BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY

Baby bottle tooth decay is a dental condition that can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child. The upper front teeth are the most susceptible to damage, but other teeth also may be affected.

WHAT CAUSES BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY?

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugars. Among these liquids are milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas, and other sweetened drinks. The sugars in these liquids pool around the infant's teeth and gums, feeding the bacteria that cause plaque. Every time your child consumes a sugary liquid, acid attacks his/her teeth. After numerous attacks, tooth decay can occur, resulting in baby bottle tooth decay.

Parents and care givers should be especially concerned with giving an infant a sugary drink at nap or night time. During sleep, the flow of saliva decreases, allowing the sugary liquids to pool around the child's teeth for an extended period of time.

HOW TO PREVENT BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY

Parents sometimes do not realize that baby's teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the infant's mouth. By the time the decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the child's teeth. You can prevent this from happening to your child's teeth by knowing how to protect them.

·         After each feeding wipe the child's teeth and gums with a damp washcloth or small soft toothbrush to remove plaque. Begin brushing your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. Flossing should begin when all primary teeth have erupted, usually by age 2 or 2 1/2.

·         Never allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing a sweetened liquid.

·         If your child refuses to fall asleep without a bottle, simply fill it with water and nothing else.

·         If your local water supply does not contain enough decay-fighting fluoride, check with your CDA dentist to see if your child should receive fluoride supplements.

·         Start dental visits between six and twelve months of age.

HOW SERIOUS IS BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY?

Baby bottle tooth decay can cause painful toothaches which can hinder eating. Severely decayed teeth can become infected and need to be extracted. If your child's teeth are infected or lost too early due to baby bottle tooth decay, your child may have some of these problems:

·         Poor eating habits

·         Speech problems

·         Crooked teeth

·         Damaged adult (permanent) teeth

·         Yellow or brown adult (permanent) teeth

Keep your child happy and smiling by preventing baby bottle tooth decay.

CLEAN TEETH AND GUMS

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Having a clean mouth is important. In addition to being healthier, it gives you fresh breath and a nicer smile. When you eat, bits of food, some too small for you to see, remain in your mouth. They feed bacteria that grow in a sticky film on your teeth. This film, called plaque, is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

WHY BRUSH?

Brushing your teeth after meals and between-meal snacks not only gets rid of the food particles that you can see, it removes plaque from your teeth. Using a fluoride toothpaste is important because the fluoride can help kill bacteria, as well as make your teeth stronger. Ask your dentist to recommend the best toothbrush for you. Generally, a brush with soft, end-rounded or polished bristles is less likely to injure gum tissue. The size and shape of the brush should allow you to reach every tooth. Children may need smaller brushes than those designed for adults. Remember: worn-out toothbrushes can not properly clean your teeth and may injure your gums. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three or four months.

WHY FLOSS?

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline, areas your toothbrush can not reach. Because tooth decay and periodontal disease often start in these areas, it is important to clean them thoroughly on a daily basis.

Flossing is a skill that needs to be learned. Do not be discouraged if you find it difficult at first. With practice, you will find that flossing takes only a few minutes of your time each day.

WHAT ABOUT MOUTHRINSES AND MOUTHWASHES?

If used as directed, in addition to brushing and flossing, mouthrinses and mouthwashes can help to prevent tooth decay.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SEE MY DENTIST?

If possible, you should visit your dentist every six months for a preventive check and cleaning. Infants should see a dentist at aboutbsp;    If your local water supply does not contain enough decay-fighting fluoride, check with your CDA dentist to see if your child should receive fluoride supplements.

·         Start dental visits between six and twelve months of age.

HOW SERIOUS IS BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY?

Baby bottle tooth decay can cause painful toothaches which can hinder eating. Severely decayed teeth can become infected and need to be extracted. If your child's teeth are infected or lost too early due to baby bottle tooth decay, your child may have some of these problems:

·         Poor eating habits

·         Speech problems

·         Crooked teeth

·         Damaged adult (permanent) teeth

·         Yellow or brown adult (permanent) teeth

Keep your child happy and smiling by preventing baby bottle tooth decay.

CLEAN TEETH AND GUMS

Return to Top

Having a clean mouth is important. In addition to being healthier, it gives you fresh breath and a nicer smile. When you eat, bits of food, some too small for you to see, remain in your mouth. They feed bacteria that grow in a sticky film on your teeth. This film, called plaque, is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

WHY BRUSH?

