TOWARDS ZERO CAVITY

PART 2: EFFECTIVE WAYS FOR PREVENTION OF DENTAL CARIES

What is the treatment for dental cavities?

1.   Standard treatment for cavities is to fill/restore the tooth.

white filling material

    

2.   If the cavity is large and the remaining tooth may not be able to support the amount of filling material that would be needed to repair it. Then, the dentist will cover the tooth with a crown as protection.

crown

     

3.   If the damage in the interior of the tooth, root canal treatment may be needed to save the tooth. 

root canal treatment

       

What can be done to prevent tooth decay? 

There are several things that can be done to slow down or prevent the breakdown process which leads to cavities.

Here are some useful tips:

• Brush twice a day
• Clean between your teeth daily by using interdental aids like floss or interdental brush to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush cannot reach

• Rinse thoroughly, twice daily, after brushing with non-alcohol mouthwash
• Eat a healthy diet and limit carbohydrate intake
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination

 

TOWARDS ZERO CAVITY

Part 1: Introduction of tooth decay

 

WHAT IS DENTAL CAVITY?

Dental cavity is the medical term for tooth decay. It refers to the destruction of tooth structure and can affect both the enamel (outer coating of the tooth) and dentine (softer layer beneath the enamel) of tooth.

 

Stages of dental caries:

HOW IS IT CAUSED?

Different types of bacteria normally live in the human mouth. They accumulate (along with saliva, food particles and other natural substances) on the surface of the teeth in a sticky film called plaque.

Some of the bacteria in plaque can convert sugar and carbohydrates (starches) in the foods we eat into acids. These acids dissolve minerals from the surface of the tooth, forming microscopic pits or erosions that get larger over time causing cavities.

 

WHO IS AT RISK?

Cavities are generally more common among children but adults are also at risk. Some factors increase the risk:

• Diet high in carbohydrates (sugar and starch) 
•  Consumption of un-fluoridated water
• Dry mouth
• Some medications
• Improper oral hygiene 

                          

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF TOOTH DECAY?

Ø A cavity or hole in the tooth

Ø Toothache 

Ø Increase in tooth sensitivity (to sweet foods or to hot and cold temperatures) 

Ø Food trap between teeth

 

COMMON ORAL CONDITIONS FOR ADULTS

 WHAT YOU CAN DO? 

TOOTH DECAY

1.   Have a look in your mouth regularly. Gently ‘lift your lip’ and look at your teeth near the gum line. You may see some early signs of tooth decay. Early decay may look like a white spot near the gum line. A dark spot may be decay or may be stain.

2.   Use fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily, especially before bedtime.

3.   Use floss or other special cleaning aids to clean between teeth.

4.   Make changes to your diet to reduce sugar intake

GUM DISEASE

1.   Self examination for signs of gum disease

1.   Where thorough plaque removal proves difficult, the use of mouthrinse may help prevent build up of plaque.

2.   A powered tooth brush may be of some special assistance for some people.

3.   Special aids (except floss) to help remove plaque between teeth include interdental brushes, floss holders and toothpicks.

TOOTHWEAR FROM TOOTHBRUSHING

1.   Always use a soft toothbrush.

2.   Use a gentle circular motion at the gum line.

3.   Always let your toothbrush do the work! You don’t need to apply pressure.

4.   The oscillating action of a battery-powered toothbrush can reduce the risk of abrasion that is caused by improper brushing action (scrubbing).

TOOTHWEAR FROM ACIDS

1.   You need to see your doctor if you suspect that you have gastric reflux.

2.   Do not brush your teeth after consuming acidic food or drinks. Wait at least 30 minutes.

3.   You may need additional fluoride protection if dental professional confirm you have dental erosion.

TOOTH SENSITIVITY

1.   Consult your dentist on the right brushing techniques.

2.   Brush your problem areas gently using a soft bristle toothbrush.

3.   Use desensitizing toothpaste which will soothe your teeth’s sensitive nerves.

ORAL HEALTH FOR ADULTS

Common oral conditions in adults can include:

1.   Tooth decay

2.   Gum disease

3.   Tooth wear

4.   Dry mouth

5.   Tooth sensitivity

TOOTH DECAY (CARIES)

The risk of tooth decay may be increased due to:

·         Dry mouth

·        Consuming too many sugary snacks or drinks

·        Inadequate of daily fluoride protection

Ineffectiveness of plaque removal

 

Obvious/well known tooth decay causes:

·       Candy/sweets.

