Extra Weight May Up Risk For Tooth Loss

Being overweight can lead to many health problems. Now, a study has found that younger obese adults are at risk for tooth loss.

Researchers from Karlstad University in Skövde, Sweden, did the study. They found that obese adults aged 30 to 59 had twice the risk of missing at least 12 teeth, including wisdom teeth. Obese people ages 60 and older did not have this risk.

The researchers also looked at abdominal obesity, or belly fat. People who were obese and "apple shaped" had the same increase in risk as the larger group of obese people.

The study considered the effects of age, sex, family income and other health conditions. Even after taking all of these into account, younger obese adults were still at risk for tooth loss.

The study involved about 2,400 adults, ages 30 to 74.

Other research has found links between obesity and tooth loss. Some studies have shown that people who lose many of their natural teeth are more likely to be obese. This may be because tooth loss can make it difficult to eat certain foods.

Tooth Pain Guide

Symptom	Possible Problem	What To Do
Momentary sensitivity to hot or cold foods	If it lasts only moments, it generally does not signal a serious problem. The sensitivity may be caused by a loose filling or by minimal gum recession which exposes small areas of the root surface.	Try using toothpastes made for sensitive teeth. Brush up and down with a soft brush—brushing sideways wears away exposed root surfaces. If this is unsuccessful, see your general dentist.
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment	Dental work may inflame the pulp, or nerves inside the tooth, causing temporary sensitivity.	Wait four to six weeks. If the pain persists or worsens, see your general dentist.
Sharp pain when biting down on food	There are several possible causes of this type of pain; decay, a loose filling or a crack in the tooth. There may also be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth.	See a dentist for evaluation. If the problem is pulp damage, you may need to see an endodontist.
Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods	This probably means the pulp has been damaged by deep decay or physical trauma.	See your endodontist to save the tooth with root canal treatment.
Constant and or severe pain to pressure, swelling of gum and sensitivity to touch	A tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding gum and bone to become infected	See your endodontist for evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth. Take over-the-counter analgesics until you see the endodontist.
Dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw	The pain of a sinus headache is often felt in the face and teeth. Grinding of teeth (bruxism) can also cause this type of ache.	For sinus headaches, try over-the-counter analgesics or sinus medication. For bruxism, consult your dentist. If pain is severe and chronic, see your physician or endodontist.
Chronic pain in head, neck or ear	Sometimes pulp-damaged teeth cause pain in other parts of the head and neck. But other dental or medical problems may be responsible.	See your endodontist for evaluation. If the problem is not related to the tooth, your endodontist will refer you to an appropriate dental specialist or a physician.

Oral Cancer Websites

Oral cancer, including tongue, gum, jaw, cheek, and pharyngeal, nasopharyngeal and laryngeal are more common than people are aware of. While everyone can be affected by oral or throat cancers, current and former tobacco users are most susceptible.

There are several websites that provide information, research, screening information, help and support, as well as other pertinent statistics regarding oral cancer.

• Medline Plus: Trusted Health Information regarding Oral and Throat Cancer
• The Oral Cancer Foundation: Aimed at Saving Lives and Reducing Suffering
• National Cancer Institute: What You Need To Know About Oral Cancer
• WebMD: Better Information Better Health
• MedicineNet.com: We Bring Doctor's Knowledge To You
• American Dental Association: Oral Health Topics
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Oral Cancer
• Mayo Clinic: Throat Cancer
• Oral Cancer Consortium:

Your Teeth

You bite into an apple and then try to start talking to your friend about yesterday's math homework. Suddenly something feels funny — one of your baby teeth has fallen out! It's been loose forever, and now there it is, right in your hand. And you have an empty space in your mouth big enough to poke a drinking straw through.

Before you put that tooth under your pillow, did you know that there is much more to that tooth than meets the eye? A single tooth has many different parts that make it work. And teeth play an important role in your daily life. They not only let you eat stuff like apples, they also help you talk. So let's talk teeth!

Tiny Teeth

Unlike your heart or brain, your teeth weren't ready to work from the day you were born. Although babies have the beginnings of their first teeth even before they are born, teeth don't become visible until babies are about 6 to 12 months old.

After that first tooth breaks through, more and more teeth begin to appear. Most kids have their first set of teeth by the time they are 3 years old. These are called the primary or baby teeth, and there are 20 in all. When a child gets to age 5 or 6, these teeth start falling out, one by one.

A primary tooth falls out because it is being pushed out of the way by the permanent tooth that is behind it. Slowly, the permanent teeth grow in and take the place of the primary teeth. By about age 12 or 13, most kids have lost all of their baby teeth and have a full set of permanent teeth.

There are 28 permanent teeth in all — eight more than the original set of baby teeth. Between the ages of 17 and 21, four more teeth called wisdom teeth usually grow in at the back of the mouth. They complete the adult set of 32 teeth.

Tooth Tour

Let's take a tour of your teeth. Look in the mirror at your own teeth or check out a friend's smile. The part of the tooth you can see, which is not covered by the gum (your gums are the pink, fleshy part), is called the crown. The crown of each tooth is covered with enamel (say: ih-nam-ul), which is very hard and often shiny. Enamel is a very tough substance and it acts as a tooth's personal bodyguard. Enamel works as a barrier, protecting the inside parts of the tooth.

