooth surfaces-or who snack frequently without cleaning their teeth afterward are much more likely to have a problem with tooth decay. There are also some people who, for reasons not yet understood, seen to have unusually acidic saliva and/or higher than normal levels of bacteria present in their mouths, and they too are more prone to tooth decay. Tooth decay normally causes no symptoms until it is rather far advanced. Then the tooth may become sensitive to heat, cold, and the consumption of sugar. In later stages, a tooth ache may occur.

Herbs

• Calendula, chamomile, peppermint, and yarrow are naturally anti-inflammatory.
• Essential oil of clove, available in most drugstores, is helpful for toothache pain. Apply 1 or 2 drops to the affected tooth with a cotton swab as needed. if you find the clove oil too strong, dilute it with olive oil.
• Alcohol-free goldenseal extract can be used as an antibacterial mouth wash. If inflammation is present, put a few drops of goldenseal extract on a piece of sterile cotton and press against the gum by the affected tooth, pushing in place tightly, at bedtime. Leave the cotton in place overnight. Do this for three consecutive nights to destroy bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Kava kava, St. John's wort, white willow bark, and wintergreen have analgesic properties. White willow bark is also an anti-inflammatory.
• Sage is good for its anti-inflammatory properties. bring to a boil 2 tablespoons of dried, crushed sage leaves in 1 cup of water. Steep for twenty minutes and strain. Cool to a comfortable temperature and use the mixture to rinse your mouth several times daily.
• Thyme is a natural antiseptic that reduces the level of bacteria in the mouth.

Recommendations

• Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables. these contain minerals that help to keep saliva from becoming too acidic.
• Avoid carbonated soft drinks. These are high in phosphates, which promote the loss of calcium from the tooth enamel.
• Avoid all refined sugars.
• Do not smoke.
• Practice good oral hygiene. brush your teeth after eating and floss between the teeth daily. This is the only way to remove cavity-causing plaque. There are also mouth rinses available to enhance the plaque-removing power of brushing and flossing. do not brush overzealously or more than two or, at most, three times a day. Too much brushing can cause the gums to recede, exposing the root areas of the teeth, which are more prone to decay than the rest of the tooth. use a soft-bristle toothbrush and replace it with a new one every month.
• Do not use chewable vitamin C supplements, which can erode tooth enamel. tablets or powders designed for swallowing do not pose this danger.
• To ease the pain of toothache or abscess until you can see your dentist, rinse the affected area with warm salt water (add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water).

Considerations

• Stim-U-Dent, found in most drugstores, is beneficial for keeping the gums massaged and clean. It also aids in removing plaque. Before using one, to avoid damaging your gums, soak it in water or hold in your mouth until it softens. Massage between all your teeth.
• Regularly  scheduled dental checkups are recommended at least once yearly.
• Researchers are looking into adding cranberry extract to toothpaste and/or mouthwash. Evidence developed at Tel Aviv University in Israel suggests that a compound present in cranberries may reduce plaque formation.
• Researchers in Britain believe that they have developed a vaccine that prevents tooth decay by eliminating bacteria from the mouth. The American Dental Association's (ADA) Division of Science is optimistic about the findings and looks forward to additional studies.
• At present the only known way to stop tooth decay once it has started is to remove the decayed area and cover it with some type of filling. Many different materials are used to fill cavities. The most common is the "silver" amalgam filling. Amalgam formulas vary, but virtually all contain about 50 percent mercury, a toxic heavy metal. there are other filling choices, however, including gold and natural looking ceramic based materials called composites. You may wish to discuss concerns about filling materials with your dentist before treatment.
• It was once believed that having dental work done posed a risk of endocarditis, a heart infection, for some people. the American Heart Association still believes there is a risk involved in tooth cleaning and other dental work, even though there is not yet enough evidence to conclusively prove a link. Endocarditis rarely occurs in people with normal hearts. However, if you have certain preexisting heart conditions, you can be at increased risk if bacteria enter the bloodstream. Some of these preexisting conditions include the presence of an artificial (prosthetic) heart valve, a history of previous endocarditis, heart valves that are damaged (scarred) by conditions such as rheumatic fever, congenital heart or heart valve defects, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart), some congenital heart defects, including ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus, can be successfully surgically. If this is done, the individual is no longer at increased risk of developing endocarditis due to dental work.
• Fluoride increases resistance to tooth decay. It is added to many toothpastes and community drinking water supplies. Many dentists recommend routine fluoride treatment to prevent cavities, especially for children. Fluoride is a chemical compound containing the element fluorine. Fluorine is a deadly and highly reactive chemical, but the fluoride compounds used in toothpaste and in water supplies are not believed to be dangerous in small amounts. However, there is still factor for cancer, and if you are sensitized to the issue you will probably consider fluoride in all its forms a pollutant. Animal and human epidomiological studies conducted on fluoride are inconclusive, but there are certain troubling aspects that might lead one to avoid the chemical by not accepting fluoride treatments, by using natural toothpaste, and by drinking pure, clean drinking water (a good idea an any case).
• Seven out of ten Americans get medical or dental x-rays in an average year. These peeks inside the body can be valuable, even lifesaving, tools for diagnosing health problems. But, x-rays are sometimes ordered when they are not needed. Other times, failure to follow precautions may expose people to more radiation than necessary. Our general device is to keep x-rays to a minimum, especially ones taken for less than critical reasons. A dental x-ray will only expose you to about 3 millirems of radiation, which is about half of what you would get naturally by flying across the country on a jet plane.
• Air abrasive technology uses a targeted spray of powder to remove tooth decay with no drilling sound or vibrations.
• laser technology may be used as an alternative to the conventional dental drill.

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Dr Simon Nery offers a full range of dental services including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, sedation dentistry and great patient care, using the latest technology for painless and superior results. Situated in the West End, the staff are trained and equipped to treat every aspect of your dental needs with professionalism and expertise.

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