Every year, over 15 million root canals are performed in the U.S. alone. While root canals save teeth from extraction, many people are unsure if they provide long-term durability.
This article will explore the effectiveness of root canals, analysing the causes of tooth decay, how long root canals last, and what happens if a root canal fails.
Through an evidence-based approach, we will explore whether a root canal provides a long-term solution for oral health.
What Is a Root Canal
Root canal treatment is a complex procedure that involves the removal of infected or damaged tissue from the interior of a tooth. It is a necessary dental procedure that is designed to preserve natural teeth and prevent the need for a tooth extraction.
During a root canal procedure, the dentist will first remove the infected tissue and then carefully clean the interior of the tooth. After cleaning, the dentist will fill the area with a special material and seal the tooth with a dental filling. Following the procedure, the patient’s tooth after the root canal should look and feel like a natural tooth.
To ensure the long-term success of root canal therapy, it is important for the patient to practice regular brushing and flossing habits, as well as visit their dentist regularly for checkups. The success rate of root canals is very high, and with proper care, the results can last for many years.
What Causes Tooth Decay
Bacteria from sugary foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene, and acidic drinks and foods are all factors that contribute to the development of tooth decay. When left untreated, this can lead to an infected pulp, which requires root canal treatment to remove the infected pulp chamber and replace it with a temporary filling. Endodontic treatment is successful in over 95 percent of root canals, however, regular checkups are essential to maintain dental care and detect any potential problems. If the infection is severe, a tooth extraction may be necessary as an alternative to a root canal.
How Long Do Root Canals Last
Despite the high success rate of endodontic treatment, the question of how long root canals last often arises due to its long-term implications. Root canals typically last between 10 and 15 years, depending on the health of the blood vessels and dental materials used in the root canal process.
Regular cleanings and dental checkups are essential for maintaining the health of the root canal, as well as special care for the newly filled tooth. To ensure the best possible root canal recovery time, counter pain reliever is recommended for post-operative discomfort.
Tooth pulp must also be kept healthy, and a dental crown can be used to protect the new tooth from any kind of damage. With proper care, root canals can be a long-term solution for restoring the health of your teeth.
Can Root Canals Be Reversed
Although rarely necessary, it is possible to reverse a root canal procedure if required. Oral hygiene is essential for the longevity of the root canal, and a permanent crown may be needed to protect the site.
A board-certified endodontist is the best choice for reversing the root canal, as they are experts in this field.
During the reversal procedure, the root canal specialists will use dental instruments to remove the pulp tissue from the canal. The dental professional will then use a dental hygiene process to clean the area and prepare it for a permanent restoration.
The end result is a restored tooth that is protected from future infections. Root canal reversal should only be done when absolutely necessary, as it is a complex and delicate procedure that requires the expertise of dental professionals.
What Happens if a Root Canal Fails
Despite the success of many root canals, failure can occur if proper care is not taken. Oral health is an important factor for the long-term success of a root canal, and prompt treatment is a key component of a successful canal treatment.
A recent survival analysis of root canals showed that the risk of failure increases if oral hygiene habits are neglected. It is advised to eat softer foods after a canal treatment and maintain good oral hygiene habits to keep the gums healthy.
An associate professor at a dental school suggests that wisdom teeth should be removed to prevent damage to adjacent teeth and to prevent weakened teeth. Additionally, it is important to have regular check-ups and cleanings to ensure that the root canal remains successful.
The Bottom Line: Is a Root Canal a Long-Term Solution?
Overall, root canals can be a successful and durable long-term solution when properly cared for. When the soft tissue, nerves, and blood vessels inside the tooth root are removed, the pain is eliminated, and the loose teeth gain stability. This is due to the periodontal ligament which helps to keep the molar teeth in place and allows for efficient chewing.
Endodontic care also helps to prevent further tooth infection and decay.
In order to ensure that a root canal is a long-term solution, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene habits. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and visiting the dentist twice a year for a checkup. With proper care, a root canal can last up to fifteen years or more.
To summarise, root canals can be a reliable and effective solution for dealing with tooth pain and infection. However, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene habits to ensure that the root canal remains a long-term solution.
The following is a list of key points to remember:
Soft tissue, nerves, and blood vessels must be removed from the tooth root.
The periodontal ligament helps to keep the molar teeth in place.
Good dental hygiene habits must be maintained.
Root canals can last up to fifteen years or more.
