What are cavities?

Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can protect them for years to come. Tooth decay is not just a problem for children. It can happen as long as you have natural teeth in your mouth.
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, ruins the enamel that covers and protects your teeth. When you don't take good care of your mouth, bacteria can cling to your teeth and form a sticky, colorless film called dental plaque. This plaque can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Gum disease can also cause your teeth to decay.
Using a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse can help protect your teeth. If you have a problem with cavities, your dentist or dental hygienist may give you a fluoride treatment during the office visit. The dentist also may prescribe a fluoride gel or mouth rinse for you to use at home.

Do you know what gum diseases are?

Gum diseases (sometimes called periodontal or gingival diseases) are infections that harm the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. When plaque stays on your teeth too long, it forms a hard, harmful covering, called tartar, that brushing doesn't clean. The longer the plaque and tartar stay on your teeth, the more damage they cause. Your gums may become red, swollen, and bleed easily. This is called gingivitis.

If gingivitis is not treated, over time it can make your gums pull away from your teeth and form pockets that can get infected. This is called periodontitis. If not treated, this infection can ruin the bones, gums, and tissue that support your teeth. In time, it can cause loose teeth that your dentist may have to remove.


Here's how you can prevent gum disease:

• Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste).

• Floss once a day.

• Make regular visits to your dentist for a checkup and cleaning.

• Eat a well-balanced diet.

• Don't use tobacco products.

Knowing how to brush and floss the right way is a big part of good oral health. Gently brushing your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste everyday is vital. Small round motions and short back-and-forth strokes work best. Take the time to brush carefully and gently along the gum line. Lightly brushing your tongue also helps.

Along with brushing, clean around your teeth with dental floss to keep your gums healthy. If brushing or flossing causes your gums to bleed or hurt your mouth, see your dentist. Use a bacteria-fighting mouth rinse to help control plaque and swollen gums.

Dealing withdentures:

Dentures (sometimes called false teeth) may feel strange at first. When you are learning to eat with them, it may be easier if you:

• Start with soft non-sticky food

• Cut your food into small pieces

• Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth

Dentures may make your mouth less sensitive to hot foods and liquids. They also may make it harder for you to notice harmful objects such as bones, so be careful.

Keep your dentures clean and free from food that can cause stains, bad breath, or swollen gums. Once a day, brush all surfaces with a denture care product. When you go to sleep, take your dentures out of your mouth and put them in water or a denture cleansing liquid.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small metal pieces placed in the jaw to hold false teeth or partial dentures in place. You need a complete dental and medical checkup to find out if implants are right for you. Your gums must be healthy and your jawbone able to support the implants. Talk to your dentist to find out if you should think about dental implants.

Suffering form dry day mouth?

Dry mouth happens when salivary glands don't work properly. This can make it hard to eat, swallow, taste, and even speak. Dry mouth also can add to the risk of tooth decay and infection. You can get dry mouth from many diseases or medical treatments, such as head and neck radiation therapy. Many common medicines also can cause dry mouth.
If you think you have dry mouth, talk with your dentist or doctor to find out why. To prevent the dryness, drink extra water. Cut back on sugary snacks, drinks that have caffeine or alcohol, and tobacco. Your dentist or doctor also might suggest that you keep your mouth wet by using artificial saliva, which you can get from most drug stores. Some people benefit from sucking hard candy.

Got oral cancer?

Oral cancer most often occurs in people over age 40. A dental check-up is a good time for your dentist to look for early signs of oral cancer. Even if you have lost all your natural teeth, you should still see your dentist for regular oral cancer exams. See your dentist or doctor if you have trouble with swelling, numbness, sores, or lumps in your mouth, or if it becomes hard for you to chew, swallow, or move your jaw or tongue. These problems could be signs of oral cancer. To lower your risk of getting oral cancer- don't smoke; don't use snuff or chew tobacco; if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation; use lip cream with sunscreen; and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.