Showing posts with label cavities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cavities. Show all posts

Sunday, 14 December 2014

What Fluoride does for you

 If you’re trying to make your smile really shine, you can do so via brushing, and flossing. But what about other ways for you to make your oral care really shine? Well, fluoride is one of those ways.  Here’s what you’ve got to know about this, and why it’s imperative to use fluoride to improve your oral health.

What Fluoride is 

If you’ve ever wondered what fluoride is, you’re not alone. It’s actually something that’s found within the earth, and is in nature. It’s a natural item that’s found in a lot of water and foods, and it’s pretty easy to procure. Many times, fluoride gets added to the water that you drink, in order to make the teeth stronger and reduce the decay of the teeth.

It was found that, as long ago as 1930, that fluoride is helpful, and it’s good for fighting the cavities in your mouth.



It was found that the areas that did drink water with fluoride in it, had better teeth, and less decay. It was also found that when it got added to the water supply in communities, it actually reduced tooth decay in a lot of cases all around the board.

The ADA and the WHO also both agree that using fluoride in the water is not a bad thing. It’s been found to be a natural cavity fighter, so it’s good for you to use. 

How Fluoride Works 

The best way to describe how it works is through the process of remineralization. This is also during the demineralization part of this.

When you have plaque and bacteria, demineralization takes place, and this is basically where the bacteria and the plaque will feast on the teeth. They feed on the carbs and sugar that are there. this creates an acid that’ll weaken the enamel of the teeth.



So how does fluoride come into play? Well, when you want to protect the teeth from the damage that’s caused by this, and other sorts of negative effects, this is it. 

Basically, it comes in here and helps with putting more calcium and phosphate into the teeth. This is the process that’s called remineralization. It’s important because it actually can help with making the teeth stronger, and keeping them stronger.

If you remineralize your teeth too much without replacement, that’s what creates tooth decay, so you have to be mindful of that.

This is good for a lot of children too. When this enters into the bloodstream in very small dosages, it actually helps with developing the permanent adult teeth that you have. It also strengthens the teeth from the outer part, so then the acids won’t damage the enamel that’s there. In essence, this will keep the teeth strong, while also preventing the cavities that are there, and also mitigating the tooth sensitivity that can happen too. 

It strengthens the teeth by helping the enamel absorb all of this. Fluoride also does naturally bond with phosphate and calcium, in order to help create a material that’s called fluorapatite, which is basically a material that resists the cavities that’s there.



Now, the bigger question, is it safe? It is, but if you do have too much, it can prove to be a problem. This can create dental fluorosis, which is basically a type of condition that causes the teeth to be discolored or gray due to too much fluoride. So be mindful of that, and if you're not sure whether or not you're getting enough to your doctor to see as well just what you can do, and if it’s right.


Sunday, 9 November 2014

What Fluoride does for you

If you’re trying to make your smile really shine, you can do so via brushing, and flossing. But what about other ways for you to make your oral care really shine? Well, fluoride is one of those ways. Here’s what you’ve got to know about this, and why it’s imperative to use fluoride to improve your oral health.

What Fluoride is 

If you’ve ever wondered what fluoride is, you’re not alone. It’s actually something that’s found within the earth, and is in nature. It’s a natural item that’s found in a lot of water and foods, and it’s pretty easy to procure. Many times, fluoride gets added to the water that you drink, in order to make the teeth stronger and reduce the decay of the teeth.

It was found that, as long ago as 1930, that fluoride is helpful, and it’s good for fighting the cavities in your mouth.



It was found that the areas that did drink water with fluoride in it, had better teeth, and less decay. It was also found that when it got added to the water supply in communities, it actually reduced tooth decay in a lot of cases all around the board.

The ADA and the WHO also both agree that using fluoride in the water is not a bad thing. It’s been found to be a natural cavity fighter, so it’s good for you to use. 

How Fluoride Works 

The best way to describe how it works is through the process of remineralization. This is also during the demineralization part of this.

When you have plaque and bacteria, demineralization takes place, and this is basically where the bacteria and the plaque will feast on the teeth. They feed on the carbs and sugar that are there. this creates an acid that’ll weaken the enamel of the teeth.

So how does fluoride come into play? Well, when you want to protect the teeth from the damage that’s caused by this, and other sorts of negative effects, this is it. 



Basically, it comes in here and helps with putting more calcium and phosphate into the teeth. This is the process that’s called remineralization. It’s important because it actually can help with making the teeth stronger, and keeping them stronger.

If you remineralize your teeth too much without replacement, that’s what creates tooth decay, so you have to be mindful of that.