If you were able to peel away the enamel, you would find dentin (say: den-tin). Dentin makes up the largest part of the tooth. Although it is not as tough as enamel, it is also very hard.

Dentin protects the innermost part of the tooth, called the pulp. The pulp is where each tooth's nerve endings and blood supply are found. When you eat hot soup, bite into a super-cold scoop of ice cream, fall and hurt a tooth, or get a cavity, it's your pulp that hurts. The nerve endings inside the pulp send messages to the brain about what's going on ("That ice cream is too cold!"). The pulp also contains the tooth's blood vessels, which feed the tooth and keep it alive and healthy.

The pulp goes all the way down into the root of the tooth, which is under the gum. Cementum (say: sih-men-tum) makes up the root of the tooth, which is anchored to the jawbone.

Tooth Types

You've probably noticed that you have different types of permanent teeth in your mouth. Each one has its own function.

Your two front teeth and the teeth on either side of them are incisors (say: in-sy-zurs). There are four on the top and four on bottom.

Incisors are shaped like tiny chisels, with flat ends that are somewhat sharp. These teeth are used for cutting and chopping food. Think back to that apple you ate: You used your incisors to crunch into the skin of the apple.

The pointy teeth beside your incisors are called canine (say: kay-nine) teeth. There are four of them, two on top and two on bottom. Because these teeth are pointy and also sharp, they help tear food.

Next to your canine teeth are your premolars (say: pree-mo-lurs), which are also called bicuspid teeth. You have eight premolars in all, four on top and four on the bottom. You'll need to open a bit wider to see these teeth, but when you do, you'll notice that their shape is completely different from both incisors and canines. Premolars are bigger, stronger, and have ridges, which make them perfect for crushing and grinding food.

If you open your mouth really wide, you'll see your molars (say: mo-lurs). You have eight of these, four on the top and four on the bottom. Sometimes these are called your 6-year molars and your 12-year molars because that is around the time when they come in.

Molars are the toughest of the bunch. They are even wider and stronger than premolars, and they have more ridges. Molars work closely with your tongue to help you swallow food. How? The tongue sweeps chewed-up food to the back of your mouth, where the molars grind it until it's mashed up and ready to be swallowed.

As we mentioned earlier, the last teeth a person gets are wisdom teeth. These are also called third molars. They are all the way in the back of the mouth, one in each corner.

Wisdom teeth aren't used for anything and they are often removed because they can cause problems in a person's mouth. Some people believe that wisdom teeth may have been used by people millions of years ago to help them chew food. It's believed that they're called wisdom teeth because they come in later in life, when a young person is older and wiser.

Tooth Talk

Your teeth are great for chewing, but you also need them to talk. Different teeth work with your tongue and lips to help you form sounds. Try saying the word "tooth" slowly and notice how your tongue first hits the inside of your incisors to produce the hard "t" sound and then goes in between your upper and lower teeth to make the "th" sound.

And if you love to sing "la la la la la," you can thank those teeth every time you sing a song. Pay attention to what happens to your teeth and tongue every time you make the "l" sound.

Treating Teeth Kindly

Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste is your best bet when it comes to keeping your teeth in tip-top shape. Try to brush after eating or at least twice a day. It's especially important to brush before bedtime.

The best way to brush your teeth is in little circles — go around and around until you have covered every surface of every tooth. Brush up and down, rather than side to side. You'll also want to clean between your teeth with dental floss (a special string for cleaning your teeth) at least once a day. That removes food and plaque (sticky stuff that can cause cavities or gum disease) that get stuck in between your teeth. You can also brush your tongue to help keep your breath fresh!

It's also important to visit your favorite tooth experts — your dentist and dental hygienist. During your appointment, they'll look out for any problems and clean and polish your teeth. Sometimes the dentist will take X-rays to get a better picture of what is going on in your mouth. You also might get a fluoride treatment while you're there.

In between dentist visits, you can prevent problems by eating fewer sugary snacks and sugary drinks, such as soda. Sugar can hurt your teeth and cause tooth decay, or cavities. But if you take care of your teeth now, you'll be chewing like a champ for the rest of your life!

Taking care of your teeth

When you get your picture taken, everyone says, "Say cheese! Smile!" So you do — you open your mouth and show your teeth. When you see the picture, you see a happy person looking back at you. The healthier those teeth are, the happier you look. Why is that?

It's because your teeth are important in many ways. If you take care of them, they'll help take care of you. Strong, healthy teeth help you chew the right foods to help you grow. They help you speak clearly. And yes, they help you look your best.

Why Healthy Teeth Are Important

How does taking care of your teeth help with all those things? Taking care of your teeth helps prevent plaque (say: plak), which is a clear film of bacteria (say: bak-teer-ee-uh) that sticks to your teeth.

After you eat, bacteria go crazy over the sugar on your teeth, like ants at a picnic. The bacteria break it down into acids that eat away tooth enamel, causing holes called cavities. Plaque also causes gingivitis (say: jin-juh-vi-tis), which is gum disease that can make your gums red, swollen, and sore. Your gums are those soft pink tissues in your mouth that hold your teeth in place.

