Dental Cavities Guide

Dental Cavities in Toddlers

Administrator — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:31:39 +0000

Children as young as 18 months can develop cavities too according to dentists. This is because some solid finger foods are already being introduced to their diet, aside of course from breast feeding. Aside from diet, oral hygiene and genetics are also factors in the development of cavities. Since baby teeth are more porous that adult teeth, toddlers are more prone to have cavities. Young as they are, it is recommended that they already make a visit to the dentist. The American Dental Association (ADA) advices that toddlers do their first visit to the dentist within six months when the first tooth appears.

The seven deadly sins that cause cavities

editor — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:18:56 +0000

There are seven deadly sins you can commit against your teeth that eventually cause cavities.

1. Not brushing your teeth regularly.
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

2. Not flossing.
You have got to floss at least once a day, to scrape of cavity causing elements that stick to your teeth.

3. Eating a lot of sugary foods.
Consuming a lot of sweet and sugary foods cause tooth decay.

4. Snubbing your dentist
You have to visit your dentist at least once a year to have your teeth checked and cleaned.

5. Not having sealants
Sealants protect teeth from cavities, particularly against the bacteria that causes it.

6. Not chewing sugarless gum
Recent studies have shown that simply chewing sugarless gum prevents cavities by increasing the production of saliva.

7. Not using a mouth rinse
Many mouth rinses help fight off cavity causing bacteria. They make your breath smell fresher too.

Best way to ward off cavities in between teeth

editor — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:30:11 +0000

Flossing is probably the best way to keep your teeth totally clean particularly in between. When food particles are left in between teeth, cavities will likely form because bacteria will breed easily and quickly there. Hence, it is important that the areas in between teeth are kept clean and free of food residues all the time.

Dentists usually prescribe at least twice a day flossing, which should immediately be done right after eating, because the less time the bacteria stays on your teeth, the less likely it can cause a cavity to form. If you are in a public place and it’s impossible for you to floss, a chewing gum can help as the constant chewing can help get rid of food particles stuck in between the teeth.

Periodontitis

editor — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:30:47 +0000

Periodontitis is prevalent among people over 30 years old and is said to occur to those with preexisting gingivitis. Gingivitis is an oral condition in which the soft tissues around the tooth get inflamed. In this stage (gingivitis), bone loss does not yet occur, but is mostly characterized by gum bleeding while brushing teeth.

Many people don’t think much about the significance of this oral health condition because it is usually painless. And as is the usual case, with the absence of pain, people tend to believe there is nothing wrong with their health condition.
To prevent periodontitis, observing good oral hygiene is a must. Regular visits to the dentist is another rule of thumb to follow.

How long does it take for a cavity to form?

editor — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:28:07 +0000

Generally, it takes many months or in some cases, years, for a cavity to develop. In other cases, they never form to some people.
For a tooth decay to develop, there should be presence of dietary sugars and dental plaques on the teeth. With the presence of these elements, a tooth demineralization occurs, which in time, results to the formation of a cavity.

There are also conditions when the reverse of tooth decay happens. In this case, instead of demineralization process, what takes place is remineralization, a process that counteracts the damage done by tooth decay. When you have a decaying tooth and decaying suddenly stops to a point, remineralization may have occurred.

Serious Risks of Gum Diseases

Administrator — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 03:42:10 +0000

If the gingivitis is left untreated, it will lead to periodontitis, which is an advanced gum disease causing your teeth to loosen and even fall out! More research shows that there is usually a link connecting poor oral health to heart disease. Apparently, bleeding gums provide an entry port for viruses or bacteria that can lead to heart problems. Also, women who have gum or tooth problems are more likely to give premature birth to babies.

Bleeding gums also means that your Vitamin C is deficient. Be sure that you supplement with daily doses of this vitamin, and stick to a diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits everyday. If you munch on hard foods with loads of fiber, such as carrot or celery stick, you will help stimulate your gums.

Poor Diet Cause Gum Disease

Administrator — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 03:40:15 +0000

Do you know that more teeth are usually lost through gum disease than any other causes of tooth decay? This disease will strike anybody who eats a poor diet or neglects oral hygiene. Those people who are afflicted with malnutrition, alcoholism, AIDS/HIV infection or those who are being treated with steroid drugs or chemotherapies are more at risk. Flossing and regular brushing will help prevent sore, puffy, and inflamed gums.

Gingivitis is one common condition that will cause the reddening, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. This usually starts with a gradual plaque buildup. Treatment would require a good dental hygiene and removal of plaque by a dental hygienist or a dentist.

Cranberries for Oral Health

editor — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 08:47:19 +0000

Since the discovery and branding of cranberries as one of the “super-foods”, loaded with anti-oxidants it seems the amazing discoveries from the humble fruit kingdom never ceases to amaze. Flavonoids in the fruit have been found to contain anti-oxidants that counteract the effects of the bacteria Streptococcus Mutans, one of the major causes of tooth decay.

Though preliminary with the specific ingredient still to be identified, it is promising at helping the world rid itself of one of the most prevalent diseases all over the globe, the humble yet painful tooth decay. Hopefully, a better understanding of nature’s gifts will give us more tools against the many diseases that plagues our mouth.

Sensitive teeth, fear not – Saliva is here!

editor — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:43:11 +0000

The problem of sensitive teeth is a reality and most adults have the condition making dental treatment a tad bit more difficult. Studies have found that minerals found in saliva but in greater concentrations is effective in soothing such over-reactive or sensitive teeth allowing easier treatment of patients.

The said minerals plug in the tooth’s pores preventing the pain receptors from getting irritated in the first place leaving you to enjoy the cold one you’ve been avoiding for quite some time. Sensitive teeth prevents people from drinking or eating cold foods and even hot ones, causing searing pain as if one’s mouth was burning.

Making Children Aware of Proper Dental Health

editor — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:33:42 +0000

One of the ways to make dental health a habit in the family is by instilling in the children a certain awareness of this aspect of healthy living. It may not be easy to do, but nevertheless doable.

One of the keys is by beginning early. This can be done by starting them at an early age (even as young as two years old) with regular visits to the dentist even for just a check up. This way, the value of dental care is instilled in their young minds and can later become a habit as they grow up.

Another key is by monitoring the food and drink intakes of your children. Make sure they don’t eat too much sweets or drink too much soda as these can leave particles that attract bacteria formation.