WHAT ARE TEETH?
- Small, white and calcified structures in the mouth attached to the jaw bone and maxilla.
- Primary function: mastication (chewing) of food
Teeth are composed of many layers:
- Enamel: hardest and mineralized structure in the body. Is the visible layer of the tooth. Stronger than bone, enamel protects softer inner layers of the tooth (dentin).
- Dentin: inner layer of tooth. Is softer than enamel and decays at a more rapid rate. Is the layer in between the enamel and pulp of tooth.
- Pulp: In the center of tooth, holds blood supply of tooth and has nerves and blood vessels.
- Root: not coated with enamel, is coated with a (dentin-like) substance called cementum. Is softer than enamel and dentin, as you age, roots get exposed, making teeth more sensitive.
MOUTH-BODY CONNECTION
“Mouth is a window into the health of the body” -ADA
- In the mouth, dentists can see signs of malnutrition and if you are risk of certain disease (i.e. gum disease can be a sign of diabetes or leukemia)
- Mouth is filled with bacteria which can cause tooth decay or gum disease
- Gum disease (Periodontal disease) is linked with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke)
- Grinding and clenching your teeth can lead to migraine-like headaches
COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS -Oral Health
A. Cavities
- What is a cavity?
- Cavities are referred to as tooth decay, holes, or structural damage to teeth
- The cavity or hole is caused by bacteria in your mouth (aka plaque)
- Cavities and food
- Bacteria in the plaque feed on sugars found in food and drinks and create an acid by-product
- These acids sit on your teeth and over time breakdown the enamel, causing cavities/holes in your teeth
- Severe tooth decay
- If a cavity is not treated early on, tooth decay (infection) spreads deeper into the tooth until it affects the pulp
- Then the infection spreads into pulp and out into root end opening.
- Consequence of no treatment could be life threatening as bacteria starts to spread into surrounding tissues.
B. Tempromandibular (TMD) Joint Disorder– a disorder causing pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement
Tips for Healthy Oral Health and care
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Brushing Three Times Daily
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Flossing Daily
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Periodic Dental Visits
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Healthy Food Choices
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Fluoride Products Usage
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Mouth Rinses