If you don't take care of your teeth, cavities and unhealthy gums will make your mouth very, very sore. Eating meals will be difficult. And you won't feel like smiling so much.

Before Toothpaste Was Invented

We're lucky that we know so much now about taking care of our teeth. Long ago, as people got older, their teeth would rot away and be very painful. To get rid of a toothache, they had their teeth pulled out. Finally people learned that cleaning their teeth was important, but they didn't have toothpaste right away. While you're swishing that minty-fresh paste around your mouth, think about what people used long ago to clean teeth:

• ground-up chalk or charcoal
• lemon juice
• ashes (you know, the stuff that's left over after a fire)
• tobacco and honey mixed together

Yuck!

It was only about 100 years ago that someone finally created a minty cream to clean teeth. Not long after that, the toothpaste tube was invented, so people could squeeze the paste right onto the toothbrush! Tooth brushing became popular during World War II. The U.S. Army gave brushes and toothpaste to all soldiers, and they learned to brush twice a day. Back then, toothpaste tubes were made of metal; today they're made of soft plastic and are much easier to squeeze!

Today there are plenty of toothpaste choices: lots of colors and flavors to choose from, and some are made just for kids. People with great-looking teeth advertise toothpaste on TV commercials and in magazines. When you're choosing a toothpaste, make sure it contains fluoride. Fluoride makes your teeth strong and protects them from cavities.

When you brush, you don't need a lot of toothpaste: just squeeze out a bit the size of a pea. It's not a good idea to swallow the toothpaste, either, so be sure to rinse and spit after brushing.

How You Can Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Kids can take charge of their teeth by taking these steps:

• Brush at least twice a day — after breakfast and before bedtime. If you can, brush after lunch or after sweet snacks. Brushing properly breaks down plaque.
• Brush all of your teeth, not just the front ones. Spend some time on the teeth along the sides and in the back. Have your dentist show you the best way to brush to get your teeth clean without damaging your gums.
• Take your time while brushing. Spend at least 2 or 3 minutes each time you brush. If you have trouble keeping track of the time, use a timer or play a recording of a song you like to help pass the time.
• Be sure your toothbrush has soft bristles (the package will tell you if they're soft). Ask your parent to help you get a new toothbrush every 3 months. Some toothbrushes come with bristles that change color when it's time to change them.
• Ask your dentist if an antibacterial mouth rinse is right for you.
• Learn how to floss your teeth, which is a very important way to keep them healthy. It feels weird the first few times you do it, but pretty soon you'll be a pro. Slip the dental floss between each tooth and along the gum line gently once a day. The floss gets rid of food that's hidden where your toothbrush can't get it, no matter how well you brush.
• You can also brush your tongue to help keep your breath fresh!

It's also important to visit the dentist twice a year. Besides checking for signs of cavities or gum disease, the dentist will help keep your teeth extra clean and can help you learn the best way to brush and floss.

It's not just brushing and flossing that keep your teeth healthy — you also need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Remember, the plaque on your teeth is just waiting for that sugar to arrive. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink water instead of soda. And don't forget to smile!

For Kids - About Your Teeth

The first teeth you got were your baby teeth -- 20 in all, 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom. Baby teeth help you to talk and chew. But they also "save space" in your mouth so that there is room for your permanent teeth.

When all your permanent teeth have come in, you'll have 32 teeth all together. There will be 16 on the top, and 16 on the bottom. Out of these 32 teeth, 20 replace baby teeth, and the other 12 are new, permanent molars.

Your molars are the hardworking, larger teeth in the back that do most of your chewing! The first set you'll get are 6-year-molars (guess when you get them!) -- two on the bottom, two on the top. Then, the second molars are your 12-year-molars. The last ones -- your third molars --are also called your wisdom teeth.

And, while we're talking about teeth, have you heard about . . . FUZZY TEETH?

Everyone has plaque bacteria in their mouth. It's always there. But when you eat, the sugars and starches you eat mix with the plaque bacteria -- and it GROWS.

Sometimes you can even feel it when you run your tongue along your teeth. Try it! Do your teeth feel smooth -- or "fuzzy"? If they are "fuzzy," you need to brush them as soon as you can!

The best way to see your teeth is to get a mirror -- and open wide!

And think about this: What do you see when you look at your teeth? Do you still have some (or all) of your baby teeth? How many teeth do you have all together? Do you have baby teeth or permanent teeth? Maybe you have a combination.

Common Dental Problems

Dental problems are never any fun, but the good news is that most of them can be easily prevented. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating properly and regular dental check ups are essential in preventing dental problems. Educating yourself about common dental problems and their causes can also go a long way in prevention.

Bad Breath

If you suffer from bad breath, you are not alone. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be downright embarrassing. According to dental studies, about 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition that is to blame. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth and bacteria on the tongue are some of the dental problems that can cause bad breath. Using mouthwash to cover up bad breath when a dental problem is present will only mask the odor and not cure it. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, visit your dentist to rule out any of these problems.

Tooth Decay

Did you know tooth decay, also known as cavities, is the second most prevalent disease in the United States (the common cold is first). Tooth decay occurs when plague, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the food we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day, flossing daily and going to your regular dental check ups. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.