Brushing your teeth after meals and between-meal snacks not only gets rid of the food particles that you can see, it removes plaque from your teeth. Using a fluoride toothpaste is important because the fluoride can help kill bacteria, as well as make your teeth stronger. Ask your dentist to recommend the best toothbrush for you. Generally, a brush with soft, end-rounded or polished bristles is less likely to injure gum tissue. The size and shape of the brush should allow you to reach every tooth. Children may need smaller brushes than those designed for adults. Remember: worn-out toothbrushes can not properly clean your teeth and may injure your gums. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three or four months.

WHY FLOSS?

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline, areas your toothbrush can not reach. Because tooth decay and periodontal disease often start in these areas, it is important to clean them thoroughly on a daily basis.

Flossing is a skill that needs to be learned. Do not be discouraged if you find it difficult at first. With practice, you will find that flossing takes only a few minutes of your time each day.

WHAT ABOUT MOUTHRINSES AND MOUTHWASHES?

If used as directed, in addition to brushing and flossing, mouthrinses and mouthwashes can help to prevent tooth decay.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SEE MY DENTIST?

If possible, you should visit your dentist every six months for a preventive check and cleaning. Infants should see a dentist at about 12 months of age.

DENTAL EMERGENCIES

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Injuries to the mouth may include teeth that are knocked out (evulsed), forced out of position (extruded) or broken (fractured). Sometimes lips, gums or cheeks have cuts. Oral injuries are often painful, and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.

EVULSED TEETH

When a tooth is knocked out you should:

·         Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment.

·         Attempt to find the tooth.

·         Gently rinse, but do not scrub the tooth to remove dirt or debris.

·         Place the clean tooth in your mouth between the cheek and gum.

·         Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket. This could cause further damage.

·         Get to the dentist as soon as possible. If it is within a half hour of the injury, it may be possible to reimplant the tooth.

·         If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, (e.g., young child) wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse in milk.

EXTRUDED TEETH

If the tooth is pushed out of place (inward or outward), it should be repositioned to its normal alignment with very light finger pressure. Do not force the tooth into the socket. Hold the tooth in place with a moist tissue or gauze. Again, it is vital that the injured individual be seen by a dentist within 30 minutes.

FRACTURED TEETH

How a fractured tooth is treated will depend on how badly it is broken. Regardless of the damage, treatment should always be determined by a dentist.

MINOR FRACTURE - Minor fractures can be smoothed by your dentist with a sandpaper disc or simply left alone. Another option is to restore the tooth with a composite restoration. In either case, you should treat the tooth with care for several days.

MODERATE FRACTURE - Moderate fractures include damage to the enamel, dentin and/or pulp. If the pulp is not permanently damaged, the tooth may be restored with a full permanent crown. If pulpal damage does occur further dental treatment will be required.

SEVERE FRACTURE - Severe fractures often mean a traumatized tooth with a slim chance of recovery.

INJURIES TO THE SOFT TISSUES OF THE MOUTH

Injuries to the inside of the mouth include tears, puncture wounds and lacerations to the cheek, lips or tongue. The wound should be cleaned right away and the injured person taken to the emergency room for the necessary suturing and wound repair.

Bleeding from a tongue laceration can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward and using gauze to place pressure on the wound area.

DIET AND DENTAL HEALTH

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You know that what you eat can make a difference in the way you feel and perform. That is why you should try to choose foods that will help your body stay strong and healthy. But did you know that your choice of foods and your eating patterns also may affect your dental health?

HOW DOES DIET AFFECT DENTAL HEALTH?

If your diet is low in certain nutrients, it may be harder for the tissues of your mouth to resist infection. This may be a contributing factor to periodontal (gum) disease, the main cause of tooth loss in adults. Although poor nutrition does not actually cause periodontal disease, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and is more severe in patients whose diet does not supply the necessary nutrients.

To make sure that you are getting enough nutrients for good general and oral health, you should choose foods from the four basic food groups: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, fish and eggs. When you do snack, avoid soft, sweet, sticky foods, such as cakes, candy and dried fruits, that cling to your teeth and promote tooth decay. Instead, choose dentally healthy foods such as nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, popcorn and sugarless gum or candy. To have a diet that promotes dental health, you must develop sensible eating habits.

