Sore throat is very common and is usually caused by infection with any one of a large number of viruses or less commonly bacteria.
Occasionally, sore throat can have other causes such as allergies, excessively dry air (e.g. from air conditioning), irritants (e.g. tobacco smoke, pollution), voice strain or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (where acid from the stomach rises into the oesophagus (food pipe) and throat).
Many illnesses ranging from the common cold to glandular fever cause sore throat as a symptom.
Symptoms
Sore throat is so common that most of us know what it feels like – usually pain or irritation in your throat that’s often worse when you swallow. Your throat may feel scratchy and you may also have a hoarse voice.
A sore throat may be accompanied by sniffles, a cough and feeling weak and feverish. Occasionally children may have nausea and vomiting with a sore throat.
If bacteria or viruses infect the tissues at the back and sides of the throat, the body produces antibodies to fight off the infection. This process may cause the lymph nodes (‘glands’) in the neck to swell and become tender.
Most people are over the infection within 7 days; many people find that their sore throat goes away much sooner than this.
Causes
Most sore throats are caused by colds and flu, which are viral infections. Sometimes a bacterial infection such as strep throat (caused by infection with Streptococcus pyogenes) will cause a sore throat. Strep throat is more common in children than adults.
Other infections that can result in a sore throat include:
glandular fever;
tonsillitis; and
croup.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis), smoking or exposure to smoking and dry indoor air (due to air conditioning or heaters) are other common causes of sore throat. Sore throat can also be due to gastro-oesophageal reflux – the reflux of acidic stomach contents up your food pipe.
Tests and diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you, looking at the back of your throat for redness, and enlarged or inflamed tonsils. Your tonsils may have white patches or pus on them if they are infected. They will also feel your neck for enlarged or tender lymph nodes (glands).
Your doctor may recommend blood tests or a throat swab. Blood tests that may be ordered include a full blood count (FBC) to check your white cell count or a mono spot test for glandular fever.
Throat swabs involve a cotton swab being brushed over the back of your throat. This can be uncomfortable, but it is done very quickly. The swab is then sent to a laboratory and can be tested for bacteria and viruses. There are also test kits for rapid detection of group A Streptococcus that can give a result within minutes.
Sore throat treatments
Most sore throats are caused by a viral infection and get better on their own, but treatments are available to help you feel better while your body fights the infection. Bacterial throat infections may need treatment with antibiotics to help you get better faster and avoid complications. If your sore throat is not caused by an infection, treatment will depend on the cause.
Self care for sore throat
Give your body a hand to heal itself by trying the following.
Resting as much as you can. Take time off work and do not send your child to school or daycare if they have a sore throat.
Drinking plenty of fluids (don’t worry if you don’t feel like eating much for a couple of days). Children and adults may find ice-blocks refreshing.
Drinking warm water with honey and lemon can be soothing for a sore throat.
Gargling with a glass of warm water with half a teaspoon of salt in it at least twice a day (older children and adults only).
Taking medicated sore throat lozenges or anaesthetic sprays may help, but are not recommended for young children. They are available from chemists.
Pain relief for sore throat
Pain relief for sore throats should be considered. Taking pain relievers will allow you to eat and drink more comfortably and has the added benefit of reducing fever if this is a problem.
Paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help relieve the pain of a sore throat. Your doctor may recommend paracetamol combined with ibuprofen for a sore throat that is not relieved by paracetamol or ibuprofen alone. Paracetamol plus ibuprofen is now available in Australia in a single tablet. This combination medicine may be a suitable alternative to cold and flu medicines containing codeine, which were previously readily available in pharmacies in Australia, but are now prescription-only along with all medicines that contain codeine.
Aspirin can also help relieve a sore throat, but medicines containing aspirin must not be used by children under 16 years because aspirin can cause a serious condition called Reye syndrome in children. People with peptic or duodenal ulcers, bleeding conditions or who are taking anticoagulant medicine (such as warfarin) should not take aspirin or ibuprofen.
For people with a very sore throat, one or 2 doses of corticosteroid medicine is sometimes prescribed to reduce the severity of symptoms and help you feel better faster. This may be an option if your throat is so sore that it makes swallowing difficult.
Antibiotics and sore throat
Most people do not need antibiotics for sore throats. That’s because most sore throats are caused by viruses, which are not affected by antibiotics.
