Dental disease is one of the most prevalent preventable health problems in the United States. Although genetics play a large part in how your teeth hold up over the years, tooth decay and gum disease can be avoided by regular home care, professional dental services, a healthy diet, and avoiding dental threats like acidic beverages and tobacco. Treating your teeth and gums right can keep your breath fresh and your smile bright, and can also contribute to your overall good health.
Dental Disease
Most people know about avoiding cavities with regular tooth-brushing, flossing, sealants and fluoridated toothpaste. However, though cavities, tooth fractures and abscesses can cause tooth loss, diseased gums are the major cause of tooth loss in later years. Gingivitis presents as red and inflamed gums that often bleed when you brush your teeth. Symptoms of the more serious periodontitis are receding gums. Periodontitis usually results in the loss of the bone and connective tissues that hold the teeth firmly to the jaw. Your teeth can become loose or even fall out or require extraction if periodontitis is not treated.
Home Care
The National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride and flossing at least once daily. This routine removes the bacteria, food debris and saliva that can form plaque on your teeth. If plaque is not removed regularly, it will harden and turn into tartar. Plaque and tartar can work their way under your gum line and cause inflammation. Your body will react to the inflammation by battling against it, an action that can cause damage to bones and connective tissues. Bone loss and weak connective tissue can lead to tooth loss.
Professional Care
Regular check-ups and cleanings are critical to preventing dental diseases. X-rays, photographs and hands-on inspection help your dental professional notice existing and incipient problems with all areas of your mouth. Your dental hygienist can remove the buildup of plaque and tartar, teach you how to brush and floss properly, and advise you on the best toothbrush and toothpaste to use. Your dentist can repair damaged teeth and smooth out jagged edges to reduce the number of surfaces harmful bacteria can inhabit.
Medical Treatment
If you have developed periodontitis and have deep pockets of inflammation around your teeth, your dentist will probably recommend a "deep cleaning." This procedure may include scaling, or scraping the tartar from the exposed and hidden parts of the affected teeth, and root planning, or grinding a tooth root smooth so plaque will be less likely to adhere to it. This can be expensive, time-intensive, and require local or even general anesthesia. In many cases, deep cleaning can keep you from losing the critical supportive structures for your teeth.
Healthy Living
A balanced diet will make it possible for your teeth, tongue and gums withstand infections and deterioration. Since diabetics are more likely to develop infections, keeping a watch on blood sugar levels can also help prevent dental disease. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks can prevent both tooth decay and enamel wear. Since the use of tobacco products---smoking, dipping and chewing---is a major contributor to dental disease, reducing or eliminating the use of these products is essential.