HOW CAN I GET ENOUGH FLUORIDE?

If you and your family have a balanced diet, you will get all the nutrients you need for good dental health, with one possible exception - fluoride. Fluoride is vital for strong, decay-resistant teeth. If there is not enough fluoride in your community water supply, the level of fluoride can be adjusted to the right amount for good dental health (about one part fluoride per million parts water). If your drinking water is not fluoridated, ask your dentist how you can get the fluoride you need.

Fluoride toothpastes and mouthrinses that carry the seal of the American Dental Association's Council on Dental Therapeutics have been proven effective in helping prevent dental decay. However, they do not contribute to your dietary fluoride.

Together, a balanced diet, daily use of fluoride, brushing and flossing, and sensible eating habits, can reduce the risk of or even prevent dental disease

& 12 months of age.

DENTAL EMERGENCIES

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Injuries to the mouth may include teeth that are knocked out (evulsed), forced out of position (extruded) or broken (fractured). Sometimes lips, gums or cheeks have cuts. Oral injuries are often painful, and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.

EVULSED TEETH

When a tooth is knocked out you should:

·         Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment.

·         Attempt to find the tooth.

·         Gently rinse, but do not scrub the tooth to remove dirt or debris.

·         Place the clean tooth in your mouth between the cheek and gum.

·         Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket. This could cause further damage.

·         Get to the dentist as soon as possible. If it is within a half hour of the injury, it may be possible to reimplant the tooth.

·         If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, (e.g., young child) wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse in milk.

EXTRUDED TEETH

If the tooth is pushed out of place (inward or outward), it should be repositioned to its normal alignment with very light finger pressure. Do not force the tooth into the socket. Hold the tooth in place with a moist tissue or gauze. Again, it is vital that the injured individual be seen by a dentist within 30 minutes.

FRACTURED TEETH

How a fractured tooth is treated will depend on how badly it is broken. Regardless of the damage, treatment should always be determined by a dentist.

MINOR FRACTURE - Minor fractures can be smoothed by your dentist with a sandpaper disc or simply left alone. Another option is to restore the tooth with a composite restoration. In either case, you should treat the tooth with care for several days.

MODERATE FRACTURE - Moderate fractures include damage to the enamel, dentin and/or pulp. If the pulp is not permanently damaged, the tooth may be restored with a full permanent crown. If pulpal damage does occur further dental treatment will be required.

SEVERE FRACTURE - Severe fractures often mean a traumatized tooth with a slim chance of recovery.

INJURIES TO THE SOFT TISSUES OF THE MOUTH

Injuries to the inside of the mouth include tears, puncture wounds and lacerations to the cheek, lips or tongue. The wound should be cleaned right away and the injured person taken to the emergency room for the necessary suturing and wound repair.

Bleeding from a tongue laceration can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward and using gauze to place pressure on the wound area.

DIET AND DENTAL HEALTH

Return to Top

You know that what you eat can make a difference in the way you feel and perform. That is why you should try to choose foods that will help your body stay strong and healthy. But did you know that your choice of foods and your eating patterns also may affect your dental health?

HOW DOES DIET AFFECT DENTAL HEALTH?

If your diet is low in certain nutrients, it may be harder for the tissues of your mouth to resist infection. This may be a contributing factor to periodontal (gum) disease, the main cause of tooth loss in adults. Although poor nutrition does not actually cause periodontal disease, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and is more severe in patients whose diet does not supply the necessary nutrients.

MOUTH GUARDS

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Don't be the victim of a preventable injury: wear a mouth guard. While mouth guards are not mandatory equipment in all sports, their worth is indisputable. Dentists see many oral and facial injuries that might have been prevented by the use of a mouth guard.

Facial injuries in nearly every sport can result in damage to teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. Mouth guards cushion blows to the face and neck. A mouth guard should be part of every athlete's gear, no matter the sport. It's better to play it safe than face a devastating and painful oral injury. Even adults are not free from the dangers of mouth injuries. Dentists treat many trauma injuries in weekend athletes. Whatever your age or sport, mouth guards are an important part of sports safety and your exercise routine. Do what you can to protect your smile and preserve your health.

DOS AND DON'TS

·         Do wear a mouth guard at all times when playing sports.

·         Do inform yourself about the most common oral injuries.

·         Do wear a mouth guard custom-fitted by your dentist, especially if you wear fixed dental appliances such as braces or bridgework.

