Teeth and Digestion

The mouth is the beginning of the digestive system. It is at this point where the first stages of food breakdown for digestion begins.

When food enters the mouth, saliva is excreted in order to start the breakdown of foods. The tongue and the muscular walls of the mouth are used to move the food around in the mouth so that it can be chewed properly and following that, for the shaping of the food into a moist ball which is then pushed the back of the mouth to be swallowed.

Teeth are an integral part of digestion and it is essential to digestion to keep them in good shape. Partially chewed and then swallowed food (due to sensitive teeth or lacking teeth altogether) can result in your food being only partially digested and thus nutrients don't make it into the body. Insufficient nutrients digested that promote healthy teeth and gums can then cause further damage to one's teeth and gums and a vicious cycle (catch 22) is created.

There is a way out and that is to take care of one's teeth, which starts with seeing a dental professional.

A dentist is someone who is a professional at caring for teeth. He knows the role your teeth play and the importance of them.

The permanent teeth of an adult consist of the incisors, canines, premolars and molars, including the wisdom teeth which may not erupt until 25 years of ago, if at all. By the age of 25 years old, the adult should have a total of 32 teeth.

Each type of tooth has a specific function in dealing with food, in reducing it into conveniently sized pieces so they can be easily swallowed and digested.

The four front sharp teeth, both at the bottom and top, are called incisors. They are used to bite, tear and cut food - like when you bite into an apple.

The sharp corner teeth are called canines, which are used to bite and tear food.

Premolars, the next two teeth in line which are larger but still have sharp ridges, are used to crush food.

The molars, the big, less ridgy teeth at the back of the mouth, crush and grind food to pulp, so it is fine enough to be swallowed and easily digested.

Leading a healthy life starts with taking care of one's teeth.

This articles was provided Courtesy of Greenway Dental Group, MA, The Greenbelt Dentist

Wisdom Teeth

What are wisdom teeth? The word originates from the fact that they appear much later than the other teeth; when you are supposedly "wiser" than when they other teeth erupted.

Normally they appear between the ages of 17 to 25 years old. You will get 4 (one at each end) however some people have had more.

So, what's so special about wisdom teeth? The main thing you hear about them is that they have to be removed and the pain involved. However, this is not a regular occurrence and most people don't need anything done.

There's a several ways that a wisdom tooth can give you trouble and I have outlined some of the main ones here.

In dental terminology, an 'impacted' wisdom tooth is wedged sideways underneath the gum ie. it has not erupted out of the gum. Now what does this mean? Impacted wisdom teeth describes a tooth that is wedged sideways against a barrier - usually the root of another tooth and thus unable to break through the gum.

This happens in these varieties (with most common on top):

• The tooth is angled forward - ie toward the front of the mouth
• The tooth is angled backward - ie the back of the mouth
• The tooth is growing 90 degrees sideways directly into the molar next to it

The other issue is partial eruption; this is when the molar only partially comes out of the gum. The main problem is that the gum is only attached to the base of the tooth, so the rest of the tooth is covered by 'loose' gum, which turns into something like a flap, also known as an operculum. What happens is that food can easily get stuck in there, a toothbrush is hard to get in there and it's likely to either get infected or the tooth can decay (or both). An infection/abscess is usually marked by a swelling and redness of the gum around the wisdom tooth, difficulty in opening the mouth, a bad odor or taste in the mouth, or a pain in the jaw which can run down the neck.

Now, even if something like the above happens to your wisdom teeth, it gives no reason to remove them, unless your dentist believes it is going to cause more harm than good by keeping them in. Also, the loose gum (operculum) can also be sliced off but this operation is prohibited due to possible nerve problems after the operation in the cheek or tongue.

Now, some reasons to remove wisdom teeth though are:

• They can cause pain due to rubbing against cheek or tongue
• They can be infection prone - major discomfort or worse
• They can push your teeth out of place - crowding
• And they can just cause severe pain and medical problem

The actual surgery involved is very tricky and is usually quite an operation. Since the wisdom tooth is a large molar and usually very embedded in the gum (and sometimes still stuck to the bone of the jaw), extreme care is taken to ensure the entire tooth is removed. There are various techniques used to ensure it all goes well. There are several nerves that are in the immediate area of the wisdom teeth which serve the tongue and cheek and extreme precaution is taken not to disturb these whatsoever as permanent damage could be done. But nevertheless, if it's got to be done, it's got to be done.

Following surgery, after-care instructions are given and must be followed in order to prevent future problems.

Usually the bleeding doesn't stop until 2-3 days. The bleeding should slow down with time though, the blood flow reduces after the first day. It is recommended not to rinse the mouth as this will hinder the clotting and healing process. Gauze pads are usually supplied, however a wet tea bag can be used to replace the pads - this is due to Tannin present in the tea helps reduce the bleeding.

If the bleeding continues heavily after the first day, the dental surgery should be alerted immediately so it can be rectified immediately.

You may experience a bad smell from the area for 1-2 weeks. This is normal and should disappear.

A post operative appointment with your surgeon is necessary - seven to ten days after the surgery is recommended, so that the surgeon can ensure the healing process is going well with no complications.

Sockets can get sodden with dirt/food - the surgeon can handle this so it doesn't get infected.

'Dry sockets' can occur, this is actually an inflammation of the bone by the sockets. There are no known reasons why this occurs but speculation suggests that pressure put on the area (through suction or blowing etc) helps bring about this condition. Ibuprofen usually does the job to sort it out; normally within a few weeks.

Swelling does occur and is a natural occurrence However, after a week or so, it should be gone. If for any reason it swells up later again, your surgeon should be urgently informed so it can be sorted out straight away.