Gum (Periodontal) Disease

Studies have shown that periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is linked to heart attacks and strokes. Gum disease is an infection in the gums surrounding the teeth. Gum disease is also one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults. There are two major stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Regular dental check ups along with brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily play an important role in preventing gum disease.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious and deadly disease that affects millions of people. In fact, the Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that someone in the United States dies every hour of every day from oral cancer. Over 300,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed every year, worldwide. This serious dental disease, which pertains to the mouth, lips or throat, is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages.

Mouth Sores

There are several different types of mouth sores and they can be pesky and bothersome. Unless a mouth sore lasts more than two weeks, it is usually nothing to worry about and will disappear on its own. Common mouth sores are canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores, ulcers and thrush.

Tooth Erosion

Tooth erosion is the loss of tooth structure and is caused by acid attacking the enamel. Tooth erosion signs and symptoms can range from sensitivity to more severe problems such as cracking. Tooth erosion is more common than people might think, but it can also be easily prevented.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects millions of people. Basically, tooth sensitivity means experiencing pain or discomfort to your teeth from sweets, cold air, hot drinks, cold drinks or ice cream. Some people with sensitive teeth even experience discomfort from brushing and flossing. The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated.

Toothaches and Dental Emergencies

I can't think of much worse than suffering from a toothache. While many toothaches and dental emergencies can be easily avoided just by regular visits to the dentist, we all know that accidents can and do happen. Having a dental emergency can be very painful and scary. Fortunately, you can do several things until you are able to see your dentist.

Unattractive Smile

While an unattractive smile is not technically a "dental problem," it is considered a dental problem by people who are unhappy with their smile and it's also a major reason that many patients seek dental treatment. An unattractive smile can really lower a person's self-esteem. Luckily, with today's technologies and developments, anyone can have a beautiful smile. Whether it's teeth whitening, dental implants, orthodontics or other cosmetic dental work, chances are that your dentist can give you the smile of your dreams.

Tips for New Denture Wearers

Dentures replace natural teeth lost to injury or disease. There are various types of complete dentures. Conventional full dentures are made and fitted after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues healed. On the other hand, an immediate complete denture is fitted beforehand and inserted as soon as remaining teeth are removed. The advantage of immediate dentures is that the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

Acclimation Period

1. Getting used to new dentures can be difficult for some wearers. They can feel loose until muscles of the cheek and jaw become accustomed to them. Irritation and soreness can result, and eating can be hard at first. Additionally, speaking certain words can require practice. Because dentures can slip while laughing, talking or eating, wearers must learn to gently bite down and swallow while wearing them--all of which take practice.

Speaking

2. Because speaking can be difficult for some denture wearers, speech practice is advised for new wearers. Those with new dentures should read aloud as much as possible to learn to pronounce words correctly. Reading aloud can minimize the time required to recover normal speech patterns after getting new dentures.

Eating

3. Eating with dentures can be difficult at first. A soft diet is advised at first to keep pain to a minimum. Patients should cut food into small pieces and eat slowly, chew on both sides of the mouth, bite using the front teeth when possible, chew up and down rather than side to side, and avoid bringing the lower teeth forward against the upper teeth to cut foods.

Sore spots

4. New dentures almost always cause sore spots to develop; mild pain relievers and warm salt water gargles are recommended to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. At night, dentures should be removed. This allows the soft tissues to breathe and recover. Additionally, this keeps the bones of the mouth in their usual places to ensure that the dentures are a good fit, and it also allows the dentures to soak in cleaning solution overnight for good oral hygiene.

Saliva

5. The body's response to new dentures can sometimes be increased saliva flow, which will eventually decrease over time. The brain needs time to adjust and realize that because dentures are not food, the digestion process does not need to begin with the formation of increased saliva. To keep saliva flow minimal, new denture wearers are advised to take the dentures out for a period of time, and taking small sips of water are also recommended.

Fun Facts

How many teeth does an average person have?
An average person has 32 teeth. That number includes 4 wisdom teeth. We have 8 incisors, 4 canines, 12 molars and 8 pre-molars.
What is the most popular toothpaste?
Colgate Total toothpaste is the best selling toothpaste in the United States.
You get 2 sets of teeth in your lifetime.
The first set is your baby teeth. You will start to lose your baby teeth at around 6-7 years of age. By the time your 21 years old, you will only have permanent teeth.
What are teeth made out of?
eeth are covered with a hard enamel called a crown. Inside of your tooth is you have dentine and the pulp of your tooth. Each tooth is attached to your jaw socket and has blood vessels and nerves. 2/3^rd of the length your tooth is in the gum.
How many people over 65 have all their teeth?
40% of people over 65 years of age do not have all of their teeth.
How much toothpaste is used in the United States every year?
they buy 14 million gallons of toothpaste every year!
Certain drugs will prevent you from being able to have teeth pulled. Did you know that if you have taken biophosphanates you cannot have your teeth pulled? Examples of some common biophosphanates are Fosamax, Actonel, and Zometa.
How much dental floss do we use?
An average American will use 14 inches of dental floss every year.

Flossed Facts

Commercial floss was first manufactured: 1882

Material it was first made of: silk

Newest material: Gore-tex

Amount bought per person: 18 yards

Amount that should be bought per person: 122 yards (figuring one foot a day)

Percent who say they floss daily: 28% (some are fibbing, according to the sales data above)

In 1994 a prison inmate in West Virginia braided floss into a rope, scaled the wall and escaped.

