What is dental decay?

Decay is the destruction of tooth structure. Dental plaque which is the sticky biofilm covering the tooth surface combines with the sugars and starches present in the mouth. This produces acids which cause dental decay.

How can I prevent dental decay and gum disease?

A proper oral hygiene maintenance protocol is mandatory. It consists of brushing twice daily using a soft toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste. A toothbrush needs to be replaced every 3 months. Flossing should also be performed atleast once daily to remove the harmful dental plaque present in between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Regular dental checkup visits along with proper home care is the key to good dental health.

How does fluoride prevent dental decay?

Fluoride builds up fluoroapatite crystals in the tooth thereby making it more resistant to dental decay. It also disrupts bacteria’s ability to damage the tooth. Fluoride also promotes remineralization thereby strengthening the tooth. Hence fluoride is considered to be one of the most effective agents against dental decay. However excessive fluoride usage is also harmful and can lead to fluorosis or fluoride toxicity.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Dentin which is one of the inner layers of the tooth when exposed to the oral environment leads to sensitivity. Receding gums can lead to hypersensitivity. Overzealous/vigorous brushing can cause gum recession and subsequent dentinal damage. Gum disease can also lead to lowering of the gums causing sensitivity. Teeth which fracture or chip off can also expose dentin.

What is a cavity?

A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by dental decay. It causes more food and plaque to accumulate inside thereby aggravating the problem. Hence a cavity when detected should be restored as soon as possible to prevent further tooth damage.

How often should you brush your teeth?

Brushing should be done twice daily for optimal dental health. Regular brushing removes dental plaque which is constantly accumulating on the tooth surfaces and keeps the teeth clean.

How often should you visit a dentist?

Ideally you should go to a dentist for checkup every six months. However people who have a greater risk of dental disease like smokers, uncontrolled diabetes should visit more often to get their teeth checked.

When should we change our toothbrush?

We should ideally change our toothbrush every 3 months.

What is dental Plaque?

Dental plaque is a soft and sticky substance present on the surfaces of teeth due to debris from food and bacteria. It is the major cause of dental decay and gum diseases. It should be removed regularly by toothbrushing and flossing.

What causes bad breath?

There are local and systemic causes of bad breath. Local causes include smoking, drinking, eating onion and garlic, dental decay, dental infections like abscess, food lodgement, coatings present on the tongue and some drugs which cause dry mouth. Systemic causes include pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchiectasis, liver disorders, renal disorders, diabetes, peptic ulcers. The cause should be identified and treated accordingly.

How do I maintain my child’s teeth?

Teeth should be regularly cleaned as soon as they erupt in the mouth. So even infant’s teeth should not be neglected and can be cleaned with gauze or a clean damp cloth. Your child’s teeth can be brushed using a soft wet toothbrush and a pea sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. A child’s first visit should be scheduled around 6 to 12 months after his birth. Regular fluoride applications on their teeth by the dentist would strengthen the teeth and help in preventing dental decay. Also dental sealants could be employed.

Is professional teeth whitening safe?

Professional teeth whitening with systems using chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide when carried out by a trained dentist are one of the safest treatment modalities. However it could lead to transient sensitivity in teeth, which can be managed with desensitizers.

I have crooked/malaligned teeth? What are my options?

With the advancement of dentistry, orthodontic treatment using braces to correct crooked/ malaligned teeth has also undergone a sea change. There are now ceramic braces, ceramic wires, invisible aligners and lot of newer types of brackets and braces which are routinely used. They can also be attached to the inner surfaces of the teeth thus leading to an invisible type of orthodontic treatment.

I have gum disease? What would be the treatment?

Dental plaque and tartar are one of the major causes of gum disease. On radiographic examination a treatment plan would be formulated which would employ the usage of scaling procedure (cleaning of teeth) followed by modifying of brushing technique, brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, along with chlorhexidine mouthwashes which are considered to be the best anti-plaque agents available. However if still the gum disease persists, then gum surgery which is safe and routinely performed is advised to prevent further destruction.

If I am missing one or more teeth, what are my options?

Dental crowns and bridges, removable dentures and dental implants are the options to replace missing teeth, depending on the budget and the conditions present in the mouth. Dental implants are the ideal replacements of natural teeth and should be the first choice of treatment if applicable.