·       Chocolate

·       Fizzy drinks and fruit juices

·       Biscuits/cookies

·       Ice cream

·       Jam/jelly

Decay in adults can be common around fillings and between teeth. A particular problem may be decay on the root surfaces of teeth when gum recedes. When gum recedes, teeth may appear longer, as the root of the tooth becomes more visible. 

 

GUM DISEASE

Gum disease is preventable by thoroughly removing plaque everyday, but daily habits can be disrupted when you are too busy or too stressed.

As plaque buildup in hard-to-reach places, they can penetrate below the gum line causing inflammation and ulcers.

Watch out the signs of gum disease:

·       Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing

·       Red, puffy gums

·       Bad breath

·       Bad taste in the mouth

·       Spongy, soft gums

·       Tenderness of gums

 

TOOTH WEAR FROM TOOTH BRUSHING

You can wear away (abrade) your teeth at the gum line by using a toothbrush that is too hard or by using a scrubbing action when brushing your teeth. This can also contribute to causing receding gums.

TOOTHWEAR FROM ACIDS

Acids can dissolve (erode) enamel off teeth. Often teeth that appear to be severely worn down have been affected by erosion. The acids that erode tooth enamel usually come from foods and drinks or from gastric reflux. The frequent need to use antacid products or a sour taste in your mouth may indicate that you have gastric reflux. 

 

Causes of erosion:

·       Frequency of acidic drinks or foods intake

·       Sipping orange juice frequently

·       Chewing vitamin C tablets

·       Frequent intake of soft drinks or energy drinks

·       The generous use of vinegar in foods

 

TOOTH SENSITIVITY 

A short, sharp pain felt when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet or sour foods or drinks.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

When tooth enamel is lost or when gums recede, the inner layer of the tooth (called dentine) may be exposed. Dentine is made of thousands of microscopic tubus (tubules) that lead to the nerves deep inside the tooth. Cold, heat and sugar cause the fluid movement in the dentine, which stimulates nerves, and resulting in pain.

Exposed dentine may be result of:

·       Brushing too near the gums

·       Gum diseases

·       Abnormal grinding of teeth (bruxism)

·       Acid erosion of protective enamel

牙齿刺痛的原因

牙齿刺痛的原因 牙齿刺痛是牙髓的神经受到刺激所引致。常见原因：  蛀牙 蛀牙洞内的细菌引起牙髓发炎，刺激牙髓神经。 象牙质外露(牙齿敏感) 象牙质内满布管道，如果这些管道因牙龈萎缩或因牙齿表面受损（例如：被牙  刷刷蚀又或被酸性食物侵蚀）而外露，冷、热、甜、酸的食物便会透过这些管 道刺激牙髓神经。与此同时，牙齿表面的牙菌膜的毒素亦有可能透过外露的象 牙质，刺激牙髓神经。 牙齿崩裂 牙齿崩裂导致象牙质或牙髓外露令牙髓神经受到外界刺激。   牙龈疼痛的原因 压龈疼痛是牙周组织发炎所引致，常见原因：  蛀牙 严重的蛀牙令牙髓坏死，细菌在牙髓内滋生，并经由牙根管感染牙周组织，引致发炎及出现脓疮 牙周病 牙菌膜的毒素引致牙周组织发炎。  智慧齿冠周炎 由於智慧齿的牙冠与覆盖它的牙龈之间容易积藏食物渣滓和细菌，导致牙周组织发炎 处理方法 应尽快见牙科医生，找出原因，对症下药：   蛀牙 治疗方法： 牙髓治疗 、 补牙 、 人造牙冠  牙周病 治疗方法： 洗牙 、 牙根刮治 、 牙周手术  智慧齿冠周炎 治疗方法： 洗牙 、 服用抗生素、 拔牙  象牙质外露 治疗方法： 涂搽高浓度氟化物 、 补牙 、 人造牙冠 牙齿崩裂 治疗方法： 拔牙 、 补牙 、 人造牙冠 、 牙髓治疗