Antibiotics can help shorten the duration of symptoms in certain cases, for example if it’s suspected that you have a specific bacterial infection. However, antibiotics are associated with side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea and rash. Your doctor will weigh up the pros and cons of antibiotics in your particular case.
If your doctor does prescribe antibiotics, make sure you complete the whole course, even if your symptoms clear up before you have finished the antibiotics. This reduces the risk of bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotics.
Antibiotics and strep throat
If you have strep throat – a Streptococcus pyogenes (also called group A streptococcus) bacterial infection of the throat – your doctor will usually recommend treatment with antibiotics. Antibiotics can treat the bacterial infection causing the fever and sore throat, and also prevent possible serious complications that can occur with this infection.
Complications of untreated strep throat include spread of the bacteria (for example causing an ear infection or tonsillitis) and scarlet fever (a bright red rash over the skin caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria).
Rare but potentially serious complications that can result from the body’s immune response to the streptococcal infection include:
post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys that can cause long-term kidney damage); and
rheumatic fever (an inflammatory reaction which can affect the heart, joints, brain and skin and can cause long-term heart problems).
When to see your doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child have had a sore throat and any of the following symptoms develop, which could indicate a life-threatening condition:
difficulty breathing or noisy breathing;
neck stiffness rather than throat pain;
a lot of difficulty swallowing water or saliva;
a muffled voice;
drooling;
trouble opening your mouth;
a rash or bruising;
joint aches; or
signs and symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth and passing less urine than usual.
You should also see a doctor if you or your child have any of the following:
a high fever (higher than 38 degrees Celsius);
a fever that doesn’t get better within 24-48 hours;
no easing of the sore throat after 7 days (adults) or 2 days (children);
tender or enlarged neck glands (lymph nodes);
ear pain; or
other medical problems which affect how your body can heal itself, such as diabetes or immune disorders.
These features may mean that it is more likely that you have a bacterial infection like strep throat that may need treatment with antibiotics.
Your dentist and dental hygienist are trained professional that work together to help you achieve and maintain your oral health. But not everyone knows what separates each role. Let’s learn the difference between two experts who protect your smile.
Dental hygienists
During your appointment, your dental hygienist will answer any questions you may have. They can give you advice for practicing good oral hygiene and explain the role of nutrition in maintaining your oral health, for example.
Your hygienist also prepares you for the dentist by performing other important work. They will:
Conduct an initial screening of your mouth for signs of oral health issues.
Complete a thorough cleaning of your teeth.
Take X-rays and apply preventive materials like sealants and fluoride, if required.
Depending on their training and the state where they practice, your hygienist may have other expanded functions.
A dental hygienist has an important role, one that requires attention to detail, great communication skills, and an associate or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. The degree must come from a program that is approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Dentists
Dentists are doctors that specialize in oral health. During your appointment, they examine your mouth, then diagnose and create treatment plans to maintain or restore your oral health.
Your dentist will also take the lead on anything else that is needed. They will:
Interpret X-rays and diagnostic tests.
Perform procedures such as filling cavities, placing implants and crowns, and extracting teeth.
Treat dental emergencies or injuries.
Your dentist’s educational background makes them an excellent source of information on your oral health and how it may interact with your overall health.
Earning a doctorate requires an undergraduate degree plus four years of dental school.
Upon graduating dental school, a dentist will receive a doctorate of dental surgery (DDS) or doctorate of dental medicine (DMD). Both degrees include the same training.
Many dentists continue with years of additional training in a focus area such as oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, endodontics (root canals), or another specialty.
A dynamic dental duo
Your dental hygienist and dentist work together to reduce risk for cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and other health risks. Either one would be happy to answer any questions you have about taking care of your oral health. Make sure you attend your regularly scheduled appointments so they can safeguard your smile!
A healthy and attractive smile might begin with your pearly whites, but it also requires a harmonious relationship between your teeth, gums, and lips. If you want to build confidence through a more beautiful smile, you might look into a cosmetic procedure like gum reshaping. Find out more about gum reshaping and determine if this procedure is right for you.
What Is Gum Reshaping?
Gum reshaping, also known as gum contouring, involves changing the shape of your gums to be more aesthetically pleasing. If your gums appear uneven or if they cover too much or too little of your teeth, you might consider gum reshaping to enhance your smile. Typically, gum contouring is not medically necessary and is only performed to improve the appearance of teeth and gums.
How Does Gum Contouring Work?
The techniques used for gum contouring depend on the particulars of your mouth. A periodontist or cosmetic dentist usually performs the procedures.