Key Takeaways
Root canals are an effective way to prevent the need for tooth extraction and can provide a long-term solution to tooth decay.
Root canals can help restore teeth to normal function and can be reversed if necessary.
Although there is a possibility of failure, with proper maintenance and follow-up care, root canals can be a safe and reliable way to save teeth for years to come.
By taking the necessary steps to maintain oral health, individuals can benefit from the lasting results of a root canal.
If your wisdom teeth have started to come in, you may notice that a loose flap of gum tissue has developed around them. This piece of tissue is known as an operculum, and it often develops over partially erupted teeth or teeth that do not have enough room to come in.
Learn more about issues with operculums and why they sometimes need removing.
Why Can Operculums Be a Problem?
While some operculums only partially cover a wisdom tooth, some may cover much of the chewing surface. If the flap is large, you can have an increased risk of biting the adjacent cheek tissue or the operculum itself.You can keep your enamel and attached gingiva clean with both brushing and flossing.
Operculums, on the other hand, can be difficult to keep clean since they are in the back of the mouth and because the loose tissue may trap bacteria and food debris.
If too much debris is trapped, you can develop pericoronitis, which is an inflammatory condition. People with pericoronitis can experience bad breath, pus, and pain when eating or swallowing. If you do not treat the pericoronitis, you can experience lymph node and facial swelling.
Severe pericoronitis could lead to a complication called Ludwig's angina, where the infection spreads from the operculum to the head or neck.
How Can You Treat an Infected Operculum?
Your dentist will recommend a treatment route depending on the severity of the infection and whether you plan on keeping your wisdom teeth or not.For mild infections, your dentist may recommend warm saltwater rinses and an over-the-counter pain reliever.
If you have no room in your mouth to support incoming wisdom teeth, then your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.
Your dentist may clean and debride the operculum, and then the flap would eventually heal after the tooth extraction. If your jaw ridge is large enough to support the incoming tooth, then your dentist might just remove the gum flap, which could allow the tooth to fully erupt. Removing the gum flap is known as an operculectomy.
What Is an Operculectomy Like?
An operculectomy is a minor surgical procedure where your dentist will remove the infected gum flap with either a scalpel, laser, or electrocautery. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic before surgery.
Each surgical method has its pros and cons. Laser surgeries typically have less scar tissue and quicker healing times, but they may be more expensive.
An excision with a scalpel is the conventional method and an economical option, but you may experience more bleeding and a longer recovery time.
With electrocautery, your dentist can send a mild current through the gum tissue. The heat from the current can cause the flap to break down. A great benefit of this type of method is that no sutures are necessary.Whatever the method, once the gum flap is gone, you will no longer have plaque or debris buildup, and the inflammation should subside.
After surgery, your dentist may have post-care instructions, such as avoiding certain foods, using antibiotics, and swishing with saltwater rinses.
In rare cases, the operculum might grow back.
If your dentist believes you are at risk for pericoronitis, then he or she might recommend another operculectomy or a wisdom tooth extraction.Ultimately, your dentist will help you figure out the best treatment route depending on your oral health history and needs.
A type of fungus called Candida can cause infections in the mouth and throat and even on the lips. This latter type of infection can be called lip fungus.
Symptoms of Lip Fungus
When the mouth is affected by Candida (also known as oral thrush), the corners of the mouth can become cracked, explains the National Health Service (NHS). This cracking is also known as cheilosis or cheilitis. Oral thrush can also cause an infection inside the mouth. Cambridge University Hospitals reports that thick white patches can form throughout the mouth. You might notice these white patches around the insides of your lips.
Causes of Lip Fungus
Oral thrush is normally found on the skin and in the digestive system of healthy people. It doesn't typically cause any problems. However, in some circumstances, this normally harmless fungus can multiply and cause an infection.
The fungus can affect the lips of people who wear poorly fitting dentures. It can also occur in people who lick or rub the corners of the mouth. Some underlying health conditions, like diabetes and immune system deficiencies, can make people more vulnerable.
Treatment for Lip Fungus
However, reassuringly Oral thrush is highly treatable. Medicated ointments can help clear up infections on the skin. Your doctor can also prescribe medicated mouthwashes or lozenges to clear up any fungus inside the mouth. For people with severe Candida infections, oral anti-yeast medications might be used. When you visit your doctor or dentist, they can provide more specific information about the treatment that best suits your situation.