83% of people believe their teeth are more important to their appearance than hair and eyes

Oral piercing may cause different types of complication in the people. It puts a risk to the dental health of the people. Once oral piercing is done, the chances of infection also increase in the area which is pierced. Different kinds of bacteria always remain present in the mouth. When blood vessels present in the tongue are damaged due to piercing, they may bleed in excessive amounts. This may cause excessive loss of blood. Swelling usually occurs after oral piercing is done. It becomes difficult to heal the effects of piercing because tongue is used a lot for different functions. In some cases, swelling may cause hindrance to the breathing process. The risk of different blood borne disease like hepatitis C, B, D, G and tetanus also increases after oral piercing.

When people have barbells fitted in to their tongue they tend to tap it again and again on teeth and gums. This may lead to broken teeth and gum diseases. A large number of people who have oral piercing usually come up with some kind of infection in their gums. The infection which may be caused to the blood vessels which are connected to brain and other crucial parts of body, may even take one’s life. If you search the internet you can get to know about such cases. In case unsterile instruments are used for piercing the tongue, cheek or lips, it may cause HIV or AIDS. If you have to get oral piercing done then visiting a reputable clinic will be the best option.

Dental abscess is collection of pus in the tooth following any infection, and it can be within the tooth in the roots, near the gums, or in the alveolar bone which surrounds the tooth.

Causes:

1. Tooth decay – Tooth decay can be some infection due to micro organisms, which can decay the internal parts of the tooth like pulp, root etc. This tooth decay can be only within the tooth, or sometimes can spread to the underlying tissues like Gingiva, or the surrounding bone.
2. Foreign body – Any foreign body like food particles or bacteria which are trapped in the tissues can cause infection.
3. Injury – Trauma, means sudden injury to the tooth can cause dental abscess formation.

Symptoms:

1. Stimulated or non-stimulated pain. You feel pain sometimes when you are chewing food or sometimes when at rest.
2. Redness in the tissue where infection has occurred and accumulation of pus has occurred.
3. Foul tasting discharge within the mouth from the place where infection has occurred.
4. Rise of temperature at that particular place.
5. Foul breath.

Treatment of Dental Abscess:
Treatment of the abscess includes the removal of the source, then the reduction of symptoms. First, there should be drainage of the pus collected. If there is pus within the tooth in the roots, then Root canal treatment has to be done. And if its in the surrounding tissues, then incising and drainage of the pus should be done.
Antibiotics are administered for removal and destroying of bacteria that caused the infection, and Pain relievers/analgesics are administered for relief of pain due to the infection and inflammation.

Prevention:
There is no preventive measure as no one can be sure when the infection can occur, or injury. But still, its always advised to maintain good dental habits.

Pulp Polyp, also called as Chronic Hyperplastic Pulpitis, or Proliferative pulpitis is a productive pulpal inflammation due to extensive carious exposure of any young pulpal tissue. This is a type of irreversible pulpitis, which is chronic and usually asymptomatic in nature.
It is characterized by development of granulation tissue, covered by epithelium and it results from irritation for a long time.

Causes of Pulp Polyp

• Dental caries in young tooth where significant loss of tooth is seen.
• Fractured tooth, causing trauma to the pulpal tissues.
• Mechanical irritation from chewing, and bacterial irritation provides stimulus.

Symptoms of Pulp Polyp

• They are asymptomatic, and sometimes the masticatory stress can lead to some tenderness.
• Sometimes, localized bleeding may occur.
• The polyps cover the entire cavity by enlarging itself.

Diagnosis

• Appearance of Polypoid tissue – A fleshy, reddish mass fills most of the pulp chamber or extends beyond the tooth structure.
• Polypoid tissue is less responsive when compared to normal pulp tissue.
• Radiographs show a large, open cavity with direct access to the pulp chamber.
• Response is seen on electric pulp testing too.

Treatment

Removal of the polypoid tissue, followed by the extirpation of the pulp. When the pulpal mass is removed, bleeding can be controlled by application of pressure. Formocresol dressing is placed after the entire pulp is removed.

General Tips For Good Oral Health

Eat balanced food, that have minerals and vitamins

Avoid eating sweets or sticky food between meals.

Brush your teeth after every meal.

Use a good tooth paste and tooth brush.

Visit your dentist once in 6 months.

If your child has protruding or misaligned teeth, start orthodontic treatments early (9 years age), for better results.

Never put off meeting your dentist. Minor pain and sensitivity, if untreated can lead to major complications.

Make use of the wealth of information on this site to maintain healthy teeth!!

Dental Visit

Dental Visit

Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining good oral health.

• Please understand that the dental procedures are no more painful as it used to be. Your dentist will use anesthetic sprays and injections to suppress pain.
  
• Chat with the dentist to let him understand your problems better
• If you are feeling any discomfort during treatment, signal the dentist to stop.
• During the dental visit, ask the dentist to explain each step of the dental procedure before hand, if needed.

Adult toothpaste is not recommended until a baby is about three because they may swallow it and get too much fluoride. However there are many varieties of babies toothpaste on the market, in a variety of flavors, colors and branding.