·         Do not wear removable appliances (retainers, bridge, or complete or partial dentures) when playing sports.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHOICES

There are three types of mouth guards: custom-made, mouth-formed and ready-made. Custom-made mouth guards are professionally designed by your dentist from a cast model of your teeth. Because they are designed to cover all back teeth and cushion the entire jaw, they can prevent concussions caused by blows to the chin. Custom guards may be slightly more expensive than commercially produced mouthpieces, but they offer the best possible fit and protection. They are more secure in the mouth and do not interfere with speech or breathing. Calling plays or formations, for instance, will not be impeded by custom guards. Mouth-formed guards, also called "boil and bite," should also be fitted by your dentist. This is generally done by shaping a soft pre-formed guard to the contours of the teeth and allowing it to harden. However, these devices are difficult to design for athletes who wear braces and can become brittle after prolonged use. Ready-made, commercial mouth guards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and are made of rubber or polyvinyl. They are the least expensive but also the least effective. Keep your mouth guard in top shape by rinsing it with water or mouthwash after each use and allowing it to air-dry. With proper care, it should last the length of a season or longer.

SEALANTS

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With the help of your dentist, preventing tooth decay can become even easier. You may already be aware that daily brushing and flossing are the most important weapons against the formation of plaque, the primary cause of cavities. To supplement your regular routine of brushing and flossing, your dentist can apply a coat of plastic material -- called a sealant -- on the top, or biting, surfaces of your teeth. This plastic coating creates a barrier between your teeth and the decay-causing bacteria that live in plaque.

WHAT IS PLAQUE AND WHY DOES IT CAUSE CAVITIES?

As you or your children eat and drink during the day, the food in your mouth combines with bacteria to produce a sticky film called plaque that attaches on and in between tooth surfaces (tooth enamel). Plaque often is found on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, from which it is difficult to remove by brushing and flossing alone. If plaque is not removed regularly from your teeth, it can produce acids which will attack the tooth enamel and create pits or holes (cavities) in the tooth. This is tooth decay.

HOW CAN SEALANTS HELP PREVENT CAVITIES?

Coating your teeth with a slippery plastic material makes it harder for plaque to stick to the tiny grooves on the biting surfaces of the teeth - reducing the risk of forming cavities and tooth decay.

IS IT DIFFICULT TO APPLY SEALANTS?

No. Your dentist may use a special instrument to apply the plastic sealant on your teeth. Most often, it is a painless treatment that lasts for many months.

WHO SHOULD GET SEALANTS?

Sealants are most effective in reducing cavities in children with newly formed permanent teeth. They are useful in cutting down formation of decay in adult teeth,

To make sure that you are getting enough nutrients for good general and oral health, you should choose foods from the four basic food groups: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, fish and eggs. When you do snack, avoid soft, sweet, sticky foods, such as cakes, candy and dried fruits, that cling to your teeth and promote tooth decay. Instead, choose dentally healthy foods such as nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, popcorn and sugarless gum or candy. To have a diet that promotes dental health, you must develop sensible eating habits.

&as well. An application of sealants is a preventive measure to keep teeth healthy. It is an effective way to reduce the need for fillings and more expensive treatment that may be required to repair the damage from cavities, so sealants can also save you money. Ask your CDA dentist whether sealants would be an appropriate treatment for you and your children

IF YOU CHEW, QUIT

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Smokeless tobacco use in the United States continues to increase each year. It may be smokeless, but it isn't harmless. Why should you care? Keep reading.

SMOKELESS TOBACCO

TOOTH ABRASION - Grit and sand in smokeless tobacco products scratches teeth and wears away the hard surface or enamel. Premature loss of tooth enamel can cause added sensitivity and may require corrective treatment.

GUM RECESSION - Constant irritation to the spot in the mouth where a small wad of chewing tobacco is placed can result in permanent damage to periodontal tissue. It also can damage the supporting bone structure. The injured gums pull away from the teeth, exposing root surfaces and leaving teeth sensitive to heat and cold. Erosion of critical bone support leads to loosened teeth that can be permanently lost.

INCREASED TOOTH DECAY - Sugar is added to smokeless tobacco during the curing and processing to improve its taste. The sugar reacts with bacteria found naturally in the mouth, causing an acid reaction, which leads to decay.