Prevention of Lip Fungus
For people who wear dentures, ensuring the dentures fit well may help prevent Candida infections in and around the mouth. When dentures don't fit well, the upper and lower jaws might not be separated enough by the dentures. This could contribute to the development of lip fungus. Visit your dentist to see if your dentures are aligned correctly. If your dentures no longer fit well, your dentist may be able to adjust the fit. This can be done by either applying new surface material to the base of the dentures or by making a new base for the dentures. The dentures can be completely remade, if necessary.
The Candida fungus grows well in the moist skin folds at the corners of the mouth. If you tend to lick your lips or rub the corners of your mouth, try to break the habit.
Maintaining good oral health can help prevent Oral thrush infections, too. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day with a toothbrush equipped with the latest innovations to give you a whole mouth clean. Don't forget to floss, too.
If you're worried about lip fungus in the corners of your mouth or on your lips, see your dentist. The prognosis for this fungus is good, once the cause has been eliminated.
Lie bumps are small red or white bumps that appear on the tongue. These bumps can be painful and uncomfortable. Even though they appear quickly, they also typically resolve in several days and often don’t require treatment.
The actual medical name for lie bumps is transient lingual papillitis, but the condition became known as “lie bumps” after the myth that they were caused by telling a lie.
What are the symptoms of lie bumps?
Lie bumps will appear as red or white swollen bumps on the tongue. Some people think they look or feel like pimples. They can be painful, even when you aren’t eating or drinking. Some people experience burning, itching, or tingling sensations on their tongues. Still others have no symptoms or pain aside from the actual bump.
If your lie bumps are accompanied by other symptoms, you may have eruptive lingual papillitis. Eruptive lingual papillitis has the same distinct red or white painful bumps, but it’s possibly caused by a virus. This means it’s contagious. It’s accompanied by swollen glands and fevers and is most common amongst children. It can take up to two weeks to resolve instead of a few days.
What causes lie bumps?
Lie bumps are thought to be extremely common, but they’re not well researched. Doctors aren’t entirely sure exactly what causes either type of lie bumps. We do know that they’re more likely to occur in people who eat diets with lots of highly acidic foods (including fruits and vegetables) and sugary foods.
Other possible causes include:
peaks in stress, which can cause an inflammatory response
trauma, even just from biting the tongue
spicy foods
gastrointestinal complications, including constipation
food allergies
How are lie bumps diagnosed?
If you have symptoms of lie bumps that haven’t gone away after a week and the bumps are persistent and painful, you can make an appointment to see your doctor or dentist. Children with recurring and painful lie bumps should see their pediatrician.
Your doctor (or dentist) will examine the bumps and will likely diagnose them on appearance alone. If your doctor is unsure if the bump is a lie bump or from a condition like human papillomavirus, they may take a biopsy to test for a differential diagnosis. To do this, your doctor will likely numb the area with a local anesthetic. They’ll then remove a small section of the bump to test and examine under a microscope.
How are lie bumps treated?
Doctors generally don’t need to do much to treat most cases of transient lingual papillitis.
There are home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments available to reduce your symptoms and help the condition resolve faster. These include:
rinsing and gargling with salt water
brushing your teeth at least twice daily, and using mouthwash to rid the mouth of harmful bacteria
avoiding irritating foods (eating blander, smooth foods may be beneficial)
taking OTC topical treatments like Zilactin, which cover the bumps like a bandage, protecting them from friction that could irritate them further
What is the outlook for lie bumps?
While lie bumps are painful, they often resolve fairly soon after they appear without any kind of treatment. Home treatments can help them resolve even faster.
If you’re experiencing regularly recurring lie bumps and avoiding suspected triggers isn’t effective, your doctor or dentist can help you determine other treatment plans that may be more effective for you.
Your dental check-up is part of your routine, isn’t it? It’s every six months, with the appointment made right before you head out the door at the end of your last visit. Your teeth have been cleaned and polished; they feel fantastic and they look much better than when you came in. But what, exactly, does a cleaning accomplish? Can a professional dental cleaning get rid of stains? And if not, what can?
What defines a professional teeth cleaning?
For many people, the most obvious part of a semiannual dental check-up is the teeth cleaning. It leaves your whole mouth feeling fresh and revived. But what exactly does the cleaning do?