By the time babies are a year and a half, they are more interested in the toothbrush. It is worth giving them a toothbrush as soon as they become interested. By two years of age you can teach them how to brush with a toothbrush twice a day.

Take your baby with you to the dentist from being a tiny baby so he or she can get used to the sights, sounds and going regularly. This should help when a check up is needed once your baby’s teeth begin to grow.

You can help prevent tooth decay by buying the right toothbrush and establishing a regular teeth cleaning routine. Toothbrushes are usually sold with an age recommendation for use on the packaging, for example from birth to two years; choose one specifically designed for your child’s teeth . Children ’s teeth toothbrush should have a long, thin handle that fits in your hand and helps you to reach around all the teeth, and a small head with soft, rounded filaments. Once your baby wants to have a go himself, buy a toothbrush with a chunky, short handle and finger grips. The head should still be small and the filaments soft. You will however still need to assist with the cleaning. You may find it useful to buy a toothbrush with a colored area on the filaments to indicate the tiny amount of toothpaste that is required for cleaning a baby’s mouth. Change your baby’s toothbrush at least every three months, and sooner if the filaments are starting to splay.

Dental home care for babies

Dental home care for babies

Daily removal of food debris and plaque promotes sound teeth and healthy gums. Early initiation of removal helps establish a long life habit of oral care. A disease free and happy mouth brings satisfaction not only to the parents and babies but also the dental team that provides counseling and encouragement.

Parents should be educated about the dental disease process and they will be charged with the responsibility of cleaning their babies teeth daily.

Initially, oral hygiene for the babies probably should be performed when changing the babies diapers. A changing table is a convenient height and usually has appropriate lighting. As the baby grows, knee to knee position becomes preferable. Bathrooms are usually too crowded and not designed for the babies safety.

Finding an appropriate time is also important. The combination of a tired baby and an exhausted parent does not produce a favorable environment for a positive experience. Developmentally, babies are not prepared to accept or understand the activity. Games may be developed or music and singing use :, parents must try to create a positive experience . With time, the baby might become even more less tolerant, but parents should be encouraged to be persistent.

As soon as your baby’s first tooth appears, you should start caring for it. Brushing baby teeth, most experts recommend wiping the tooth a couple of times a day with a cloth. This keeps the residue from milk from sticking to the tooth. Also available are baby toothbrushes that fit on your finger, these have very soft bristles and can also be used to clean the tooth. This is a useful item to use, particularly as more teeth arrive.

Tooth Brushing Tips

Choosing a Tooth Paste

The big manufactures of toothpaste spend a great deal of time, money and research facilities on the maintenance of high quality in their product. Their reputation, and a portion of their economic existence, depends on this. These companies have spent considerable amounts testing their toothpastes and some have gone to the trouble of obtaining medical product licenses.

Pointers to choice

Toothpaste should of course be of acceptable taste to you and preferably should contain a small amount of fluoride. This has been shown to reduce dental decay buy a measurable amount. On the whole it is better to buy small tubes rather than the large ‘economy family size’. In this way the tendency for some pastes to harden in the tube will be avoided because the contents will be used quicker

Fluorides

A few dentists began using fluoride solutions as a preventive measure against dental decay over thirty years ago. This was by direct application, i.e. the regular painting of fluoride on the teeth of children from the age of two years. Since then the amount of the decay in such treated children has been negligible compared with other. But it can be a time-consuming procedure although inexpensive compared with the cost and discomfort of dental decay. The addition of minute quantities of fluoride to the water supply, to bring the concentration up to the level found naturally in some waters, has been shown to confer resistance to dental decay.

Studies of the action of drinking water containing one part of fluoride in a million parts of water have been carried out in many countries in the world. The conclusion was that fluoride at a level of 1 mg per litre has been drunk for generations by millions of people throughout their lives. Since fluoridation was introduced, millions more have been drinking water with fluoride at this level. Fluoride in water, added or naturally present, at a level of approximately 1 mg/litre over the years of tooth formation substantially reduces dental caries throughout life.

In the absence of water fluoridation your dentist or hygienist can put fluoride directly on your child’s teeth. This takes a few minutes and a strong recommendation is that it be applied at four-monthly intervals, i.e. three times a year.

Fluoride tablets and solutions can be obtained from your local chemist (see your dentist about prescribing the correct dosage) and these involve remembering to administer the correct amount daily, which may be a chore for some. But it is important to discuss all this with your dentist first. Some few complaints have been made about ‘allergic reaction’ to the fluoride tablet-administration. Investigations have rarely shown any true allergic response and any temporary upset has usually been due to other causes.

Diet and Dental Health

The prevention of dental decay begins with cutting down the amount of sugars taken in all forms. Most people think we refer only to sweets as the culprits. But there are other dangerous sugar-containing foods as well

Some of them are:
1. All sugars (including honey)
2. Soft drinks such as colas and
lemonades
3. Nearly all cereals
4. Cakes, biscuits and puddings.
5. Jam on your bread, marmalade on your toast.
6. Chocolates, sweets and toffees.
7. Peppermint sweets (they are the most dangerous because people believe the peppermint taste to be ‘medicinal’. These sweets are almost pure sugar).