This is good for a lot of children too. When this enters into the bloodstream in very small dosages, it actually helps with developing the permanent adult teeth that you have. It also strengthens the teeth from the outer part, so then the acids won’t damage the enamel that’s there. In essence, this will keep the teeth strong, while also preventing the cavities that are there, and also mitigating the tooth sensitivity that can happen too. 

It strengthens the teeth by helping the enamel absorb all of this. Fluoride also does naturally bond with phosphate and calcium, in order to help create a material that’s called fluorapatite, which is basically a material that resists the cavities that’s there.



Now, the bigger question, is it safe? It is, but if you do have too much, it can prove to be a problem. This can create dental fluorosis, which is basically a type of condition that causes the teeth to be discolored or gray due to too much fluoride. So be mindful of that, and if you're not sure whether or not you're getting enough to your doctor to see as well just what you can do, and if it’s right.


Thursday, 12 June 2014

All About Incipient Caries

 While you might have a daunting diagnosis of tooth decay, they might tell you that the caries are incipient. This is because usually, initially caries mean filling and drilling.  There are now more non-invasive types of strategies in order to manage decay symptoms early on, and it’ll help with ensuring that the problems get better. 

What Incipient Caries Are 

When you constantly expose the mouth to different acids, which cause the enamel to create a demineralization, there are now new different signs of early decay, which are called incipient lesions, otherwise known as caries. They occur when the plaque has been left, and it grows within the mouth, near the gums, and the grooves of these molars, and also for the current fillings. The incipient caries are something that can start to progress into the softer dentin portion of your tooth, and you start to feel them become less active through the process of remineralization. 



One thing that the Ohio department of Health talks about is that there are active parts where the decalcification of the enamel starts to become chalky and rough when your dentist starts to look at them. If lesions start to heal themselves, they’ll look shiny, and will feel hard and smooth to the touch. 





The Management of This 

Now, based on the current evidence and best practices, one thing the American Association of Dental Consultants are doing, is to remineralizer these techniques, in order to stop, or further reverse this decay process in the initial stages of such. The organization does say that nonsurgical methods are the best ways, and they offer an advantage when you’re preserving the structure of the tooth.



According to a study published by the ADA, they decided that the incipient cavities tend to be non-cavitated, which means that they don’t contain bacteria.  Usually, you can use topical fluoride or sealant treatments as the best types of ways to boost remineralization. Here are a couple of remedies that are non-invasive and provide the users with a unique way to repair this enamel as well. 

  • Fluoride: this is a mineral that’s a combination of calcium phosphate, and it’s used within the enamel, in order to make these teeth stronger. Fluoride also does replace minerals lost, so it can stop this decaying process. It’s found in a lot of water supplies, toothpastes, and the like, which are used to fight these cavities. For bigger busts in order to heal the decay that’s incipient, dentists may suggest a topical treatment of some acidulated phosphate fluoride gel, or varnishes. 

  • Sealants are used to work on applying to the chewing portions of the molars in order to keep this bacteria and food out of the grooves of the teeth, which offers a chance for remineralization to work. 

  • Amorphous Calcium Phosphate, or ACP. This is when you apply this to the enamel of the tooth and will stimulate the enamel decalcification process of this.  it improves the fluoride uptake, enhancing the repair of this, and boosting the abilities of such, which is done according to the dental hygiene theory and practice. It’s also further incorporated into the dental materials, the gums, the cleaning pastes, and whitening systems. 

  • Cheese: this is one that’s unlikely, but it can be a remedy due to the fact that they work with remineralization, especially if you eat these after a specific meal. 

  • Saliva: Finally, improving salvia flow can help with ensuring that the enamel is repaired.  Chewing gum that’s sugarless or some lozenges can help and prevent the cavities from getting worse too.

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

When Should I get Antibiotics for a Toothache

 If you’ve got a toothache or an infection in your mouth and are experiencing a ton of pain in your mouth, you may wonder if there is a way to get some relief. One way is an antibiotic. It might seem strange to take antibiotics, especially since it’s not a typical infection. But, all of these infections, especially within the mouth, have a lot in common. All of them have been caused by bacteria.  Not every dental infection however calls for antibiotics, and here, we’ll go over whether you should get antibiotics for the toothache that you have.

Tooth Decay and bacteria. 

In order to understand the reasons why a dentist might give you antibiotics, the first thing to note is that bacteria and toothaches work in a very intriguing manner. Without regular brushing and flossing that promotes the cleaning of those nasty bacteria, turning these foods into acid does happen. This results in the formation of cavities, tooth decay, and other problems. If you take in a ton of sugar, especially those that are overloaded and get stuck on your mouth, you’re going to especially give bacteria a reason to continue to fast on your mouth and structures. Bacteria that cause this are known in many cases are called Streptococcus mutans. 