Much more thorough than the brushing and flossing you do at home, a dental teeth cleaning – or dental prophylaxis – is a professional dental procedure that removes plaque, stains, and calculus (also known as tartar) that have built up above your gum line. Your hygienist uses specific tools to scrape away these deposits, either hand tools – the scrapers and picks you’re likely familiar with – or, if needed, an electronic device called an ultrasonic scaler for deeper stains or discolorations. Once your teeth are clean, they’re polished with a prophylaxis paste specifically formulated for this use.
Will a teeth cleaning get rid of stains on my teeth?
A professional dental cleaning will remove the surface build-up of plaque and tartar, as well as some fresh stains that are not yet deep into your teeth. Such a cleaning is typically performed on healthy adult teeth that show no bone loss or infection, and that do not have periodontal disease.
As for stains, your twice-yearly teeth cleaning will make your teeth cleaner and brighter overall, but may not be able to eliminate all stains. However, they do help make teeth less prone to staining. Keeping your tooth enamel clean mitigates the effects of such stain producers as tobacco, wine, coffee, and tea. A professional cleaning by your dentist also works against gum disease and tooth decay and helps to make your teeth stronger and more resilient. It gives you a brighter smile, too! (Check out our free Smile Consultation!)
What causes stains on my teeth?
It depends on the stain. There are three basic types of stains on teeth —extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related.
Extrinsic stains
Extrinsic stains are the most obvious stains – the ones you see whenever you look in a mirror. Extrinsic stains are only on the enamel surface of your teeth – the hard shell outside layer that protects the other interior layers. Tooth enamel is constantly exposed to things you put in your mouth and it absorbs the color residue. Coffee, tea, and red wine are the biggest culprits, but berries and curries can cause staining as well. Luckily, these stains don’t go below the enamel to the inner part of the tooth, so they’re the easiest to remove!
Intrinsic stains
Intrinsic stains are stains that have moved into the dentin, the sensitive tooth layer that’s just under the enamel. Dentin, which is naturally yellowish and darker than the tooth’s surface, can be stained if it is exposed to what you eat or drink, which happens when tooth enamel wears down. This can be caused by injury to your teeth or if you were given certain antibiotics as a child. Because these stains are inside your teeth, they’re harder to remove than the extrinsic stains on a tooth’s surface.
Age-related stains
This is just what it sounds like – discoloration that is a normal consequence of your teeth getting older. As we age, the enamel on our teeth wears down and the dentin – the part below the enamel – becomes darker. This type of discoloration is not caused by what you eat or drink. While the change in your teeth as you age is normal, its effects may not be to your liking.
Are there other ways to get stains off my teeth?
There are, but be cautious. In your favorite grocery store or drugstore, you’ll find toothpastes that claim to whiten teeth over time when used regularly. These can be hard on your tooth enamel and may take weeks – or even months – to produce visible results. Also available are packaged whitening kits to use at home. Of course, with these off-the-rack kits, you can’t control the level of chemicals, and the trays are not made to fit your teeth. You may see some minor improvement, but the results may not last, and improper usage can damage your gums.
The best way to remove stains from your teeth – any kind of stain – is with a professional whitening treatment. During a whitening treatment at your dentist’s office, your teeth will be treated with a solution that contains peroxide. Peroxide penetrates the enamel of your teeth, causing oxidation, which makes the molecules inside your teeth reflect less light. Your teeth appear colorless and this provides the white effect you are seeking.
Black teeth can result from tooth decay, staining, tartar buildup, certain medications, or foods and drinks that leave black pigment.
What makes your teeth look white?
White tooth color comes from the quantity of calcium found in tooth enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth.According to Medical News Today, as people age, teeth can generally become more yellow or gray, but when a tooth turns black, dental treatment is urgent.
Enamel Damage can result in black teeth
Decay or cavities are the most common reason for teeth turning black. When the pulp becomes infected, the black color begins inside the tooth and works its way to the surface. The black appearance often starts as a few dark spots, but when left untreated, the whole tooth can turn black. Turning black is usually a gradual transformation that begins with brown or gray spots or small dots of black near the gum line.
An injury to the mouth can damage the tooth so badly that it dies, in which case the tooth may also turn black.
Tartar and Stains
Tartar that develops on the outside of the molars or inside the front teeth can build up stains and erode holes in the teeth and make them look black.
