DENTAL FOCUS!

TOP COMMON   DENTAL PROBLEMS

Healthy mouth determines how healthy the individual will be. Virtually everything we eat or that nourishes the body passes through mouth, for this reason mouth is an essential organ in the body of every Homo sapiens, and as such must be taken care of adequately. The mouth being the gateway to the body, it encompasses adequate dental monitoring and care. Individual education on common dental problems, their causes, symptoms, and most importantly early presentation at the dental clinic can go a long way in prevention. From studies, there are top two common dental problems.

1. CARIES {HOLE IN TOOTH/TOOTH DECAY  

 2. GUM DISEASES

CARIES

Dental caries also known as tooth decay is an infection bacteria in origin, that causes demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the  teethes [enamel ,dentine and cementum] it is as result of production of acid  by bacterial fermentation of food debris accumulated on the tooth surface.

CAUSES OF TOOTH DECAY/CARIES

Certain micro biota of the mouth ,act on fermentable carbohydrates in food such as sucrose ,fructose ,and glucose producing acids, the acids soften and  dissolves the enamel and dentine over time, thereby creating cavities. The cavities created might be small and shallow which causes no pain and also the cavities might be larger, deeper and can cause pain and collect food debris. The inner living pulp of the affected tooth   can become  irritated by bacteria toxins, food, liquids that are cold, sour, or even sweet thereby causing sensitivity or tooth ache. Several injury to the pulp can lead to the death of the pulp tissue resulting in tooth infection (dental abscess, jaw swelling).a small swelling or gum blister may be present near the affected tooth as well. The tooth can also change colour.

FOOD THAT CAN PREDISPOSE TOOTH  TO CARIES/DECAY.

·         Sugars, white, brown organic sugars, evaporated can juice, commercial jams and candies.

·         Flour and grain products; white flour, wheat flour, organic flour, any unsoaked grain products. Example of unsoaked grain products ;bread ,crackers, cookies, doughnuts ,breakfast cereals ,muffins ,pastries ,sandwiches

·         Hydrogenated oils; margarine, low quality vegetable oils.

·         Alcohol and cigarettes and some drugs that can reduce salivary flow in the mouth etc.

However eating lots of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables are good for healthy mouth/teeth. Meat, nut and fish are also good for teeth.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

A person experiencing caries /tooth decay may not be aware of  the condition, the earliest sign of a new hole in a tooth is the appearance of a chalky white spot on the tooth surface, as the hole progresses ,the colour becomes brown and will eventually turn into an actual hole(cavity),the appearance of dull brown spot indicates active caries(cavity),as the enamel and dentin are destroyed, the cavity becomes more noticeable. The affected area of the tooth change colour and become soft to touch. Once the decay passes through the enamel and dentine, it get to the nerve of the tooth (pulp tissue)which becomes exposed and cause toothache. The pain may worsen with exposure to heat, cold or sweet foods and drinks. Dental caries can also cause bad breath and foul taste.in highly progressive tooth decay, the infection can spread from the tooth to the surrounding tissue or jaw swelling, some of which can be life threatening.

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

Immediate presentation at dental clinic is a first wise step to be taken, to prevent tooth decay. , when there is pain the treatment for painful tooth ache  is more expensive and  could lead to loss of tooth.

·         Routine six monthly check up is advised for early detection

·         Treatment of a small and a shallow cavity usually involve filling.as the tooth decay progresses with the penetration of the pulp tissue or for an infected tooth canal procedure or extraction of the affected tooth is carried out. The root canal procedure involves removing the pulp tissue (thus avoiding tooth infection) and replacing it with refilling material. The procedure is used in an attempt to save the dying tooth from extraction, once a root canal is done, the tooth is more prone to fracture and will often times require adequate protection (porcelain crown).

GUM DISEASE

Gum diseases refer to inflammation of the soft gum tissue. i.e  Gingivitis, which if untreated progresses, involving the tissue that support the teeth and attach them to the jaw bone i.e. peridonties. Once it reaches the underlying jaw bone, its term as priodonties.

1.      HOW GUM DISEASES STARTS

A film of bacterial which is constantly forming on all teeth (plaque)saliva’s contains millions of bacteria. This bacteria stick to the surface of the teeth and quickly multiply to form layers of plaque which is at first a soft colourless substance difficult to see until the coating is quite thick and  becomes a white layer.it collect all the surface of the teeth mainly to next to the gums and between the teeth. When calcium in saliva mix with plaque, the plaque hardens and become tartar. If plaque is allowed to build up on teeth, it eventually forms calculus and toxins produced by  bacteria it contains and irritate and inflame the cavities(gingivitis}.if not attend to, progresses to supporting tissues and bone holding the teeth into sockets leading to priodonties.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GUMS Diseases

Gums diseases can sometimes go unnoticed until it quiet advance. however, most people will notice some of this signs.

       I.            Red, swollen gums

    II.            Bleeding gums

 III.            Bad taste

 IV.            Bad breathe /mouth odour

    V.            Teeth drifting apart

 VI.            Gum recession

VII.            Food debris packing in between the teeth

VIII.            Loose/mobile teeth which is sometime painful

The classical sign of gum diseases is red swollen gum which may bleed on brushing. Gum recession and loosened teeth occur at later stages of the diseases.

OTHER SIGNS OF GUM DISEASES

Plaque is the primary cause ,however ,other factors can contribute to gum disease as well. These include

·         Hormonal changes; such as during pregnancy, puberty, menopause and monthly menstruation makes gums more sensitive.

·         Illnesses; cancer,  Hiv,  diabetes mellitus etc.

·         Medication; drugs that lessens the flour of saliva can predispose individual to gum diseases e.g. anticonvulsants etc.

·         Smoking; this makes it harder for gum to repair itself

·         Poor oral hygiene; such as not brushing and flossing on daily basis.

·         Family history of diseases.

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

Gum diseases varies, in some people, gum diseases may affect only certain teeth. Only a dentist/priodonties can recognize and determine the progression of gum diseases.

·         Early presentation; regular 6 monthly check up and cleaning(scaling and polishing) dental clinic

·         Maintain good hygiene by;

Brushing twice daily (teeth and tongue); plaque cannot be prevented from forming. However, careful teeth cleaning twice daily will remove plaque before it builds up in sufficient amounts to damage the teeth and gums.

·         Flossing after every meal; it is essential to floss the teeth after every meal(tooth pick dose damage to the teeth and widen the space in between the teeth allowing more food to pack).with a dental floss remove any food debris packed in between the teeth.

·         Brushing with a medium toothbrush/avoiding overzealous brushing

·         Using fluoride containing toothpaste

·         Regular visit to dental clinic (at least twice a year)for scaling and polishing is  vital in removing calculus, keeping the teeth and gums healthy.

For gum disease, a quick visit to a dental clinic is essential for proper management before it gets so advanced that only tooth extraction would be the solution.

BY; MAYA SALMAT SALISU MUSAH (2014)

Reviewed by Dr. Marvel Ejoh of International Clinics Kano state (ICK)

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