The Causes of a Toothache 

The causes of this usually are from when the bacteria go and break down on the inner parts of the tooth, creating a vulnerability to this. This inner chamber is vital, as it contains different nerves that’ll supply you with different sensations. When some bacteria reach this, it’s painful, leading to worse dental problems that require an antibiotic treatment.

There are a lot of causes for a toothache, including cavities, where the chamber inside of the tooth is vulnerable, and abscesses happen with this. cavities don’t necessarily mean that it’s time for antibiotics. You can get cavities treated with crowns and fillings depending upon the infection. When it does reach the nerves however, you need a root canal and a cover to keep the bacteria out of there. if the tooth gets so broken down beyond repair as well, they might need to take it out. 

When to Prescribe Antibiotics 

Usually, when the infection is so severe that it impacts the gum and other areas of the tooth, you might need antibiotics. One example of this is pericoronitis, which is an infection that begins in the tissues of the gums, developing around the wisdom teeth. Some people who have this do get antibiotics as a treatment for this.



You may also get amoxicillin and penicillin for infections. Another one that a lot of people get is Clindamycin, which is prescribed for those who do have a penicillin allergy.  You want to make sure not to have too much of this, as this can lead to bacterial resistance. You should be mindful of this, especially when taking it.

You want to make sure that, if you do take antibiotics, you always follow what the doctor orders, as this offers the ideal outcome. You’ll want to follow through with the treatment till the end, especially if there are more prescriptions to take. 

If you have a toothache, there are a few ways to prevent and reduce the risk, including limiting the sugary drinks and foods you have, brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing your teeth once a day, and finally, getting a dental checkup. 



Doing this prevents cavities, and prevents the need to take antibiotics, leading to a happier, healthier life for yourself.


Monday, 26 November 2012

what is oral psoriasis

If you’re someone who knows about psoriasis, you already know the basics of this. This is an autoimmune condition and skin condition that causes thick, dry, and silvery scales along with sometimes itchy patches within the skin. This happens when the skin cells' life cycle is sped up, and this creates rough, dead and other problems with the skin cells. 

While it isn’t contagious and very common, it’s considered an immune disorder with a genetic focus. There are different triggers based on the person, but stress, dry weather, alcohol consumption, smoking, and existing infections put you at risk. Luckily, since it is so common, there are plenty of treatments which are available. 

Oral Psoriasis Vs. Regular Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is usually seen on the skin, but there are rare cases where it can happen in other places. If you already suffer from psoriasis, there’s a high chance that you may develop oral psoriasis. 



This occurs on the corners of the mouth, tongue, lips, and the like.  It doesn’t have regular triggers and patterns like others, so the outbreaks will happen without rhyme or reason. 

Psoriasis within the mouth is not common, but if you’ve got symptoms, talk to the dermatologist or dentist to make sure that it is psoriasis and not a cold sore. 

Diagnosis and Symptom Treatment 

If you do have psoriasis, you may wonder this. 

The two most common symptoms are: 

  • Small, white bumps that bleed when you scrape them. 

  • Red and white plagues on the mouth or other oral areas 

If you think that you have these symptoms, then you should talk to the dermatologist or dentist in order to figure out the best course of treatment. 

Ideally, you may get a biopsy in order to ensure that you get the correct diagnosis. 



If it is confirmed, there are certain treatments which get prescribed for your means. 

The most common treatments for those with psoriasis include: 

  • Steroid creams 

  • Anti-inflammatory oral medications 

The medications will reduce both inflammation and pain, so it will be easier for you to drink and eat.  It also may improve if you treat the symptoms in the skin, so yes, treating other areas can impact treating these areas. 

Prevention of Psoriasis 

While you can’t combat psoriasis, one way to do so is to know the triggers that co occur when you’re dealing with skin prosaic. 

Oral psoriasis is a little more complicated because they usually don’t have sudden symptoms that show up.  However, there are a few triggers that contribute to psoriasis in general, including the mouth. 

There are a few precautions here and there, and they include: 

  • Limit the spicy foods that you have 

  • Don’t smoke 

  • Utilize mouth rinses, especially after eating 

  • Practice good oral care, and see your dentist every six months 

Again, there’s a specific set pattern with oral psoriasis, but just like with regular psoriasis, if you know what triggers it, it will definitely benefit you. 

You can also talk to a dentist, doctor, or dermatologist to help you get on the right path. If they do prescribe medications, try to use one that fits your needs, and talk to them prior to treatment of this. 



Promises is not a comfortable disease, and in some cases, it can be downright painful. But, with the correct diagnosis, along with proper care, you’ll be able to control and manage your symptoms as well, treating them in an effective manner. You’ll be able to ensure that you’ve got the right preventative and diagnosis tips in order to best fit the needs that you have and treat the symptoms as well.