Gum Contouring for Too Much Gum
If you have a "gummy" smile — which means your teeth look small from excessive gum tissue — your dental professional will remove excess gum tissue using a laser or a scalpel. Then, they will sculpt a new gumline to expose more of your tooth. The procedure usually takes one or two hours. Though the dental professional will administer a local anesthetic before the gum contouring begins, you can expect to feel some tenderness and discomfort afterward.
Gum Grafting for Too Little Gum
If you have too little gum tissue, also known as gum recession, your teeth might appear elongated or discolored. However, receding gums also expose the tooth root to harmful bacteria and plaque, which can lead to bone loss and tooth decay. Sometimes gum recession occurs on just a few teeth, but it can also affect the whole mouth. Recession usually results from:
Overzealous toothbrushing
Genetics
Periodontal disease
If you have periodontal disease, your dental professional will take steps to treat the infection before reshaping your gums. Once the infection is cleared, addressing gum recession usually requires removing tissue from another part of your mouth and grafting it to the receded area to help lengthen and reshape the gumline.
Cosmetic Gum Surgery Recovery
Gum surgery can be painful, and you might need to rest for a day or two, depending on how tender your gums feel. Complete healing can take a few days to a few weeks. While you heal, eat soft foods, and follow your dental professional's post-surgery instructions for caring for the site. If you see any signs of infection like increased pain or swelling, contact your dental professional immediately.
Are You a Good Candidate for Gum Reshaping?
Gum reshaping could provide a simple solution for improving the appearance of your smile. However, you should consider the following factors before making a decision:
Oral health. Are your teeth and gums healthy? If you struggle with gum disease or tooth decay, you will want to invest in restoring your oral health before seeking cosmetic procedures.
Cost. According to CostHelper, dental contouring fees can range from $50-$500 per tooth, depending on how much work is needed. Plus, if the procedure is purely for cosmetic reasons, your dental insurance might not cover it.
Cosmetic needs. Gum reshaping can only make your teeth look larger or smaller by moving the gumline. It cannot impact the shape, color, or position of the tooth, which would require other procedures.
Ultimately, you should consult your dentist about whether gum reshaping is right for you. They can examine your teeth and gums and make the best recommendations for enhancing your smile.
Many people ask the question: Is brushing your teeth after you eat good for you? Well, our Gold Coast dentists are here to help. The general consensus is, if the food or drink you consume is high in carbohydrates and sugars, you should brush immediately after.
This is in order to remove harmful bacteria in your mouth that can attack tooth enamel within the first twenty minutes after eating a meal or snack.
However, it has been proven that brushing your teeth immediately after eating can sometimes affect tooth enamel. This is the case if you’ve consumed food or drink that’s highly acidic, meaning you shouldn’t brush your teeth for at least 30 mins.
Never fear though, a good preventative measure is to brush your teeth before eating or drinking something acidic and drinking a glass of water afterwards to remove the harmful acids.
Proper oral hygiene is essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. At Pimpama City Dental Centre, our caring dentists offer expert advice on proper oral health.
FOOD & DRINKS TO AVOID
One of the best ways to improve oral hygiene is to limit your intake of harmful food and drinks.
Below is a list of food and drinks you should only consume in moderation (or not at all):
Lollies
Chocolate
Bread
Alcohol
Carbonated drinks
Fruit juice
Citrus
Dried fruits
Potato chips
Flavoured coffee drinks
TIPS FOR LOOKING AFTER YOUR TEETH
Aside from visiting your dentist twice a year, there are several healthy habits you can follow at home to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Brush two to three times a day (preferably after meals)
By following these healthy habits, you give your teeth and gums the best chance of avoiding bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay. Oral health is not only important for your mouth, it’s directly related to heart health.
Serious dental issues can affect your overall wellbeing. Indeed, not taking care of your gums or teeth can lead to significant health problems.
That’s why you should visit our Brampton dentists at least twice a year. Otherwise, it can lead to more serious problems that become difficult to be treated.
Gum issues and tooth decay are all too common, for instance, but the infections they cause can affect your heart health. By identifying the signs of dental problems, we can offer prompt treatment.
Here are a few signs of serious dental ailments that you must address right away.
What Are Common Signs of Serious Dental Problems?
As mentioned, untreated problems in your mouth may have a significant impact on your overall health. In fact, your oral health is an important indicator of the condition of the rest of your body. In order to protect yourself, pay attention to your mouth and treat any dental health issue immediately. Here are the common signs of chronic dental problems.