TOOTH DISCOLORATION AND BAD BREATH - Common traits of long-term smokeless tobacco users are stained teeth and bad breath. Moreover, the habit of continually spitting can be both unsightly and offensive.

NICOTINE DEPENDENCE - Nicotine blood levels achieved by smokeless tobacco use are similar to those from cigarette smoking. Nicotine addiction can lead to an artificially increased heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, it can constrict the blood vessels that are necessary to carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Athletic performance and endurance levels are decreased by this reaction.

UNHEALTHY EATING HABITS - Chewing tobacco lessens a person's sense of taste and ability to smell. As a result, users tend to eat more salty and sweet foods, both of which are harmful if consumed in excess.

ORAL CANCER - With the practice of "chewing" and "dipping," tobacco and its irritating juices are left in contact with gums, cheeks and/or lips for prolonged periods of time. This can result in a condition called leukoplakia. Leukoplakia appears either as a smooth, white patch or as leathery-looking wrinkled skin. It results in cancer in 3 percent to 5 percent of all cases.

OTHER CANCERS - All forms of smokeless tobacco contain high concentrations of cancer-causing agents. These substances subject users to increased cancer risk not only of the oral cavity, but also the pharynx, larynx and esophagus.

DANGER SIGNS - If you use smokeless tobacco, or have in the past, you should be on the lookout for some of these early signs of oral cancer:

·         A sore that does not heal

·         A lump or white patch

·         A prolonged sore throat

·       nbsp;

MOUTH GUARDS

Return to Top

Don't be the victim of a preventable injury: wear a mouth guard. While mouth guards are not mandatory equipment in all sports, their worth is indisputable. Dentists see many oral and facial injuries that might have been prevented by the use of a mouth guard.

Facial injuries in nearly every sport can result in damage to teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. Mouth guards cushion blows to the face and neck. A mouth guard should be part of every athlete's gear, no matter the sport. It's better to play it safe than face a devastating and painful oral injury. Even adults are not free from the dangers of mouth injuries. Dentists treat many trauma injuries in weekend athletes. Whatever your age or sport, mouth guards are an important part of sports safety and your exercise routine. Do what you can to protect your smile and preserve your health.

DOS AND DON'TS

·         Do wear a mouth guard at all times when playing sports.

·         Do inform yourself about the most common oral injuries.

·         Do wear a mouth guard custom-fitted by your dentist, especially if you wear fixed dental appliances such as braces or bridgework.

·         Do not wear removable appliances (retainers, bridge, or complete or partial dentures) when playing sports.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHOICES

There are three types of mouth guards: custom-made, mouth-formed and ready-made. Custom-made mouth guards are professionally designed by your dentist from a cast model of your teeth. Because they are designed to cover all back teeth and cushion the entire jaw, they can prevent concussions caused by blows to the chin. Custom guards may be slightly more expensive than commercially produced mouthpieces, but they offer the best possible fit and protection. They are more secure in the mouth and do not interfere with speech or breathing. Calling plays or formations, for instance, will not be impeded by custom guards. Mouth-formed guards, also called "boil and bite," should also be fitted by your dentist. This is generally done by shaping a soft pre-formed guard to the contours of the teeth and allowing it to harden. However, these devices are difficult to design for athletes who wear braces and can become brittle after prolonged use. Ready-made, commercial mouth guards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and are made of rubber or polyvinyl. They are the least expensive but also the least effective. Keep your mouth guard in top shape by rinsing it with water or mouthwash after each use and allowing it to air-dry. With proper care, it should last the length of a season or longer.

SEALANTS

Return to Top

With the help of your dentist, preventing tooth decay can become even easier. You may already be aware that daily brushing and flossing are the most important weapons against the formation of plaque, the primary cause of cavities. To supplement your regular routine of brushing and flossing, your dentist can apply a coat of plastic material -- called a sealant -- on the top, or biting, surfaces of your teeth. This plastic coating creates a barrier between your teeth and the decay-causing bacteria that live in plaque.

WHAT IS PLAQUE AND WHY DOES IT CAUSE CAVITIES?

As you or your children eat and drink during the day, the food in your mouth combines with bacteria to produce a sticky film called plaque that attaches on and in between tooth surfaces (tooth enamel). Plaque often is found on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, from which it is difficult to remove by brushing and flossing alone. If plaque is not removed regularly from your teeth, it can produce acids which will attack the tooth enamel and create pits or holes (cavities) in the tooth. This is tooth decay.