Certain foods stain teeth, and particular foods to avoid include:
Coffee
Cola
Black tea
Red wine
Tobacco products
Dental Treatment
Brushing twice a day and flossing is a good preventative. A dentist can clean your teeth and scrape away the tartar buildup. Other options are filling cavities or in some instances, getting a root canal and crowning a tooth. When the tooth can’t be saved, extraction may be necessary.
A healthy tongue is normally covered in small bumps called papillae. Some of them contain taste buds. They give the tongue its distinctive texture.1
Your papillae are often unnoticeable because they have a consistent color and texture. However, some conditions can cause them to become inflamed.
Inflamed papillae can appear raised or enlarged. They may cause your tongue to feel painful, sore, or unusually sensitive.
Causes of Bumps on the Back of the Tongue
Various things can cause inflamed tongue bumps. Although most tongue bumps, some can be more serious.
Here are 14 reasons why you have bumps on the back of your tongue:
1. Injury or Irritation
A tongue injury may cause a bump to appear or your tongue to feel rough. Like other body parts, an injury may cause a swollen tongue.
If you have a swollen bump on your tongue, you may have unintentionally bitten it a few days before. Hot drinks or foods can also burn your tongue, leading to rough patches or enlarged bumps.
2. Lie Bumps
Lie bumps, or transient lingual papillitis (TLP), are temporary inflammations of the papillae. Itching, acute sensitivity, or a burning feeling on the tongue are all symptoms of lie bumps.
Although their cause isn't precisely known, they may be affected by hormonal, dietary, and stress-related factors. Lie bumps typically go away on their own.
3. Canker sores
Canker sores can appear as bumps on your tongue. They're common mouth sores that appear inside your:2
Lips
Cheek
Tongue
The sores are typically red, white, or yellow and may be rough and unpleasant. Most canker sores subside on their own. However, others can be very painful and may need medical attention.
4. Squamous Papilloma
Squamous papilloma may be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It shows up as an irregular lump or a bump on your tongue.
This condition is usually painless and can be treated with surgical or laser removal. Other symptoms of HPV can be addressed on an individual basis.
5. Glossitis
Glossitis is an inflammatory condition where the tongue loses its papillae (depapillation). This can cause your tongue to appear smooth but red and irritated.
Geographic tongue is a type of glossitis. It causes irregular patches that seem to migrate across the tongue over time.
Glossitis can be caused by:
Nutrient or vitamin deficiencies
Infections
Allergies
Hereditary factors
Hormonal imbalances
6. Scarlet Fever
The same bacteria that cause strep throat can also cause scarlet fever. One symptom of scarlet fever is a red, bumpy tongue, known as a “strawberry tongue.”
Scarlet fever is often seen in children or people who come into contact with them. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat this illness.
7. Allergies
Food allergies may cause swelling or itching of the tongue and create bumps. If your entire tongue swells suddenly, it may be due to a serious condition known as anaphylaxis.3
Seek immediate assistance if you experience:
Swollen lips, tongue, or mouth
Sudden rashes or hives
Breathing difficulties
When Should You Worry About Bumps on Tongue?
Keep an eye on the tongue bumps' size, color, and spread while you treat them at home. If there is no improvement or your condition worsens, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
When to See a Doctor for Tongue Bumps
Most causes of inflamed tongue bumps resolve on their own. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
Fever
Symptoms lasting longer than one week
Rapidly growing, spreading, or bleeding bumps
Bumps keep returning after healing
Diagnosing & Treating Tongue Bumps
A doctor will first inquire about your medical history and known allergies to determine what is causing your tongue bumps. They will do an oral exam to check your taste buds for changes in:7
Color
Texture
Size
Abnormalities
Your physician may also order blood tests to rule out other problems, such as infection or disease. If the doctor suspects cancer, they will send you to a specialist who will either conduct a biopsy or remove the bump entirely.
Home Remedies for Tonge Bumps
Although some causes of tongue bumps require medical attention, home remedies can help. These include:
Hydrating with water (drink through a straw if you have pain drinking normally)
Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water and a teaspoon of salt
Avoiding acidic/spicy foods and drinks
Using topical numbing gels
Using over-the-counter pain relievers
Avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes
Tips for Preventing Tongue Bumps
Good oral health may lower the chance of tongue bumps and cancer and keep lumps from becoming infected or painful.
