Adult's Dentistry

---

Tooth decay and gum disease are not conditions you should overlook. Ignoring these problems will lead to further damage and if left untreated, these conditions could result in pain, emergency treatment, and tooth loss. So why does this happen?

Tooth decay is an infection 

Millions of bacteria swim around in our mouths. Many of them are harmless and some are even beneficial. However, a few love to eat away at the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. Like all living creatures, they need an energy source. Sugars are their snack of choice and they use simple carbohydrates from our diet to manufacture energy.

Although these bacteria also produce waste. This acidic waste is deposited on the teeth and can erode the hard surfaces, weaken the enamel, and cause cavities.

Some bacteria cause periodontal disease by producing toxic waste, which causes bleeding gums and the destruction of bone around the teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading reason people lose their teeth and end up with dentures.

Keep up on your dental checkups! 

You may be used to most infections being treated with antibiotics, but mouth bacteria require a different approach. Regular checkups help us identify new cavities and periodic cleanings remove plaque and tartar that harbor millions of harmful bacteria. High-risk patients benefit from a customized approach with our team and we have many methods to strengthen weakened enamel that has not yet developed into decay.

The complex cycle of inflammation and infection extends beyond the gums and mouth. Research continues to uncover the many ways that our oral health affects our overall health. Oral health can impact our heart health and can influence medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. For example, mouth bacteria enter the bloodstream through inflamed and bleeding gums. Like a river, blood flow carries the bacteria to the small vessels of the heart and brain. Here they can damage the intricate vessel lining, leading to blockage of the vessel. In extreme cases, heart attack or stroke can result because of bleeding gums.

A few tips for maintaining a healthy mouth: 

• Brush for at least two minutes, twice a day, and floss at least once a day. All together it shouldn't take you more than five minutes a day, which everyone has time for! To make sure you're brushing for the full two minutes, consider an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer or play your favorite two-minute song. If you don't like to floss, consider toothpicks, proxabrushes, or a Waterpik.
  
• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste or use a fluoride mouthwash. Fluoride is great at preventing tooth decay and keeping your enamel strong. To get the full effect, try not to drink water or rinse your mouth out after using a fluoride product.
  
• Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly and replace it every three months. Bacteria can linger on your toothbrush, finding their way back into your mouth at the next use.
  
• Drink sugar-heavy liquids through a straw. A straw helps keep sugar from bathing the teeth directly before swallowing.
  
• Drink water after eating a meal. Water helps clean larger deposits of food from your teeth. Plus, we all could use a little more hydration!
  
• Get cavities treated immediately. Cavities rarely hurt until they reach a critical stage. Don't forget: a little bit of tooth decay always becomes a little bit more.
  
• See your hygienist every six months. The risk of critical dental problems diminishes significantly if you're visiting us twice a year. Patients that fit preventive dentistry into their schedule and budget typically enjoy fewer dental visits and expenses over time than those who wait for emergencies to develop.