HOW CAN SEALANTS HELP PREVENT CAVITIES?

Coating your teeth with a slippery plastic material makes it harder for plaque to stick to the tiny grooves on the biting surfaces of the teeth - reducing the risk of forming cavities and tooth decay.

IS IT DIFFICULT TO APPLY SEALANTS?

No. Your dentist may use a special instrument to apply the plastic sealant on your teeth. Most often, it is a painless treatment that lasts for many months.

WHO SHOULD GET SEALANTS?

Sealants are most effective in reducing cavities in children with newly formed permanent teeth. They are useful in cutting down formation of decay in adult teeth, as well. An application of sealants is a preventive measure to keep teeth healthy. It is an effective way to reduce the need for fillings and more expensive treatment that may be required to repair the damage from cavities, so sealants can also save you money. Ask your CDA dentist whether sealants would be an appropriate treatment for you and your children

IF YOU CHEW, QUIT

Return to Top

Smokeless tobacco use in the United States continues to increase each year. It may be smokeless, but it isn't harmless. Why should you care? Keep reading.

SMOKELESS TOBACCO

TOOTH ABRASION - Grit and sand in smokeless tobacco products scratches teeth and wears away the hard surface or enamel. Premature loss of tooth enamel can cause added sensitivity and may require corrective treatment.

GUM RECESSION - Constant irritation to the spot in the mouth where a small wad of chewing tobacco is placed can result in permanent damage to periodontal tissue. It also can damage the supporting bone structure. The injured gums pull away from the teeth, exposing root surfaces and leaving teeth sensitive to heat and cold. Erosion of critical bone support leads to loosened teeth that can be permanently lost.

INCREASED TOOTH DECAY - Sugar is added to smokeless tobacco during the curing and processing to improve its taste. The sugar reacts with bacteria found naturally in the mouth, causing an acid reaction, which leads to decay.

TOOTH DISCOLORATION AND BAD BREATH - Common traits of long-term smokeless tobacco users are stained teeth and bad breath. Moreover, the habit of continually spitting can be both unsightly and offensive.

NICOTINE DEPENDENCE - Nicotine blood levels achieved by smokeless tobacco use are similar to those from cigarette smoking. Nicotine addiction can lead to an artificially increased heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, it can constrict the blood vessels that are necessary to carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Athletic performance and endurance levels are decreased by this reaction.

UNHEALTHY EATING HABITS - Chewing tobacco lessens a person's sense of taste and ability to smell. As a result, users tend to eat more salty and sweet foods, both of which are harmful if consumed in excess.

ORAL CANCER - With the practice of "chewing" and "dipping," tobacco and its irritating juices are left in contact with gums, cheeks and/or lips for prolonged periods of time. This can result in a condition called leukoplakia. Leukoplakia appears either as a smooth, white patch or as leathery-looking wrinkled skin. It results in cancer in 3 percent to 5 percent of all cases.

OTHER CANCERS - All forms of smokeless tobacco contain high concentrations of cancer-causing agents. These substances subject users to increased cancer risk not only of the oral cavity, but also the pharynx, larynx and esophagus.

DANGER SIGNS - If you use smokeless tobacco, or have in the past, you should be on the lookout for some of these early signs of oral cancer:

·         A sore that does not heal

·         A lump or white patch

·         A prolonged sore throat

·         Difficulty in chewing

·         Restricted movement of the tongue or jaws

·         A feeling of something in the throat

Pain is rarely an early symptom. For this reason, all tobacco users need regular dental check-ups.

PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY WITH FLUORIDE

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WHAT IS FLUORIDE?

Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in almost all foods and water supplies.

HOW DOES FLUORIDE REDUCE TOOTH DECAY?

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making teeth stronger.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET FLUORIDE?

You can get fluoride in two ways--systemically (swallowed and then absorbed into the system) and topically (applied to the surface of the tooth). We obtain fluoride systemically when a food or liquid containing fluoride is swallowed. The fluoride is taken into the body and is absorbed by the teeth and bones. Fluoride can also be applied topically, in which case a gel, paste, rinse, or solution is placed on the teeth where fluoride acts directly on the tooth enamel. Systemic and topical fluoride can safely be used individually or in combination to help strengthen the teeth against decay.

WHO BENEFITS FROM FLUORIDE?