As has been shown already, both dental caries and periodontal disease are the result of bacterial action, in the plaque, which collects on the teeth and gums.

A chocolate candy bar of about 50 grams may contain the equivalent of ten teaspoons of sugar! A slice of two-layer chocolate cake may be the equivalent of fifteen teaspoons of sugar!

These sugars are not an essential part of a normal diet. Hence reducing the total intake, will not only benefit the teeth, but also the general health. However, it is the frequency of sugar intake, more than the total consumption, which is important in influencing tooth decay. It was shown that the acid formed on the tooth in seconds from sugar might take twenty minutes or more to disappear from the mouth. Thus, small sugary snacks every two or three hours throughout the day will keep the teeth bathed in a dangerous acid state.

If Children must have sweets, they should have them only once a day (preferably during meal time). But it is better to recommend sugar-free snacks. A good list would contain:

Fruits: Apples, Oranges, Pears, Bananas
Vegetables: Carrots, Celery, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Cucumber, also Nuts, Crisps, Cheese (in cubes), Eggs, Milk, Yogurt.

In this way if we eliminate sugar, we reduce the formation of plaque by depriving the bacteria of the food, from which they form the acid.

The damage by erosion that, say, lemon juice can do to the enamel will have to be seen to be believed, So avoid frequent tooth contact with lemons, grapefruit, vinegar and other strongly acid substances.

The chemist’s shop may also be a source of danger to the teeth, many cough and throat sweets, lozenges, syrups, and elixirs are loaded with sugar, sometimes up to 50-60 percent. This is to make the product palatable.

Types of Toothbrushes

It is not a secret that appropriate teeth care plays one of the most important roles in overall good health maintenance. And enough care has been given to teeth from the very beginning of the civilization’s development. And, there is no doubt that the most essential teeth care component is the toothbrush. During the thousands of years toothbrushes have been constantly changing in their size and shape, becoming more and more comfortable.
As for nowadays, there is a wide variety of toothbrushes available in the market. And practically every person can choose out of this proposed variety the very toothbrush, which would fit all his or her requirements. Generally, all toothbrushes can be divided into the following types:

Manual Toothbrush. It has been truly considered to be the oldest and the most “conservative” type of toothbrush. Manual toothbrush is the developed version of the tooth pigs, which had been used in the ancient history. Nowadays there are plenty of synthetic materials, of which the bristles of toothbrushes can be made. Therefore, the soft nylon is the most often used one. As for the head and the handle, it is designed from the plastic, which is rather hard.
It should also be noted, that manual toothbrush has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is quite cheap, usually comes with a handle, which is easy to grip, some of them even come with a special tongue scraper, and it is the best thing to travel with. Still, there is no built in timer, which can tell people when their two teeth cleaning minutes are up, and someone can found a manual toothbrush to be difficult to hold onto firmly.
Anyway, nowadays there are different types of manual toothbrushes available in the market, and every single person can choose according to the suitability and requirements.

Electric Toothbrush. The manual toothbrush did not prove to be very effective in the plague and bacteria removing from the teeth, this has pushed the mankind to invent the electric type of toothbrushes. As for the first electric toothbrush, it has been produced in Switzerland, and this took place in 1939. All electric toothbrushes work on the rechargeable batteries, which provide them with the power, necessary for rotation.
Nowadays there exist a lot of powerful electric kinds of toothbrushes, which provide thousands of strokes per minute. As for the rotating techniques, used by these electric toothbrushes, they are the following:
Side – to – side rotation;
Circular rotation;
Rotation – oscillation;
Counter – oscillation, etc.
Just as anything in this world, electric toothbrushes also have their pros and cons. To advantages of an electric toothbrush may be referred the issues, that most of them come with a big ergonomic handles, which makes it very easy and comfortable to hold; there are built – in times in some of them, with the help of which anyone can know when two minutes are up. In addition, there are electric toothbrushes, which dispense toothpaste, and, finally, the feel and buzzing, produced by an electric toothbrush is what many people like in them. As for disadvantages of this kind of a modern product, electric toothbrushes are usually quite expensive, and most of them require constant charging or battery replacement.

Sonic Care Toothbrush. These are the toothbrushes, which are made on the concept of the saliva application, with the help of which proper cleaning of the teeth would be possible. The sonic care toothbrush works by using sonic waves to activate the saliva, which has the inbuilt quality of cleaning the teeth. Practically every sonic care toothbrush promises whiter teeth in 28 days period. In addition, they have built – in two minute timer. This kind of toothbrushes has proved to be the most effective, in comparison to the manual toothbrushes and electronic ones. Therefore, it should also be noted, that this toothbrush is much more expensive, in comparison to those ones, which are described above.

Chewable Toothbrush. This type of toothbrushes is considered to be the latest trend in the whole toothbrush industry. Therefore, the chewable toothbrushes are not marketed at the large scale yet. This kind of a toothbrush proved to be an extremely effective in the plague bacteria removing from the teeth, mostly because there are such components, as aqua, gelatin and xylitol contained. And xylitol is the element, which is used in chewing gums. Inclusion of xylitol makes the toothbrush easy to chew. The brushing process has become much simpler and easier with the invention of this kind of toothbrushes. It is so – to – say “all inclusive” technique, which does not require the use of either water or the toothpaste.
Still, there are several drawbacks of the chewable toothbrushes: there is gelatin, contained in it, which makes it impossible to be applied by vegetarians. Though, it is expected that there would appear new inventions, which will make the chewable toothbrush possible to use for people, who do not consume meat.