Jaw and Mouth Pain
Like cold sores, these can be symptoms of stress and anxiety. A good dentist may find that the real source of your oral problems is sinus problems, toothaches, or gum ailments. For example, jaw discomfort or pain may signify a heart attack.
Sore and Bleeding Gums
Gums that bleed or cause soreness may be the result of a gum ailment becoming worse. This symptom is often more severe in those with underlying medical conditions like diabetes because diabetes reduces our resistance to infection. Some common signs of diabetes are gum inflammation, oral thrush, dry mouth, loose/lost teeth, and halitosis. Consult a dentist who can recommend a good gum treatment and help you take other necessary actions.
Loose or Lost Teeth
Teeth that fall out suddenly may be signs of a serious gum ailment. This can also be an early sign of osteoporosis which weakens bones by reducing bone density. By consulting a dentist regularly, eating a balanced diet, and exercising, you may be able to stop teeth from feeling loose.
Changes in Tooth Surfaces and Enamel
Erosion and translucent tooth enamel may be signs of a serious eating disorder or acid reflux. Excessive vomiting is often seen in bulimics and can cause other dental health problems such as:
Sensitive teeth
Swollen salivary glands
Dry and cracked lips
Loss of tooth enamel
Dry mouth
Bad Breath or Halitosis
Bad breath may result from dry mouth or food or beverages you consume. But gum ailments like gingivitis may lead to the recurrence of this condition.
If bad breath persists this may be due to some underlying health issue that calls for immediate attention. These conditions include chronic lung disease, a kidney or liver ailment, sinus infections, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues.
Mouth Sores, Lumps, or Patches
Yellow or whitish canker sores or unusual patches inside the mouth may be benign. But only a dentist can give you a proper diagnosis. Visit our dental office in Brampton to let our dentists check for any new patches, lumps, or lesions. These may be due to a common oral infection or something more serious.
Oral cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It mostly starts as a tiny red or white spot or sore inside the mouth and occurs mostly in smokers, tobacco chewers, or drinkers. Some common signs of oral cancer are hard spots or rough areas, bleeding sores that won’t heal, discoloured tissues, numbness, and changes in the way your teeth fit together.
Now you know how important it is to take care of your dental health. That includes monitoring your mouth, teeth, or gums for any of these common signs that may lead to serious dental health problems. Your mouth indicates a lot about your general health, and being able to identify abnormalities may help save your life. If you are worried about anything regarding your oral health, consult your dentist and schedule an appointment.
If you have an upcoming dental surgery, you want your mouth to heal as fast as possible. There are several things you can do to promote rapid healing. We’ve put together 7 tips for a healthy recovery following your dental surgery.
1. Get Some Rest After Your Dental Surgery
You should plan for being able to rest for the 24 hours following the procedure. Take at least one day off work and don’t engage in strenuous activities for at least one week after the surgery. After the area has healed, you can then resume your normal activities.
2. Protect the Dental Surgery Site
For several hours following your dental surgery, you should protect the area. Don’t disturb it so that a good blood clot will form. That helps promote faster healing. Toward that end, you might also reduce your food and beverage consumption so that nothing will irritate the surgical site.
3. Use a Cold Compress for Inflammation
Using a cold compress on the affected area will help reduce inflammation and protect you from further bruising. It will also help reduce any discomfort you may have following your dental surgery. You can press the cold compression on the affected area as directed by your oral surgeon.
4. Drink Lots of Water Following Dental Surgery
Staying hydrated is very important for reducing your healing period. Drink lots of water, but don’t drink hot beverages for 24 hours following your surgery. Also, you’ll want to avoid carbonated and caffeinated beverages during this time.
5. Keep It Soft
It’s also a good idea to stick to soft foods during your recovery period. Hard or chewy foods could easily disrupt the site of your dental surgery. Additionally, it helps to stay away from spicy foods and foods that are prepared hot. Just keep it soft and bland to speed up the healing period.
6. Good Oral Care Routine
It is vital that you maintain a good oral healthcare routine following dental surgery. You don’t want to rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours after the surgery, and you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth. You might need to avoid brushing the site of the surgery for a day or two, but if your dentist says you can brush it, be very gentle. After 24 hours have passed, you can rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water after meals for the next week.