Everyone can benefit from fluoride's ability to help prevent tooth decay. Many community water districts have either naturally occurring fluoride in their water or they add fluoride to their systems so everyone in the community can benefit. Unfortunately, only 17% of California's water supply is fluoridated meaning individuals who live in areas without fluoridated water must find other ways to get enough fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.

HOW CAN I GET FLUORIDE?   Difficulty in chewing

·         Restricted movement of the tongue or jaws

·         A feeling of something in the throat

Pain is rarely an early symptom. For this reason, all tobacco users need regular dental check-ups.

PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY WITH FLUORIDE

Return to Top

WHAT IS FLUORIDE?

Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in almost all foods and water supplies.

HOW DOES FLUORIDE REDUCE TOOTH DECAY?

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making teeth stronger.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET FLUORIDE?

You can get fluoride in two ways--systemically (swallowed and then absorbed into the system) and topically (applied to the surface of the tooth). We obtain fluoride systemically when a food or liquid containing fluoride is swallowed. The fluoride is taken into the body and is absorbed by the teeth and bones. Fluoride can also be applied topically, in which case a gel, paste, rinse, or solution is placed on the teeth where fluoride acts directly on the tooth enamel. Systemic and topical fluoride can safely be used individually or in combination to help strengthen the teeth against decay.

WHO BENEFITS FROM FLUORIDE?

Everyone can benefit from fluoride's ability to help prevent tooth decay. Many community water districts have either naturally occurring fluoride in their water or they add fluoride to their systems so everyone in the community can benefit. Unfortunately, only 17% of California's water supply is fluoridated meaning individuals who live in areas without fluoridated water must find other ways to get enough fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.

HOW CAN I GET FLUORIDE?

You can get fluoride from a variety of sources. If you do not live in an area where the water is fluoridated you will need to look for other sources of fluoride. One easy way to get fluoride is to make sure you are brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste. You can also ask your family dentist about fluoride rinses, tablets, drops, and gels. At your next dental visit be sure to ask your family dentist if you are getting enough fluoride or if there is something else you should be doing to be sure you are getting its full benefit. throughout California many schools conduct weekly fluoride mouth rinse programs. These programs are carried out under the supervision of an adult and can reduce the incidence of tooth decay by about 30% in both fluoridated and nonfluoridated areas.

WHAT TO REMEMBER?

Fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay. It is important to remember to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque, the harmful film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Eat a balanced diet and limit your number of snacks. See your family dentist regularly.

 BAD BREATH

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Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by many things. It may be the result of odor-causing foods, tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, continued mouth dryness, use of tobacco products, sinus or respiratory infections, some medical disorders, inadequate oral hygiene or some medications. Your dentist can help identify the cause and, if it's due to an oral condition, can develop a treatment plan to eliminate this common source of embarrassment.

WHAT CAUSES BAD BREATH?

What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles. One of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect and treat periodontal disease early. Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gl

You can get fluoride from a variety of sources. If you do not live in an area where the water is fluoridated you will need to look for other sources of fluoride. One easy way to get fluoride is to make sure you are brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste. You can also ask your family dentist about fluoride rinses, tablets, drops, and gels. At your next dental visit be sure to ask your family dentist if you are getting enough fluoride or if there is something else you should be doing to be sure you are getting its full benefit. throughout California many schools conduct weekly fluoride mouth rinse programs. These programs are carried out under the supervision of an adult and can reduce the incidence of tooth decay by about 30% in both fluoridated and nonfluoridated areas.

WHAT TO REMEMBER?

Fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay. It is important to remember to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque, the harmful film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Eat a balanced diet and limit your number of snacks. See your family dentist regularly.

 BAD BREATH

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Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by many things. It may be the result of odor-causing foods, tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, continued mouth dryness, use of tobacco products, and problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake. Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce one's ability to taste foods and irritate gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit. Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract (nose throat, windpipe, lungs), chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.

CARING FOR YOUR SMILE

Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning. Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouthrinse. A fluoride mouthrinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.

