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Preventive care is really a very personal thing when it comes to your teeth. But there are a few things that you can do that can make a big difference. One of these things is flossing - I remember meeting an Air Force dentist in my travels - he had a simple philosophy and an eloquently simple way of stating it, he said "only floss the teeth you want to keep". Personal experience tells me he was right. Making time for flossing has made a big difference in the health of my teeth.
The main cause of tooth decay and gum problems are the foods we choose to eat. Eating is also a very personal experience, but is also something that is under your control. Learning how foods affect your teeth can help you battle tooth decay and make your dental visits more enjoyable - because no one wants to hear that they have a cavity.
How does the food you eat cause tooth decay? When you eat, food passes through your mouth. Here it meets the germs, or bacteria, that live in your mouth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria on your teeth.
These bacteria love the sugars and starches found in many foods. When you don't clean your teeth after eating, plaque bacteria use the sugar and starch to produce acids that can destroy the hard surface of the tooth, called enamel. After a while, tooth decay occurs. The more often you eat and the longer foods are in your mouth, the more damage can occur.
How do I choose foods wisely? Some foods that you would least expect contain sugars or starches. Some examples are fruits, milk, bread, cereals and even vegetables.
The key to choosing foods wisely is not to avoid these foods, but to think before you eat. Not only what you eat but when you eat makes a big difference in your dental health. Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. If you are on a special diet, keep your physician's advice in mind when choosing foods. For good dental health, keep these tips in mind when choosing your meals and snacks.
What are tips for better dental health?
To get a balanced diet, eat a variety of foods. Choose foods from each of the five major food groups:
* breads, cereals and other grain products
* fruits
* vegetables
* meat, poultry and fish
* milk, cheese and yogurt
Limit the number of snacks that you eat. Each time you eat food that contains sugars or starches, the teeth are attacked by acids for 20 minutes or more. If you do snack, choose nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit.
Foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm. More saliva is released during a meal, which helps wash foods from the mouth and helps lessen the effects of acids.
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. If you only floss once a day make sure its before bedtime.
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Part of the dentist's job in providing complete oral health care is to check for signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer can develop in the following areas;
Lips.
Oral cavity, which includes:
The front two thirds of the tongue.
The gingiva (gums).
The buccal mucosa (the lining of the inside of the cheeks).
The floor (bottom) of the mouth under the tongue.
The hard palate (the roof of the mouth).
The retromolar trigone (the small area behind the wisdom teeth).
Oropharynx, which includes:
The middle part of the pharynx (throat) behind the mouth.
The back one-third of the tongue.
The soft palate.
The side and back walls of the throat.
The tonsils.
Salivary glands are located throughout the oral cavity and oropharynx.
This summary will describe the risk factors and screening tests associated with oral cancer.
Risk of oral cancer
The number of new cases of oral cancer, as well as the number of deaths from oral cancer, has been decreasing.
Anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease is called a risk factor. Some of these risk factors for oral cancer are as follows:
SEX: Men have a slightly higher risk of developing oral cancer than women.
RACE: The risk of developing oral cancer is higher in African Americans than in caucasians.
AGE: The risk of developing oral cancer increases after age 45 years.
TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL USE: The use of tobacco (including smokeless tobacco) and alcohol increases the risk of developing oral cancer.
HPV INFECTION: Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the risk of developing cancer of the oropharynx.
Screening tests for oral cancer
Screening for oral cancer may be done during a physical examination by the dentist. High-risk areas of the mouth that can be checked for early detection are the floor of the mouth, the front and sides of the tongue, and the soft palate. The exam will include looking for lesions on the mucous membranes, including leukoplakia (white patches) and erythroplakia (red patches). Oral cancer sometimes develops in areas with these lesions. |
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Gingivitis, also generally called gum disease or periodontal disease, describes the events that begin with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end – if not properly treated – with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. The beginning signs of gingivitis include redness and sensitivity of the gums. The dentist will test for this by sight (redness) and by with a probe.
What's the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
Gingivitis usually precedes periodontitis. However, it is important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.
In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up, causing the gums to become inflamed (red and swollen) and often easily bleed during tooth brushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In a person with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Eventually, if not treated, the tooth will fall out.
As part of your hygiene visits the hygienist will remove the plaque and buildup that might lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. |
It's important for you to take good care of your teeth and gums while you are pregnant. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk of developing gum disease, which in turn, can affect the health of your developing baby.
