Adults
With loads of work and obligations to spouses and children, efficiently taking care of your teeth may seem like a hassle, as well as time consuming. We ask you to make your teeth a priority by reading these simple guidelines on how to keep your smile at its healthiest! Prevention is the key to happy, healthy teeth! The topics in this section include:
Diet
- Good nutrition contributes greatly to healthy teeth, gums, nervous system, and bones.
- Poor nutrition leads to poor dental health, lack of energy, poor self-esteem, and that relationship killer, bad breath.
- Poor nutrition can lead to decreased saliva flow and that can cause extensive cavities and bad breath.
- Your gums need proper nutrition to remain healthy and be less prone to gum disease.
- Loading the mouth with a constant supply of sugars and starches allows the bacteria in the mouth to grow quickly and increase the risk of decay and gum disease. Soda is also very damaging. Not only does the sugar in soda help cause decay, but also the acids in the soda can dissolve your tooth enamel.
- Solution
- Eat nutritious foods, and eat mostly at mealtimes, brushing immediately afterwards.
- Choose raw, low-sugar fruits, raw veggies, nuts, cheese, plain yogurts, boiled eggs, herbal teas and flavored waters.
- Drink up to 10 glasses of clean water per day.
Battling bad breath
The culprits most responsible for bad breath:- Bacteria that reside in your mouth, especially those on the back of the tongue
- Teeth and dentures not cleaned properly
- Food
- Tobacco
- Diet, as the body breaks down its reserve of fat and protein for energy, releasing ketones. You can experience bad breath odors.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. In fact, 75% of the population is reported to have some significant level of chronic gingivitis or periodontal disease… without even knowing it.
Early and moderate periodontal disease may exhibit few, if any, symptoms. However, warning signs of advanced periodontal disease may include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, permanent teeth that are loose or separating, or changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
There are many stages and forms of periodontal disease, including:- Gingivitis: Mild inflammation of the gums due to the plaque buildup. Gums are red and/or sore and bleed when probed.
- Periodontitis: Gum separates from tooth and the bone level deteriorates. If left untreated, gum infection damages bone and supporting tissues.
- Advanced Periodontitis: At this stage, gums recede further and separate from the tooth. Pus may develop, bone continues to deteriorate, and the tooth is loosened, and may all out.
Checking for Periodontal Disease
During each routine checkup, your dentist will examine you for periodontal disease. A periodontal probe is used to determine if there is any breakdown in the gum tissue attachment or if pockets have developed between your gums and teeth.
Treating and Preventing Periodontal Disease
Treatment will depend on the type of periodontal disease and how far the condition has progressed.
- Scaling – cleans the teeth to remove deposits above and below the gumline.
- Root planing – smooths rough root surfaces so that gum can heal.
- Oral irrigation – directs liquid below the gumline to flush out and kill germs and allow the regrowth of healthy tissue.
If deep pockets are found and bone has been destroyed, your dentist may recommend periodontal surgery. To help protect against periodontal disease, it is key to prevent the buildup of plaque. Remember to have regular professional cleanings in addition to brushing and flossing every day.
Electric brush: Why Sonicare?
The effectiveness of Sonicare stems from its advanced technology, which creates dynamic fluid action. With the link between oral health and overall health becoming increasingly evident, Sonicare toothbrushes take on new importance. It is a great way to make a difference in your oral health. The doctors at Wood Creek Dental have seen significant results with this brush.