Maintain good oral hygiene by doing the following:
Brushing teeth at least twice a day
Use a stainless steel tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the tongue
Flossing at least once a day
Regular visits to the dentist (twice a year is recommended)
Recent research has identified a particular type of bacteria that can cause severe oral health problems, regardless of a human’s immune system. Researchers found that a family of proteins that protect humans, called interferon lambdas, are reduced by a bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis. Therefore, this can leave a person vulnerable to infection. Porphyromonas gingivalis is also heavily connected to gum disease, making it a dangerous type of bacteria.
Researchers from the University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry in Kentucky, United States, have analysed a form of bacteria that can increase a person’s vulnerability to viruses and speed up the onset of gum disease.The researchers identified that some of the proteins we rely on to protect us from viruses and infections can actually be suppressed by the bacteria, which is called porphyromonas gingivalis.As a result, the researchers are aiming to raise awareness of this type of bacteria. This case also shows the importance of strong oral health. By having great oral hygiene, we can lessen the chances of bacteria affecting us.
The mouth and viruses
The mouth is commonly the entry point for viruses and infections. Specifically, viruses that attack the gastrointestinal tract and lungs, normally enter via the mouth.Conditions that enter through the mouth include Herpes, HIV, and even some cancer-causing viruses. Moreover, Covid-19 is known to enter through the mouth. The world has seen in the last two years the impact a virus can potentially have.
The Research
The researchers started by analysing Interferon lambdas – a family of proteins that are known to protect the body. These proteins are produced by epithelial cells in the mouth. Epithelial cells are those that protect compactly packed cells. These cells are responsible for protecting humans from viral infections.However, the researchers found that a type of oral bacteria called porphyromonas gingivalis reduces the production of these proteins. Therefore, when this bacteria is present, the person becomes more vulnerable to infection.The researchers analysed in depth what happens when porphyromonas gingivalis comes into contact with the human mouth. It was after seeing the effects it had, that they were able to make their conclusions.Another worrying effect that porphyromonas gingivalis had on the human body was gum health. The researchers found that porphyromonas gingivalis causes gum disease. Furthermore, it can also hasten the development of periodontal disease, which is a more severe type of gum disease.This dangerous bacteria can cause a build up of plaque. Over time, this plaque will eventually weaken enamel. Plaque will cause the gums to become infected, and cavities will also appear.Gum disease can cause several problems. For example, tooth loss is a possible eventual complication of gum disease. Therefore, it is important for humans to try and avoid gum disease. As a result, this bacteria can be very damaging.Because porphyromonas gingivalis has been linked to several other conditions, this finding was unsurprising for the researchers. The bacteria has also been connected to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Alzheimer’s Disease.
What this study shows
This study shows the importance of trying to reduce bacteria in the mouth wherever possible. In an age of many viruses, the more protection we have, the better.The best way to limit the amount of bacteria in the mouth is to have excellent oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and attending regular dental check-ups. Sugary and high-calorific foods and drink will often contain harmful bacteria. Therefore, having a healthy diet can also help.Juhi Bagaitkar, Assistant Professor at the Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Disease at the University of Louisville, was among those to carry out the research. Bagaitkar commented on the findings.She said that their team had found that the bacteria porphyromonas gingivalis “can completely suppress interferon production and severely enhance susceptibility to viral infection”. Moreover, she continued “these resident oral plaque bacteria play a key role in regulating anti-viral responses”.The authors suggested that in the future, methods of finding ways to increase protection against this specific bacteria could be enacted. Further research into sources of this bacteria is expected in the future.
Thinking points…
1) The bacteria above is known to cause gum disease. Many people worry about gum disease, and rightfully so. If you are worried about gum disease, the best thing to do is book a check-up with your dentist. They will be able to assess your mouth and provide advice and treatment if necessary.
2) You would be surprised at how easily bacteria can make it into the mouth. Anything we put in our mouths will contain bacteria. Whilst food and drink is obviously understandable, there are other habits we should stop. For example, not biting your nails, avoiding chewing on a pen lid or any other unnecessary activity. Think about the practical steps you can take to lessen bacteria in your mouth.
There are a lot of things you can blame on your genes – never got that growth spurt you were expecting? Clearly the fault of your 5' mother. Premature balding? Thanks, Dad. However, what about oral health? We know learning good oral hygiene at an early age (and practicing it) is the key to healthy teeth and gums, but could you be predisposed to periodontal disease? The answer might surprise you.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an inflammatory disease that causes ongoing gum infection. It starts when plaque, a sticky, bacteria-filled film, builds up under and along the gum line. Plaque can cause infections, including gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In patients with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. Debris can collect in these small spaces and become infected. As the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line, the body's immune system fights the bacteria. During this stage, toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque and the body's enzymes involved in fighting infections start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen, and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed, often resulting in tooth loss.