 BLEACHING

The range of esthetic dentistry also includes tooth whitening, or bleaching. Some patients are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth, perhaps from staining caused by the use of tobacco, coffee and other beverages and foods. Discoloration also can be the result of aging, injury, excessive fluoride, certain illnesses and use of tetracycline, an antibiotic, in early childhood. Bleaching can remove many discolorations and stains, but some are harder to remove than others. The procedure takes from 30 minutes to one hour in the dental office, and teeth can become slightly sensitive just after the treatment. Bleaching features a chemical solution that is painted on the teeth, and a special light often is used at five-minute intervals to help activate the solution, which is an oxidizing agent. Patients also can have their teeth whitened at home in a procedure called nightguard bleaching. This approach involves a custom-fitted mouthguard that holds a bleaching gel in close contact with the teeth and is worn about two hours daily, day or night, for about two weeks, although the amount of time and the duration of the treatment can vary depending on individual needs. The ADA does not recommend over-the-counter tooth bleaching products that are self-administered. Although such products may cost less, bleaching should be done only under the supervision of a dentist after an oral examination and diagnosis of the discolored teeth. Some people with certain dental conditions may not be good candidates for bleaching, such as patients with gum recession that has left sensitive tooth roots exposed.

 BONDING/VENEERS

If your teeth are permanently stained or discolored, have gaps or are misshapen or slightly out of alignment, esthetic dentistry could be for you. One possibility to make your smile dazzling is veneering, a popular procedure among both dentists and patients. Veneers are custom-made shells specially prepared to make teeth look completely natural. Affixed directly to the tooth with composite resins used in bonding, veneers can sometimes be applied without the need for an anesthetic. Materials used to make veneers include acrylic, composite resins and porcelain, the latter growing in use by leaps and bounds. No matter the material, the ultimate goal in selecting materials is durability, stain resistance and a natural look. New materials are being developed continuously, so let your dentist help you choose the material that’s best for you. Having a tooth veneered is a simple process that generally requires a few appointments. To provide room and help strengthen the veneer, a small layer of enamel usually is removed from the front of a tooth. Based on an impression taken by your dentist of the tooth to be treated, the veneer is fabricated to meet the color and shape expectations of your teeth. When the veneer is ready to be placed, the tooth is prepared with a mild etching solution that roughens the surface and aids adhesion. Then, with composite resin cements, the veneer is set in place.

 CROWNS/INLAYS/ONLAYS

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If you need more involved treatment that still looks natural, your dentist may recommend a crown, inlay or onlay. A crown covers the entire tooth to strengthen and improve its appearance and is typically used when a tooth’s damage is beyond the scope of more conservative esthetic procedures mentioned earlier. However, if enough healthy tooth structure remains, your dentist may conserve what’s left and restore the tooth to a natural appearance with an inlay, which fits within the contours of a tooth, or an onlay, which is similar but also covers some of the chewing surface of a tooth. Crowns, inlays and onlays are typically fabricated from an alloy, a combination of metals. Alloys may contain precious metals such as gold and palladium, or non-precious metals such as nickel or chromium. In either case, they are incredibly durable, with many crowns lasting 20 years or more. Crowns also can be made entirely of porcelain, or made with metal lining to which an outer layer of porcelain is fused. Crowns made esinus or respiratory infections, some medical disorders, inadequate oral hygiene or some medications. Your dentist can help identify the cause and, if it's due to an oral condition, can develop a treatment plan to eliminate this common source of embarrassment.

WHAT CAUSES BAD BREATH?

What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles. One of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect and treat periodontal disease early. Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake. Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce one's ability to taste foods and irritate gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit. Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract (nose throat, windpipe, lungs), chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.

CARING FOR YOUR SMILE

Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning. Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you musntirely of ceramic also are available today, but questions remain about their durability and strength when subjected to the intense chewing pressures generated when we eat. The best advice is to consult your dentist if you are interested in a ceramic restoration, particularly for back teeth.

 INVISIBLE FILLINGS

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If you want even your fillings to be invisible, composite resins can restore a decayed tooth or repair a defect. Mostly, composite resins are used on front teeth that bear less chewing pressure, although composites have been developed that can be used for selected fillings in back teeth such as molars. Composites are composed mainly of two primary ingredients: a binder of plastic resin and a filler of finely ground, glass-like particles that give them a lifelike appearance and durability. Composite fillings can be placed in one visit, just like a traditional amalgam filling. An alternative to composite resin for invisible tooth restoration is glass ionomers composed of fine glass particles. Like composites, glass ionomers can be used to fill cavities, particularly on exposed root surfaces that are composed of dentin, which is softer and more sensitive than tooth enamel.