Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental diseases faced by adults and children alike. Left untreated, it will result in cavities, pain, and even tooth loss. However, tooth decay is largely preventable. We will discuss what causes tooth decay, the signs to watch for, and how you can keep your teeth healthy.

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, occurs when the hard components of the tooth (enamel and dentine) are demineralised and broken down by the effect of bacteria on dietary sugars.

This breakdown happens when harmful bacteria in your mouth metabolise sugar into acid that erode the enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. Over time, this can lead to cavities, small holes in the teeth, which, if untreated, can penetrate deeper layers of the tooth, causing pain, infection, and eventual tooth loss.

Causes of Tooth Decay

1. Plaque Formation

   - The primary cause of decay is due to the action of plaque on sugar in our diet. This begins with the formation of plaque, a sticky film composed of bacteria, that forms on your teeth. When you consume sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in plaque feed on this and produce acids that attack tooth enamel.

2. Frequent Snacking on Sugary Foods & Drinks

   - Each time we eat or drink sugary and starchy food & drink, we provide a fuel source for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. The bacteria convert sugar into acid, which damages the enamel and demineraises hard tooth structure. Our saliva is able to neutralise the acid and start to repair this damage. However, it takes approximately 45 minutes or more for this to occur. If this happens a few times in the day then there is a balance between damage and repair. The problems arise when we are frequently grazing on sugary things and there is a constant state of damage to the teeth, the saliva can’t keep up with the repairs.

Sugary foods and drinks include natural sugars like fruit, honey, sweets, and even carbohydrates.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene

  - Inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up on your teeth, increasing the likelihood of acid production and enamel erosion. Without regular cleaning, plaque can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove and provides more hiding spots for the plaque.

4. Dry Mouth

   - Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids in your mouth and washing away food particles. A lack of saliva, often caused by certain medications, medical conditions, or dehydration, greatly increases the risk of tooth decay.

5. Acidic Foods and Drinks

   - Consuming foods and drinks that are high in acids, such as citrus fruits, carbonated and fizzy drinks, can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to decay.

6. Receding Gums

   - As gums recede due gum disease, or improper brushing, they expose the roots of your teeth, which are more vulnerable to decay because they lack the protective enamel.

7. Genetics

   - Some people are genetically predisposed to weaker enamel or may have higher levels of harmful bacteria in their mouths, increasing their susceptibility to tooth decay.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay

- The most common symptom is sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. However, this does not exclusively indicate the presence of decay.

- Brown, black or frosty white marks on the surface of a tooth.

- If ignored, this can progress to pain and toothache.

- For some people decay is painless. The first sign is when a hole forms or the tooth breaks.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist promptly to investigate the issue.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Preventing tooth decay involves adopting good oral hygiene practices and making mindful choices about your diet and lifestyle. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Brush Twice a Day:

   - Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride or alternatively with hydroxyapatite toothpaste. This helps strengthen enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks.

2. Floss Daily

   - Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth where your toothbrush can't reach.

3. Limit the frequency of Sugary and Acidic Foods

   - Reduce your intake of sugary snacks, soft drinks, and acidic foods. If you do consume them, try to do so during meal times.

4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

   - Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth and neutralises acids.

5. Regular Dental Checkups

   - Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Your dentist can detect early signs of decay and provide preventative treatments.

Summary

Tooth decay is a common dental problem, but with the right approach, it’s one that you can largely prevent. By understanding the causes and taking proactive steps in your daily routine, you can protect your teeth from decay and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years. If you have concerns about tooth decay or need advice on maintaining your oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an extremely common and largely preventable condition. Although initially barely noticeable, if left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious dental problems, including tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease has two stages, gingivitis and periodontitis. Everyone's mouth is full of bacteria and this bacteria grows on the teeth and gums in the form of plaque. The formation of plaque is never ending, the instant you finish cleaning your teeth, plaque will start to re-form. The longer that plaque is allowed to grow and fester, the more aggressive and harmful it becomes to the tissues surrounding the teeth.