Below are some tips to help you maintain good oral health before, during and after your pregnancy.
Before You Get Pregnant
Make a dental appointment before getting pregnant (if possible). That way, your teeth can be professionally cleaned, your gum tissue can be carefully examined, and any oral health problems can be treated in advance of your pregnancy.
While You Are Pregnant
Dental Care
Tell your dentist (and doctor) if you are pregnant. As a precautionary measure, dental treatments during the first trimester and second half of the third trimester should be avoided as much as possible. These are critical times in the baby's growth and development and it's simply wise to avoid exposing the mother to procedures that could in any way "influence" the baby's growth and development. However, routine dental care can be received during the second trimester. All elective dental procedures should be postponed until after the delivery.
Tell your dentist the names and dosages of all medications you are taking – including medications and prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor – as well as any specific medical advice your doctor has given you. Your dentist may need to alter your dental treatment plan based on this information. Certain drugs -- for example, such as tetracycline -- can affect the development of your child's teeth and should not be given during the pregnancy.
Avoid dental X-rays during pregnancy. If X-rays are essential (such as in a dental emergency), your dentist will use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby. Advances in technology have made X-rays much safer today than in past decades.
Don't skip your dental checkup appointment simply because you are pregnant. Now more than any other time, regular periodontal (gum) examinations are very important because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that put you at increased risk for periodontal disease and for tender gums that bleed easily – a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Pay particular attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If tenderness, bleeding or gum swelling occurs at any time during your pregnancy, talk with your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.
Follow good oral hygiene practices to prevent and/or reduce oral health problems.
Coping With Morning Sickness
If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, change to a bland-tasting toothpaste during your pregnancy. Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend brands.
Rinse your mouth out with water or a mouth rinse if you suffer from morning sickness and have bouts of frequent vomiting.
Eating Right for Your Teeth and Baby
Avoid sugary snacks. Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy. However, keep in mind that the more frequently you snack, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay. Additionally, some studies have shown that the bacteria responsible for tooth decay are passed from the mother to the child. So be careful of what you eat.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Your baby's first teeth begin to develop about three months into your pregnancy. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese and yogurt are a good source of these essential minerals and are good for your baby's developing teeth, gums, and bones.
After You've Had Your Baby
If you experienced any gum problems (including pregnancy gingivitis or a pregnancy tumor) during your pregnancy, see your dentist soon after delivery to have your entire mouth examined and your periodontal health evaluated. |
Senior dental care is a term that applies more to the age of your teeth than to the age of the person to whom the teeth belong. Older teeth and mouths require just as much attention and care as younger mouths and teeth. Plaque and bacteria don't ever take a break. Older mouths and teeth also have the history of how they have been treated to consider. The following is a list of ailments and preventive measures;
As a senior adult, do I really need to be concerned about cavities any more?
Actually, cavities can be more frequent in older adults for a number of reasons. Life-long exposure to fluoride through community water supplies and toothpaste may not have been a possibility for some of our oldest seniors -- it simply wasn't available when these seniors were growing up. Also, adults are more likely to have decay around older fillings.
In addition, cavities in the tooth root are more common, as gum tissue begins to recede in older adults exposing the tooth root surface to decay. Also, dry mouth, resulting from the natural aging process itself, certain medications and diseases, can lead to more tooth decay. Without an adequate amount of saliva, food particles can't be washed away and the acids produced by plaque can't be neutralized.
2. My teeth have suddenly become very sensitive to both hot and cold, but my mouth is otherwise healthy. What could cause this?
Receding gum tissue could be the cause. As gum tissue pulls back away from teeth, the root of the tooth becomes exposed. This could be causing the sensitivity. A soft tissue graft would be the recommended treatment. Other treatment suggestions might include using a fluoride mouth rinse or switching to a toothpaste made specifically for sensitive teeth.
3. Can braces still be an option for the senior adult?
There is no age limit for correcting misaligned (crooked) teeth. The mechanical process used to move teeth is the same at any age. So the benefits of orthodontic treatments such as braces are available to both children and adults who wish to improve their appearance and bite. The main differences between treatments in adults and children is that certain corrections in adults may require more than braces alone and the treatments may take longer because adult bones are no longer growing.
4. Are seniors more at risk for oral cancer?
Yes, the risk of oral cancer increases with age. Any lesion found on the tongue or anywhere in the mouth needs to be examined and closely watched. Smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages is associated with oral cancer.
