Dental Care

Why is dental care important? If one does not take care of their teeth, it can lead to tooth decay, which is why taking care of one’s teeth is very important.

What is tooth decay? Plaque is an insidious substance – a colorless, sticky film that blankets your teeth and creates an environment in which bacteria erode tooth enamel, cause gum irritation and infection in inner structures such as the pulp and roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.

Some of the biggest culprits causing plaque are foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates, including soda beverages, some juices, candy and many kinds of pasta, breads and cereals. Plaque can also attack fillings and other restorations in your mouth, which can lead to more costly treatment down the road.

Plaque is one of the biggest causes of tooth decay. It also causes gums to become irritated, inflamed, and in some cases, bleed. Over time, the decay process may cause gums to pull away from your teeth, a condition called ‘receding gums.’ In addition, the long-term decay process can lead to infections in the gums and can eat away at the bone structures under the teeth.

Some simple preventive measures can be taken to keep tooth decay and gum disease away. The two best defenses against tooth decay and gum disease are a healthy, well-balanced diet and good oral hygiene, including daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Most public drinking water contains fluoride, but if one is unsure of their water supply, then use a good quality mouth rinse containing fluoride.

A good way to help oral health between brushing is chewing sugarless gum, particularly if it contains Xylitol. This stimulates the body's production of saliva, a powerful chemical that actually neutralizes plaque formation and rinses decay-causing food particles and debris from the mouth. In some cases our doctors can prescribe anti-cavity rinses or apply special anti-cavity varnishes or sealants to help fight decay.

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