7. Painkillers
You should follow the advice of your dentist regarding pain management. For some procedures, over-the-counter pain medications like Ibuprofen or Tylenol will work just fine. If your case is more severe, your dentist can prescribe the appropriate painkillers.
Final Thoughts
Anytime you’ve had dental surgery, you want to heal fast and get back to normal as soon as possible. These 7 tips will help speed up the healing process and reduce your recovery period.
Enamel hypoplasia (EH) and hypomineralisation are two teeth defects that can sometimes get confused. That is because they are both often caused by genetic predispositions and affect the development and enamel of your teeth. Here, we’ll look into the differences, causes and treatments.
Defining Enamel Hypoplasia and Hypomineralisation
Enamel hypomineralisation happens when the mineralisation process is not fully achieved, resulting in discoloured enamel. This condition also weakens the teeth, which means that teeth can break down. The Australian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry also explains that hypomineralisation is prevalent in a fifth of all children. It can appear as discoloured patches of soft or decaying, bumpy enamel that usually affect the molars and incisors as they grow in. Teeth with hypomineralisation are sensitive and can cause children pain when eating; these teeth typically start to deteriorate once they grow in.
On the other hand, enamel hypoplasia is a condition where teeth have pits, grooves, and missing enamel. It can also result in smaller teeth. Hypoplasia appears as brown or yellow stains and exposed dentin. While the enamel is still hard, it is weak. This is a type of amelogenesis imperfecta, where the enamel on teeth is missing or severely thin and prone to breaking.
How It Forms
There are several causes as to how and why these conditions form. According to the Indian Journal of Dentistry, these conditions occur when there is a disturbance in the matrix formation of the teeth. To break that down, let’s look at ameloblasts, which are your teeth’s enamel-producing cells. These cells form in six stages: morphogenetic, organising, formative, maturative, protective, and desmolytic. Enamel hypoplasia happens in the formation stage, resulting in the pitting, grooving, or even total absence of enamel. Hypomineralisation happens in the maturative stage and can appear as “chalky” areas on your tooth’s enamel.
Beyond the scientific processes of enamel formation, these conditions occur due to hereditary and environmental factors. That could mean nutrition, diseases, premature birth, trauma, or infections.
Treatment
Treatment for these conditions depends on the symptoms. For instance, if you or your child has EH or hypomineralisation but are not experiencing pain or sensitivity, your dental professional may monitor the tooth during routine visits and likely recommend a fluoride toothpaste. However, some children and adults with EH or hypomineralisation might experience cosmetic issues, tooth sensitivity, and an increased risk of decay.
That’s why an early dental assessment by your dental professional is critical. If they find either condition, they will likely recommend fluoride applications and remineralising paste to decrease tooth decay. Teeth may also require repair with bonding, filling materials or crowns, and in some extreme cases, extraction. If your child grinds their teeth, your dental professional might recommend a nighttime mouthguard to prevent excessive tooth wear.
All in all, home care is a must. Children need excellent oral hygiene now to keep EH and hypomineralisation under control later. But the best thing to do is to talk with your dental professional to get the right treatment as early as possible, so you or your child can work on having the healthiest, brightest smile possible.
Certain toothache remedies have been around for centuries, and fortunately their treatment and prevention has progressed so that most people can find relief right when they become uncomfortable. Some remedies don't just dull the pain, they can also prevent further damage to the teeth and gums.
Toothaches can be grouped into three categories based upon their causes: infection, gum disease, and trauma, and your dentist will recognize which your pain falls under. If you are experiencing a toothache, here are the remedies per category:
1. When Caused by an Infection
Probably the most frequent type of toothache, an infection is usually caused by decay that has reached the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, creating an abscess in the surrounding tissue and bone.
The remedy for an abscess ultimately involves examination by a general dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist), but you can take an over-the-counter medication prior to reaching their office. To help with diagnosis, it is likely that your dentist will take a digital image of your tooth and the surrounding area to discover the source of the infection. A sinus infection could also be the source, as it often arrives with jaw pain that starts at the tooth. If the pain does originate due to an abscess, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.
Keep in mind that you should avoid taking any antibiotics you may have left over from a previous condition, as the dose and type of antibiotic may not be the right kind to treat your current symptoms. If the infection at hand does require antibiotics, your dentist or specialist will prescribe one to you at the time of the examination. If it does turn out to be a sinus infection, that calls for its own antibiotic as well.