5. How does long-term smoking impact oral health?
For one, smoking increases your risk of oral cancer. Other oral health consequences include delayed healing following tooth extraction and periodontal treatment, increased bone loss within the jaw, bad breath, and tooth discoloration.
6. If an older person has few or no dental problems or even no teeth, does he or she need to see the dentist?
Even if you do not have teeth or only have had a few dental problems, it is wise -- especially as you age -- to visit your dentist at least once a year for a comprehensive oral exam. At this visit your dentist can look for signs of oral cancer as well as for any other oral health or medical problems in the mouth, head, and neck areas.
7. My dentures don't feel as comfortable as they once did. What should I do?
First, never try to change the shape of your dentures yourself in the hopes of making them fit better. You can cause damage that will make the denture unrepairable.
Your gums and the bone supporting them changes shape as you age, so your dentures may begin to feel loose.
Because dentures are made to fit perfectly, if you do feel a looseness, chances are your dentures will need to be adjusted to make them fit properly again as your mouth shape changes. See your dentist as soon as possible. In an emergency, use a denture adhesive to keep your dentures stable until your appointment.
8. I find it difficult to chew and swallow certain foods. Do I really need to be concerned about eating a balanced diet as a senior?
You may be experiencing these difficulties simply because you have tooth decay, ill-fitting dentures, dry mouth, or another condition that is very likely to be treatable. Maintaining proper nutrition is important not only for your oral health but for your overall health too. To maintain overall good nutrition, follow this advice:
Eat a variety of foods from the five food groups (milk and dairy, breads and cereals, meats and dried beans, fruits, and vegetables).
Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, fruits and vegetables.
Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
Choose a diet moderate in sugars.
Choose a diet moderate in salt.
If you drink alcoholic beverages, drink in moderation.
You may need a multivitamin or mineral supplement. Check with your doctor.
9. Can medications that I am taking affect my dental treatment?
Yes. In fact, each time you visit your dentist, be sure to give him or her complete, up-to-date information about any recent hospitalizations or surgery, recent illnesses and/or any changes in your health since your last visit, and any changes in any medications you may be taking. Regarding medications, be sure to write down and bring with you a list of the names of current medications you are taking, their dosages, and frequency of use. Include any over-the-counter products you may be using as well as any herbal products and supplements. All of these issues will need to be considered by your dentist in order to devise a safe and effective treatment plan for you.
10. I've heard that implants are an alternative to dentures. What should I know about implants?
First, you should know that today's older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer. According to a recent survey by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the rate of toothlessness in individuals aged 55 to 64 has dropped 60% since 1960. This is attributed to scientific developments as well as to a growing awareness of good oral hygiene practices.
Despite this good news, some older adults do suffer from tooth loss and will need dentures, bridges, or an alternative -- such as implants. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.
Not everyone is a candidate for implants. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders -- such as diabetes or heart disease -- or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head-neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. Talk to your dentist to see if implants may be an option for you.
11. I have arthritis in my hands and have difficulty cleaning my teeth. What can you recommend?
There are several adaptations that you can try that should make caring for your teeth easier to accomplish. To increase the size of the toothbrush handle, try wrapping the handle with tape or insert the handle into a rubber ball or into a bicycle grip handle. To increase the length of the toothbrush handle, tape two tongue depressors, popsicle/ice cream bar sticks, or small plastic or wooden rulers to the toothbrush handle. Another option that might offer assistance is to attach a wide elastic band to the toothbrush under which the person would slide their hand. Finally, a battery- or electric-powered toothbrush might be the most appropriate solution, depending on the dexterity of the person.
A variety of flossing aids are available from your local drug store. |
Snoring is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound, due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping. In some cases the sound may be soft, but in other cases, it can be rather loud and quite unpleasant. The structures are usually the uvula and soft palate. Dr. Korody can suggest and fit a number of devices that can help with snoring.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Each episode, called an apnea, lasts long enough so that one or more breaths are missed, and such episodes occur repeatedly throughout sleep. Dr. Korody can prescribe and fit an oral appliance that will hold the lower jaw in such a way that sleep apnea is reduced or prevented. |
WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?
Wisdom teeth are the upper and lower third molars, located at the very back of the mouth. They are called wisdom teeth because usually they come in when a person is between age 17 and 21 or older—old enough to have gained some "wisdom." Wisdom teeth that are healthy and properly positioned do not cause problems.
WHAT CAUSES PROBLEMS WITH WISDOM TEETH?