Unfortunately, gum disease is all too common; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that almost half (47%) of all Americans over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease, and 9% of adults are impacted by severe gum disease.
What Triggers Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a complex condition that's not easily traced to a single factor. Instead, a combination of environmental and genetic elements is believed to contribute to susceptibility. However, the degree to which each plays a role is debatable.
For example, one study in the Journal of Periodontology compared the oral hygiene of identical and fraternal twins. The results showed that identical twins were also more likely to have similar periodontal health compared to non-identical twins. In conclusion, the study claims that susceptibility to gum disease is half the result of genetics and otherwise due to external factors.
Essentially, this means that if you suffer from chronic periodontitis, there is some chance your children could experience similar difficulties as they grow up. More important, though, is recognizing that you can control environmental factors to prevent yourself and your child from developing further problems.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
While gum disease is not reversible, it is preventable. The following simple steps can help prevent bacterial infection or reduce inflammation, even if genetics are not on your side:
Brush and floss - Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. If you have bridges, implants, or wide spaces between your teeth, it may be helpful to use interdental brushes (toothpick-like pieces with tiny bristles at one end) to clear trapped food.
Don't smoke – One more reason to quit (or never start)! People who smoke up to half a pack of cigarettes per day are almost three times as likely as nonsmokers to have periodontitis; those who smoke more than a pack and a half of cigarettes per day have nearly six times the risk.
Eat a healthy diet - A diet rich in vegetables and vegetable oils, fruits, legumes, nuts, and fatty fish helps suppress inflammation. In addition, there is some evidence that people whose diets are high in omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, have a reduced risk of periodontal disease.
Maintain regular dental check-ups – Don't overlook the importance of professional oral health advice. See your dentist every six months for regular examinations, including gum screening and professional care.
(01/22/2024) by Santa Monica Periodontics & Implant Surgery
Receding gums, also called gingival recession, refers to the exposure of the roots and nerves of teeth due to a loss or retraction of gum tissue.
Receding gums are a common problem in Americans 40 years and older, and often occur as a result of poor oral hygiene. Avoiding certain foods may help reduce symptoms or the progression of the condition. Consult with your dentist about causes and prevention of receding gums.
Receding Gums
There are several possible causes for gum recession such as abnormal tooth position, insufficient gum tissue, overaggressive brushing, dental infections, eating disorders, chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, according to the book "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Bacteria, plaque and tars can accumulate in your mouth and eat away at your gum tissue. Gum recession takes many months and years to become noticeable or symptomatic. Common symptoms associated with receding gums include sensitive teeth, tooth pain from exposed nerves, bad breath, tooth discoloration, inflamed gums, and gums that bleed easily with flossing or brushing.
Avoid Acidic Foods
Bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms thrive in an acidic environment, which then contribute to gum disease, inflammation and receding, according to the book "Human Biochemistry." Further, excessively acidic foods can damage the protective layer of your teeth. Examples of acidic foods and beverages include excessive consumption of meats, citrus fruits, white bread, pasta made with white flour, pickled and fermented foods, alcoholic beverages, coffee and black tea.
Avoid Sugary Foods
Sugary foods are highly acidic and provide potential bacteria with an easy food source, which is why excessive consumption of sugar greatly increases the incidence of dental cavities and gum diseases, according to the book "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism." Examples of sugary foods and beverages include candy, donuts, cakes, muffins, chocolate, soda pop, energy drinks and liqueurs.
Chewy carbohydrates with gluten, such as white bread and donuts, stick to your teeth, and can get caught between your teeth and gums when they recede, which contributes to gingivitis or gum-tissue inflammation.
Avoid Cold Foods
When your gums recede, the nerves that supply your teeth are exposed, which make them more sensitive to cold foods and beverages. Avoiding colds foods such as ice cream, snow cones, popsicles, ice cubes, and refrigerated fruits and vegetables may reduce some of the pain that is commonly associated with receding gums. Crunching on ice cubes, or any hard foods such as nuts, may loosen teeth that have become weak due to receding gums. Instead, eat or drink room temperature or heated items that are soft in texture. Further, ask your dentist about special toothpastes that are designed to reduce tooth sensitivity.