There are many varieties available in different types of toothbrushes, therefore, the effectiveness of nearly every toothbrush mostly depends in the proper technique of it application. If the person maintains good oral hygiene and cleans the teeth properly, this will make them more healthy and the smile much more attractive.

New method of treating Residual Caries

The present invention is a method of treating residual caries utilizing a matched laser and dye combination. After initial preparation and excavation of a caries site, a dye is flooded into the site which stains areas of residual caries. A laser with a complimentary wavelength is then used to ablate stained areas. Since healthy dental tissue will not receive the dye and allow staining, diseased tissue will be the only tissue that is stained, not only providing a visual indicator, but also providing a more efficient surface to receive laser energy and allow for more efficient ablation of the compromised tissue. According to the method, the dye may contain and enhancing, oxidizing compound or an anesthetic, and surrounding tissues may be protected by the use of substances opaque to the radiant energy. Indocyanine green has shown particular effectiveness as a dye in this and related methods

Shapes of teeth surfaces

Shapes of Teeth

Name

Shape

Function

	Incisor	Chisel shape	Chopping food
	Canine	Sharp, pointy	Tearing food
	Premolar* (Does not exist in deciduous teeth)	The occlusal surface is wide and uneven. Diamond shape with pits and fissures on it.	Grinding food
	Molar	The occlusal surface is wide and uneven. Rectangular shape with pits and fissures on it.	Grinding food

Smoking Ruins Your Teeth

Besides causing serious damages to general health, smoking also has adverse effects on oral health.

	Consequences of smoking on oral health
	Smoking may cause bad breath. Smoking easily stains your teeth. The chance of developing Periodontal Disease of smokers at least five times greater than that of non-smokers. If a smoker who is already suffering from Periodontal Disease keeps on smoking, the nicotine in the cigarettes will jeopardize the healing potential of oral tissues and reduce the body resistance. This will worsen the condition of the Periodontal Disease. Smoking increases the chance of oral cancer.

	Ways to refuse smoking
	Tell your friends that you don't like to smoke Refuse cigarettes offered by others. Learn to say "no" No matter where you are, insist on choosing "non-smoking areas" Turn your office into a "smoke-free work place" Encourage your family and friends to quit smoking. Refuse second-hand smoking Maintain a healthy life-style by having a balanced diet and exercising regularly to release stress

	Ways to quit smoking
	Discover motives List out reasons for quitting as motives. For example, quitting smoking can: Save money Make you look smarter Make boy / girl friend adore even more. Make plans Change habits that will trigger your urge to smoke. Make a plan that will help you quit smoking. At the initial stage of quitting, you may try chewing sugarless gums instead of smoking. Persist to the end You need to be determined and persistent that you will not to be affected by cigarettes again.

Tooth Cleaning Strategy

In order to clean the teeth effectively, you have to thoroughly remove the dental plaque that adheres on the tooth surfaces, false teeth and orthodontic appliances. The accumulation of plaque will cause Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease.

Clean the tooth surfaces by toothbrushing

Toothbrushing can remove the dental plaque on tooth surfaces. We should brush our teeth in the morning and before bed at night everyday. Thorough removal of plaque can prevent Periodontal Disease.

Place the toothbrush at an angle towards the gingival margin

The head of the toothbrush should be placed with the tips of the bristles tilted at an angle towards the gingival (of the gum) sulcus at the gingival margin where plaque tends to accumulate.

Brush the teeth systematically

Firstly, brush the outer surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. The head of the toothbrush should be placed with the tips of the bristles tilted at an angle towards the gingival margin. Gently move the toothbrush in small scrubbing motions, working on two to three teeth at one time.

Then brush the inner surfaces of teeth in the same way as brushing the outer surfaces.

When we brush the inner surfaces of front teeth, we should hold the toothbrush upright using gentle motion brushing from the gingival margin towards the crowns of the teeth.

Finally, brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth with the toothbrush moving backward and forward.

Points to note
Even if you have grasped the toothbrushing technique, it is important to use appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste.

Toothbrushing cannot remove plaque from the adjacent tooth surfaces. They have to be cleaned by dental floss or floss holder.

The order of brushing and flossing does not affect the effectiveness of tooth cleaning. As long as we use the correct technique, we can achieve satisfactory results.

Solutions to common problems encountered during toothbrushing

Areas that are hard to reach by a toothbrush are difficult to be cleaned by toothbrushing. For example, the inner surfaces of lower teeth or crooked teeth:
The solution is to clean with a small head toothbrush or a single-tuft toothbrush.

Gagging when brushing:
Some people may gag when they brush their teeth. To improve this situation, you can choose to use a toothbrush with a small head.

Gingivae bleeds and hurts when brushing:
The accumulation of dental plaque causes gingival inflammation. In that case, the gingivae (gum) will bleed when brushing. You can choose to use a soft toothbrush to clean away the plaque in such areas. Gingival inflammation will slowly subside and the gingivae will become healthy when the oral hygiene has improved.