Wisdom teeth may break partway through your gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over them where food can become trapped and a gum infection can develop. Wisdom teeth can also come in crooked or facing the wrong direction. Or, if your jaw is not large enough to give them room, wisdom teeth may become impacted and unable to break through your gums. You may have trouble properly cleaning around wisdom teeth because they are so far in the back of your mouth and may be crowded.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WISDOM TEETH PROBLEMS?
Wisdom teeth often cause no symptoms. Symptoms that may mean your wisdom teeth need to be removed include:
Pain or jaw stiffness near an impacted tooth.
Pain or irritation from a tooth coming in at an awkward angle and rubbing against your cheek, tongue, or top or bottom of the mouth.
An infected swelling in the flap of gum tissue that has formed on top of an impacted tooth that has partially broken through the gum.
Crowding of other teeth.
Tooth decay or gum disease if there's not enough room to properly care for the wisdom tooth and surrounding teeth.
Most problems with wisdom teeth develop in people between the ages of 15 and 25. Few people older than 30 develop problems that require removal of their wisdom teeth.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of a wisdom tooth coming through your gum or crowding other teeth. You will have X-rays to find out whether your wisdom teeth are causing problems now or are likely to cause problems in the future.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS?
The most common treatment for wisdom tooth problems is removal (extraction) of the tooth. Experts disagree about whether to remove a wisdom tooth that is not causing symptoms or problems. Oral surgeons generally agree that removing a wisdom tooth is easier in younger people (usually in their early 20s), when the tooth's roots and the jawbone are not completely developed. In the late 20s and older, the jawbone tends to get harder, and healing generally takes longer. |
Degeneration of the dental nerve is the primary reason for root canal treatment. It is most frequently caused by untreated bacterial decay that destroys the enamel and dentin and infects the pulp tissue. Root decay can also be responsible for the death of the root nerve. The easiest way to avoid this kind of problem is to have Dr. Korody look at your teeth on a regular basis and have your teeth cleaned by an experienced hygienist as regularly as possible.
However, A sharp blow to the tooth can also precipitate nerve failure, sometimes years after the initial trauma. Its important that you tell Dr. Korody about anything that might have impacted your teeth.
Nerves can degenerate long after teeth have been filled or capped, especially if the original decay was deep. Infection in a deep periodontal (pyorrhea) pocket may extend to the nerve, requiring a combination of endodontic and periodontic therapy to save the tooth. Nerve degeneration might also be due to poor dental treatment.
Root canal therapy is sometimes necessary to eliminate hypersensitivity due to extreme attrition that has worn away one-third to one-half of the tooth's crown.
For example, if a front tooth, usually in the lower jaw, is worn down so rapidly and severely that secondary dentin cannot form quickly enough to insulate the vital nerve, removal of the nerve relieves intolerable sensitivity to temperature and chewing.
Normally, if a tooth is sensitive to both hot and cold temperature changes and the discomfort disappears immediately afterward, root canal therapy is not needed.
Root Canal Therapy consists of removal of the pulp tissue contained within the tubular root canals, and sealing them with an inert material to eliminate bacterial infection. This particular treatment can take several visits to complete, but once the root canals have been sealed there is little chance of a recurrence in the same area. |
Root decay is a growing problem with an ageing population. As people live longer their gums can receded for a number of reasons including a lifetime of brushing. The roots of your teeth that are exposed by the receding of the gums don't have the same level of protection as the enameled crowns of your teeth.
Receding gums unveil a tooth's roots that don't have the same hard enamel coating found on teeth. Rather, your roots are covered by cementum, which anchors the tooth to the jawbone. Plenty of problems come with the exposure of cementum -- it's yellow in color, making for a less attractive smile. But the real tragedy is that cementum is not designed to protect the tooth like enamel and can leave exposed roots more susceptible to decay.
To make matters worse, root decay is good at hiding out. Root decay lurks along the gum line or in between teeth where it's hard to detect with the naked eye. Although you may not feel any pain, there are some telltale signs to look for -- tooth discoloration or "notches" at the gum line are often symptoms of root decay. However, X-rays are the only way to accurately locate any decay between teeth.
The best protection against root decay is regular visits to the dentist to keep track of exposed cementum. Regular cleanings and dental x-rays can help keep track of any decay that might be beginning. Otherwise, the regular brushing, flossing and avoiding sugary snacks are the best preventive medicine against root decay. |
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