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Preventative dentistry relies on good oral hygiene and regular
dental care and is important throughout your life, whatever
your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting
the doctor regularly, you will help prevent dental problems
and save time and money. In the process, you can save your
teeth and gums.
By fighting plaque you can keep your teeth for a lifetime.
Today, in fact, older adults are keeping their natural
teeth longer because of scientific developments and an
emphasis on preventative dentistry.
Good oral hygiene requires an understanding of plaque. Plaque
is a sticky, colorless layer of bacteria. When you eat carbohydrates
(foods made of sugar or starch) you feed this plaque, which
in turn produces acids that attack tooth enamel, cause cavities
and develop a hard substance called calculus (tartar). Uninterrupted,
the acid attacks can result in tooth decay and gum disease
(also known as periodontal disease). If left untreated, gum
disease can cause loss of teeth and bone.
At any age, you can begin the fight with plaque and keep
your teeth and gums healthy. It's really quite easy. Simply:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
and fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque
from the tooth surfaces. While you're at it, brush the
top surface of your tongue to eliminate bad breath and
bacteria buildup.
- Clean between your teeth daily with
floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay-causing bacteria
can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't
reach. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from
between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Eat a balanced
diet and limit between-meal snacks. If a snack is needed,
nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt,
cheese or a piece of fruit should be chosen.
- Schedule
regular check-ups. Visit the doctor regularly (every six
months) for professional cleanings and oral exams.
- Ask
the doctor about dental sealants, a protective plastic
coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of
the back teeth where decay often starts.
- Wear mouth
protection such as a mouthguard when you play contact sports
or extreme sports.
Tooth decay (cavity or caries) can develop on any surface
of any tooth. Because cavities grow, they are much easier
and less expensive to treat when they are small. A decaying
tooth may not hurt, so you may have a cavity and not realize
it. The dentist checks for tooth decay at your regular
check-ups and will periodically use x-rays to check for
decay between teeth. The dentist treats tooth decay by
cleaning out the cavity and placing a restoration (filling)
in the tooth.
By following the strategies listed above, you can prevent
tooth decay.
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection
of the tissues that support your teeth. It is a major cause
of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually
painless, you may not know you have it. At each regular
checkup the dentist will measure the depth of the shallow
v-shaped crevice (called a sulcus) between your tooth and
gums to identify whether you have gum disease.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria
that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create
toxins that can damage the gums.
Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in
the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth
and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues
are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket; generally,
the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the
pocket.
Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity
of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis.
In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the
gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage,
the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated
by daily brushing and flossing.
In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis,
the gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously
damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out, or have to
be removed by a dentist.
Some factors increase the risk of developing periodontal
disease:
- Tobacco smoking or chewing
- System-wide diseases such
as diabetes
- Some types of medication such as steroids,
some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs,
some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
- Bridges that no longer fit properly
- Crooked teeth
- Fillings that have become defective
- Pregnancy
If you notice any of the following signs
of gum disease, see the doctor immediately:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away
from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Pus between your
teeth and gums
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- Any
change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no
warning signs.
That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal
examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend
on the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed.
Good oral hygiene at home is essential to keep periodontal
disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don't
have to lose teeth to periodontal disease. Brush, clean between
your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental
visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Normal, healthy gums: Healthy gums and
bone anchor teeth firmly in place.
Gingivitis: Gums are
red, swollen and bleed easily.
Periodontitis: Unremoved
plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As plaque and calculus
continue to build up, the gums begin to recede (pull away)
from the teeth, and pockets form between the teeth and gums.
Advanced
periodontitis: The
gums recede farther, destroying more bone and the periodontal
ligament. Teeth — even
healthy teeth — may become loose and need to be extracted.
The good news is that you can help prevent gum disease by
taking good care of your teeth every day and having regular
dental checkups.
View step-by-step instructions for brushing your
teeth.
You should replace your toothbrush every three or four
months, or
sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will
not do a good job of cleaning your teeth. Children's toothbrushes
often need replacing more frequently than adults because
they can wear out sooner.
View step-by-step instructions for flossing your
teeth.
People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer
to use another kind of interdental cleaner. These aids include
special brushes, picks and sticks. If you use interdental
cleaners, ask the doctor about how to use them properly to
avoid injuring your gums.
When choosing any dental product, look for the American Dental
Association Seal of Acceptance, an important symbol of
a dental product's safety and effectiveness. Talk to the
doctor about what types of oral care products will be most
effective for you. The ADA Seal on a product is your assurance
that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.
Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes,
floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators and mouth
rinse.
By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and
visiting the doctor regularly, you can have healthy teeth
and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.
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