FUNDAMENTALS OF GOOD DENTAL CARE

It has been proven that diabetes, heart disease, general immune status and environmental factors have a direct effect on dental health and vice versa. The most common cause of tooth loss is dental caries, followed by periodontal gum disease. Dental fluorosis is a major dental health problem in East Africa and other  fluorosis endemic  countries. All ordinary tooth paste contain between 500-1500ppm of fluoride and contributes to about 80% of the ingested fluoride in children from the age of 1 year after birth hence causing teeth damage and discolouration. It’s important to note that the topical anticaries effect of fluoride is outweighed by the risk of fluorosis except in countries where the fluoride content is low. World Health Organisation( WHO) recommends 1.5ppm in contrast to about 3ppm in water especially in Rift valley region in East Africa. I will take you through some basic science of dental caries and gum disease and later highlight nutritional and technical aspects of prevention and treatment.

What are Dental caries?

Dental caries is the breakdown of tooth structure caused by acidogenic bacteria. Usually begins with demineralization of the mineral structure followed by breakdown of organic component and further bacterial invasion if not treated. The main bacteria is known as streptopcoccus but others infest the tooth later especially anaerobic bacteria. It is caused by poor oral hygiene. Dietary factors and other tooth factors like weakness of enamel, teeth configuration will also have effect on caries severity and progression.

What is Dental plaque?

Dental plaque is the accumulation of bacteria on tooth surface together with a precipitate of salivary glycoproteins and food remnants. It usually develops shortly after brushing. If not cleaned up, it builds up and gets mineralised from saliva and hardens up to form calculus.

Symptoms of Dental Caries

1.Sensitivity to hot/ cold

2.Toothache

3.Swelling

4.Dental abscess

5.Halitosis (bad breath)

Treatment of Dental caries

1.Prevention is a better option through adequate and effective brushing, regular dental check-ups  dietary control and nutrition

2.Strong healthy sealants

3.Root canal treatment

4.Extraction

Periodontal gum disease

Is a disease of the gum characterized by inflammation of the gum caused primarily by plaque bacteria and other microorganism including viruses, bacteria and fungi. Host factors sometimes come into play to influence the severity and progression.That is general immune response and status, Diabetes, pregnancy and drugs.

Signs of gum disease

1. Bleeding gums

2.Looseness of gums

3.Gum recession

4.Bad breath

5.Difficulty in chewing

6.Displacement of teeth

What is  Periodontium?

Periodontium refers to the specialised tissue that both surround and support the teeth, maintaining them in the maxillary and mandibular bones. It is the tooth anchorage that consists of gingivae(gum), alveolar bone,cementum and periodontal ligament. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums around the teeth. Periodontitis refers to number of inflammatory disease affecting the periodontium. Periodontitis is a severe form of gingivitis. It involves progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth.

Prevention and Treatment of gum disease

1.Control of plaque

2.Brushing technique

3.Antimicrobial therapy

4.Toothpaste and mouthwashes antibacterial agents

5.Control of precipitating factors i.e immune system, diabetes

6.Regular scaling and polishing by dentist

10 SIMPLE USEFUL BRUSHING TIPS

1.Use a toothbrush with soft bristles

2.Replace toothbrush at least four times a year

3.Brush using small circular motions using non abrasive toothpaste

4.Brush all 5 teeth surface including your  tongue andn gums

5.Periodically test for plaque ( after brushing using disclosing tablets)

6.Have regular dental checkups

7.Have your teeth cleaned twice-yearly by dentist

BAD TEETH AND HEART DISEASE 

Bad dental hygiene causes bleeding gums, letting in around 700 types of bacteria.These bacteria travel down to the blood stream eventually causing heart disease. If you have an open blood vessel from bleeding gums, bacteria will gain entry to your blood stream. They stick to the plates( part of the blood responsible for clotting) inside the blood vessels preventing the blood flow back to the heart. This may result in a scenario such as heart attack. You are therefore, adding to your chances of getting heart disease by having bad teeth. To reduce the incidence of dental caries do not eat sugary foods especially between meals. Reduce consumption of Western foods as they are loaded with refined sugars;replace with nutritious traditional dishes. For goog health teeth you can use Forever Bright Tooth gel  non –fluoride combining 100% stabilized aloe vera gel with bee propolis. Now the world is out ,and a new study has found that Forever Bright produce superior results when compared to two widely-used commercial brands of toothpaste.