Stage One - Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. At this stage, the disease is usually reversible with proper dental care and effective removal of the plaque biofilm every 24 hours.

Stage Two - Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left unchecked, it can advance to periodontitis. In this more severe stage, the bacterial toxins irritate the bone underneath the gums. Slowly over time, the bone levels are taken away, reducing the support for the teeth. Eventually the teeth can become loose and make eating very challenging. Ultimately resulting in the tooth being extracted or simply falling out. In general, the lost bone cannot be repaired, therefore the damage caused by periodontitis is irreversible.

Causes of Gum Disease

1. Plaque:

 The root cause of gum disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If there is no plaque, there can be no gum disease. This underpins the importance of effectively brushing your teeth and cleaning inbetween your teeth with floss and interdental brushes where a toothbrush is unable to reach. Tartar, otherwise known as calculus, is the build up of left over mineral deposits from our own saliva. It is very hard and cannot be simply brushed away once formed, instead it needs to be professionally cleaned. Tartar helps to hide plaque from the tooth brush and can therefore exacerbate the problem of gum disease.

2. Poor Oral Hygiene:

 Inconsistent or poor brushing and flossing habits will lead to the accumulation of plaque and tartar, leading to the onset of gum disease.

3. Smoking and Tobacco Use:

Smoking reduces your immune system’s ability to fight against the bacteria, making it harder to fend off the gum infection. Tobacco use also reduces blood flow to the gums, impeding the healing process. As a result, smoking increases the severity of gum disease and can increase the speed of bone loss.

4. Genetics:

 Although plaque is the cause, there is a genetic component to severity of effects. Some people are more affected by the issue than others. The good news is that most people sit in the middle, controlling plaque should prevent gum disease.

5. Hormonal Changes:

Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and menstruation can make gums more sensitive and susceptible to gum disease. Pregnant women often notice theirs gums bleed more. However, immaculate oral hygiene will prevent this.

6. Medical Conditions:

 Certain diseases, such as diabetes, can affect your immune response. People with diabetes are more prone to infections, including gum disease. Good glycaemic control can prevent the effects.

7. Medications:

Medication side effects can reduce saliva flow, which is essential for protecting your teeth and gums. Others may cause abnormal overgrowth of gum tissue, making it harder to keep the gums clean.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

- Red, swollen, or tender gums

- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing

- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth

- Receding gums, making teeth appear longer

- Loose or shifting teeth

- Painful chewing

- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Preventing Gum Disease

Preventing gum disease involves maintaining good oral hygiene and making healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some key steps you can take:

1. Brush Twice a Day:

As plaque will accumulate on every surface it is important to brush every possible surface. The front, back and sides of your teeth. The most important place to focus on is where the tooth and gum join. It is important to point the tooth brush into the gums at roughly 45 degrees. Don’t be put off by bleeding when you brush, focus on these areas more, over the next few days the bleeding will improve and should eventually stop.

2. Floss Daily:

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline where your toothbrush can’t reach. Make it a habit to floss at least once a day. Ideally at night before you brush.

3. Regular Dental Checkups:

 Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Your dentist can remove tartar and detect early signs of gum disease before it becomes more serious.

4. Quit Smoking:

If you smoke, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease and improve your overall oral health.

5. Use Mouthwash:

Antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth, lowering the risk of gum disease. However, it should not replace brushing and flossing. The best time to use mouthwash is at a different time to brushing, for example after lunch.

7. Manage Health Conditions:

If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, managing it effectively can help reduce your risk of gum disease. Speak to your GP if you feel any medication is affecting your saliva or causing a dry mouth.

8. Stay Hydrated:

Drinking plenty of water helps to improve saliva flow. Saliva has protective and antimicrobial actions.

Studies have also demonstrated that there is a strong link between gum health and cardiovascular health. Reduced inflammation and bacterial action in the gums can reduce systemic inflammatory markers in the blood.