Pediatric Dentistry - Taking Your Kid to the Dentist

Pediatric Dentists are specially trained to take care of the teeth of children.

Proper care of children's teeth at an early age is vital, as the so called "milk teeth" hold the space and guide the permanent teeth into their proper position. For this reason, maintaining healthy milk teeth is of the utmost importance.

Kids can be scared of the dentist (and so can adults), so it is important to choose the right dentist for them. Normally they will warm to a dentist that they are comfortable with and whom they trust.

When going to see a pediatric dentist, the office is normally set up to cater for the child. Fun games, toys and films are usually available to make the child feel more at ease. Also, the dentist, who is specially trained to make the child feel at ease, will be very much in communication with the child and explain everything he will do beforehand - this usually handles any tenseness the child may have about seeing the dentist.

Many children, after visiting pediatric dentists, actually look forward to going to the dentist again.

When a child starts teething, with their first teeth breaking through, or at least by the age of one, is it necessary to bring him or her to the dentist.

This is so the dentist can educate the parent in how take care for their child's teeth and give guidance on dietary requirements. Thus enabling the dentist to guide the child's teeth to grow up healthy and strong, and have great oral well-being for the rest of his life.

Brushing your child's teeth should be done at least twice a day. Once after breakfast and then before going to sleep. It is especially important to brush their teeth before going to sleep as saliva production will be at a minimal then, so any remaining acid and bacteria will be able to do maximum damage at this time.

It's important to monitor what your child eats and drinks. Avoid unwarranted snacks - especially sugary ones. Most "juices" or kid's "vitamin drinks" are packed with sugar; just about as bad as giving them a soda drink.

Caring for a child's teeth gives them a good grounding and education, ensuring they will care for their own teeth in the future.

Professional vs Home Teetth Whitening

Teeth stain over time.

Cigarette smoke, red wine, coffee or tea expedite the process.

Regardless of brushing and flossing teeth on a frequent basis, and regular visits to the dentist, your teeth will stain to some degree.

There are two solutions to this.

One is to have it sorted out professionally. The other is to purchase a do-it-yourself home kit.

A professional dental hygienist will be able to determine the best treatment for you.

When you get your teeth whitened professionally, you are assured of great results and the process is fast and straightforward. Bright white teeth are however not guaranteed; it depends on the original condition of your teeth. Teeth that are stained from within can not always be fully restored to their original whiteness by a whitening procedure alone.

Getting a home kit is also an option. It is usually a 2 week process and does not always get the same result as having it done professionally; but if the directions are followed, a good result can be possible.

Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular and is provided as a regular service at most dental clinics.

Dental clinics usually have professional hygienists perform the tooth whitening, however dentists also regularly perform the procedure where there is no dedicated hygienist.

Patients who have had professional whitening are usually so impressed that after a few years, they go back to the dentist for a follow-up treatment, to keep up the whiteness of their teeth.

Even though home tooth whitening can obtain results, there are a number of do's and don't's, regulations to be followed prior to the use of tooth whitening products - for which a trip to the dentist is highly recommended. The dentist can tell check to see whether your teeth and gums are able to take the chemicals used in the process of whitening your own teeth. Also, if you have tooth colored fillings, resin composite materials used in dental restorations (such as crowns, veneers, bridges etc) that have stained over time, they will not whiten the same as your teeth and can stand out like a sore thumb if you are not careful. Your dentist will be able to advise you on what the best course of action is in these instances.

In a nutshell, home tooth whitening solutions can work, however if you want a professional job, which is both fast and reliable, you are better of seeing a professional hygienist or dentist and get it done right the first time.

Dental Hygiene and Periodontal Disease

What is Hygiene and what is a Periodontal Disease? It is important to define these terms so one can clearly lay out what one is trying to achieve.

Hygiene is defined as: "The preservation of health" or "the practice or principles of cleanliness".

Periodontal is defined as: "in tissues around tooth - more broadly, it is relating to or affecting the tissues that surround the neck and root of a tooth."

A Disease is an "illness, caused by infection or failure of health rather than by accident."

Thereby a Periodontal Disease is an illness of the tissues surrounding the teeth. How can a Dental Hygienist prevent periodontal disease?

• They educate you thoroughly on how to take care of your own teeth - including how to properly floss and brush you teeth. Also, which toothbrushes, including electric ones, are most beneficial to you.
• They check your teeth for any signs of periodontal disease start-up and are able to address any signs of disease on the spot. If not detected at an early stage, severe damage could occur to your teeth or gums.
• They thoroughly clean your teeth with professional equipment using a variety of procedures and methods such as scaling and root cleaning. These procedures are used to get rid of the hardened tartar around the base of the teeth including underneath the gums.

It is recommended you visit your Dentist or Dental Hygienist every three months in order to maintain impeccably healthy teeth.

While the tissues around your teeth (gums) can be maintained perfectly, it is important that a good all-round diet is maintained including regular vitamin, mineral and protein intake. Your tissues are alive and will only remain healthy and firm if they get the required nutrition they require.

There are a number of periodontal diseases with a variety of names and symptoms. While we can go into details of what one or the other does - the basis is that they are not pleasant and can all be easily prevented.

• Keep your teeth as clean as possible at all times at home. This includes avoiding sweet foods.
• Visit your dentist or dental hygienist at regular intervals. Three months is the recommended interval period.
• Maintain a good diet full of nutrition. Taking additional supplements is highly recommended as most foods these days are highly processed with most nutrition stripped from them.

This article was supplied courtesy of Greenway Dental Group, MA.