2. When Caused by Gum Disease
This type of toothache is usually present when the gum disease is severe – if suffering from periodontitis, for example. It is treated by removing the irritants around the teeth and following precise preventive visits with your dentist and dental hygienist.
No matter which toothache remedies you embrace, routine preventive visits to your dentist and dental hygienist should be accompanied by daily flossing and consistent brushing two to three times a day. Consider what types of floss and toothbrushes are available, and be sure to teach your kids how to use these products so they can stay pain-free just like their parents.
3. When Caused by Trauma, Grinding or an Abnormal Bite
Toothaches caused by trauma, grinding or an abnormal bite are a little more complex, and always require the professional advice of general dentists and related specialists. Trauma to the mouth may warrant emergency room care, and then lead to a follow-up with an oral surgeon and your general dentist. Excessive grinding is very common, particularly at night, and may be caused by a variety of conditions according to Mediclinic Infohub. These include stress and certain sleeping patterns. One potential remedy for grinding is to be fitted for a mouthguard.
All of these conditions can readily be screened and treated by a general dentist, but they may occasionally involve other dental specialists depending on their severity. For instance, as kids' adult teeth come in, orthodontics may prevent further damage and pain to the teeth and gums if they've experienced some sort of trauma or have an abnormal bite.
Rest assured the majority of patients can look forward to a lifetime of smiles, and will never suffer the symptoms of toothaches with the right solutions on hand.
More than 50 years ago, examinations of people entering the military showed that Americans’ teeth were in pretty bad shape. Few people took good care of their teeth. There were no guidelines for how often you should see a dentist. Many dentists focused on fixing problems rather than preventing them.
Dental and health organizations decided there was a need to set standards for preventive dentistry. They didn’t have much evidence, so they made a “best guess” recommendation. They said people should go to the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleaning because cavities and gum disease are preventable. Some say the first use of the twice-a-year advice actually came from Pepsodent toothpaste ads.
Whatever the origins, this has proven to be a useful rule of thumb for many people. But scheduling dental visits really should be based upon each person’s oral hygiene, habits and medical conditions.
Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home, you still need to see a dentist regularly. Your dentist can check for problems that you may not see or feel. Many dental problems don’t become visible or cause pain until they are in more advanced stages. Examples include cavities, gum disease and oral cancer. Regular visits allow your dentist to find early signs of disease. Problems can be treated at a manageable stage.
On average, seeing a dentist twice a year works well for many people. Some can get away with fewer visits. Others may need more frequent visits. People with very little risk of cavities or gum disease can do fine seeing their dentist just once a year. People with a high risk of dental disease might need to visit every three or four months, or more. This high-risk group includes:
Smokers
Pregnant women
Diabetics
People with current gum disease
People with a weak immune response to bacterial infection
People who tend to get cavities or build up plaque
The schedule for any person may change during a lifetime. In times of stress or illness, you may need to see the dentist more often than usual. The dentist may help you to fight off a temporary infection or treat changes in your mouth.
If you take good care of your teeth and gums at home and your dentist doesn’t find any cavities or gum disease for a few years, he or she may choose to lengthen the time between visits. Ask your dentist the best schedule for your routine dental visits.
There are many factors to cavity production, but when looked at on the most basic level you might be surprised by how easy it is to understand the process. Here is a list of the four main factors in cavity production.
Flora (Bacteria) that lives in your mouth - The plaque that forms on your teeth inside of 24 hours is where many bacteria love to live. One in particular, S. Mutans, is the main culprit. These bacteria create acid when they eat, which is the cause of tooth decay.
Substrate - This is a fancy way of saying food. When you eat, the bacteria eats too. Within 20 minutes after you take in food there is an influx of acid that is created while the bacteria feast. This is why you will often hear me say to drink lots of water at and between meals to help rinse and dilute acid concentration.
Time - While acid production quickly begins to damage teeth, this essentially starts as an acid etching of the enamel surface. If this process is allowed to continue, the etching becomes deeper and what you think of as a cavity forms. This process takes time and is dependent upon how well you brush, floss and rinse, and if you use fluoride to strengthen enamel.
Teeth - Of course, without teeth there are no cavities! But our goal at CrossKeys Dental is to keep your smile healthy and bright!
So, in summary, you can essentially control 1 through 3 by practicing good hygiene and limiting intake of carbohydrates and sugary foods (which the bacteria love!). Of course, we can't stop time, but regular brushing and water intake will reduce the amount of time that the bacteria spend dumping acid on your teeth.
