Tooth decay describes the condition wherein the tooth, under a variety of harsh conditions, breaks down leading to the formation of a cavity. It starts with a hole/opening in the enamel. If this is not treated, it progressively reaches the deeper sections of the tooth, where the pulp and the nerves are causing the tooth to become sensitive to a variety of stimuli, a variety of gum problem such as inflammation and swelling, pain, and ultimately tooth loss.

Tooth decay is a common dental ailment that may occur at any time of age. However, since the onset of tooth decay is strongly related to the unregulated consumption of sweet foods and beverages; it tends to affect the young and adolescents more than any other age. One form is diagnosed in nursing infants and is referred to as nursing caries.

1. Proper Oral Hygiene : Irregular & improper brushing, not flossing between teeth, not rinsing with water or mouthwash after meals speed up the process of tooth decay.



2. Unregulated Diet of sweet food and drinks : Periodic snacking on aerated drinks, jam, marmalade, even potato chips can lead to the formation of acidic by products which damage the surface of the tooth enamel. This is the reason why most young children adolescents suffer from tooth decay.

If you have developed black or brown spots of decay on your teeth either in the fissures or on the smooth surfaces and it is associated with discomfort and / or sensitivity to hot and cold and / or frank pain, it is likely that you have tooth decay. Your dentist will evaluate you comprehensively and based on his clinical and radiographic findings he will do one of the following;

1. Make an opening in the crown and remove decay, shape the cavity and fill it with a tooth colored filling or an amalgam filling. This could also be done under local anaesthesia.



2. If the decay is very deep and the pulp (nerve, root canal) is involved in the decay process he will, under local anaesthesia go deeper into the pulp chamber, remove the pulp and the nerve, render it free of infection, do a root filling and later put an amalgam or a tooth colored filling. Subsequently he will put a veneer or a crown on the tooth as the case may be.

Oral Cancer is disease that starts as an uncontrolled growth of cells in the mouth. It leads to disfigurement of the face, debility of body and eventually death.

Oral Cancer is the most common of cancers in India with as many as 64,460 cases reported each year. That makes it as common as cancer of the lungs, breast or cervix. As much as 7 % of all cancer deaths in males and 4% in females have been reported to be due to oral cancer. The figure continues to rise rapidly because of bad oral habits such as chewing of gutka, tobacco, and smoking.

A white or red patch in the mouth or on the tongue, a painless ulcer which doesn't heal for over two weeks, difficulty in eating, drinking and speaking are some of the early signs of oral cancer. If these symptoms appear, you must see your dentist immediately.

Yes, you can. In fact it is strongly recommended because early detection can greatly increase the chances of a complete cure.

1. Stand in front of a mirror in good light.



2. Open your mouth wide; look for small lumps or swelling, ulcers, a red or white patch.



3. If you have dentures, take them out and inspect your mouth.



4. Inspect the lips with your mouth both open and closed.



5. Stick your tongue out and inspect the margins, as well as below the tongue.

A good dentist is trained to recognize the clinical symptoms of an early oral cancer:

Leukoplakia
It is a raised white patch, which is associated with the constant chewing of tobacco and gutka. 2.8 % of oral Leukoplakia results in cancerous growths.

Oral submucous fibrosis
It is the inability to open the mouth and / or a burning sensation which affects 9 per 10,000 Indians.

Lichen Planus
It is a skin affliction occurring in the mouth. It can be caused due to stress and diabetes.

Anaemia
It is a deficiency of iron very common in India, which can lead to the development of oral cancer.

If detected early, oral cancer is curable. The smaller the ulcer or a affliction, the better the chances of cure. Treatment involves the surgical removal of the afflicted parts followed by radiation. Chemotherapy is rarely advocated. Cancer of the lip shows 85 % cure-rate. Other oral cancers if detected early and treated promptly, may prolong the life of the patients, by as much as 20 years.

1. Since oral cancer is very common in India, extra precaution is suggested.
   
   
2. Avoid bad oral habits like chewing tobacco, gutka and smoking. These bad habits increase your chances of getting oral cancer dramatically.



3. Eat a diet rich in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and dairy products such as butter milk.



4. Visit your dentist twice a year.



5. Brush twice a day and maintain good oral hygiene.

Your child start to lose his or her baby teeth around age six. The process of permanent teeth replacing primary teeth occurs until age 12 or 13. By the time your child's wisdom teeth erupt at around age 16, he or she will have a complete set of 32 permanent teeth.

Because the process of replacing primary teeth with permanent teeth occurs gradually, keeping all the teeth clean may be a challenge. That's because your child will have larger permanent teeth growing in next to smaller primary teeth, and this unevenness means lots of spaces for food and plaque to collect.

Plaque is the colorless, sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth and, left to build up, is one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease.

Of all age groups, children are the most of risk for cavities. They tend to eat more frequently and have not yet become experts at brushing their teeth. So it is vital that their teeth are brushed properly with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, which means brushing for them the areas they might have missed on their own. Give them healthy snacks, like bread and fruit, to help keep their teeth cavity-free.

Very! Guide children away from sugary foods and drinks and drinks and reduce the number of times they have them during the day, for example, by just serving them at mealtimes. It's always a good idea to have your child brush after eating.

You should follow the same approach that you would take when brushing your own teeth. It often helps to stand behind your child and tilt his or her head back.

1. Start by cleaning the chewing surfaces with a soft-bristled children's toothbrush, using short back-and-forth strokes.



2. For the outer tooth surface, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline.



3. Move the brush back and forth in short, gentle strokes.



4. To clean the inner front tooth surfaces, hold the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip of the brush.



5. Make sure the gumline and back teeth are cleaned thoroughly.

While it varies from child to child, generally children under age eight will need help brushing their teeth. Whether you are still brushing your child's teeth or just supervising, you should follow these simple guidelines:

1. Brush at least twice a day-in the morning and just before bed.



2. Spend two minutes brushing- concentrating on the chewing surfaces and back teeth, where cavities often first develop.



3. Use a pea-sized amount of children's fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to spit out any toothpaste. Teach your child to spit out any toothpaste left after brushing.



4. Look for a brush that is suitable for your child's age and dexterity.



5. Don't share brushes between children.



6. Brushing your teeth together sets a good example and helps your child to learn, by watching and imitating you!



7. As early as you can, start cleaning in between your child's teeth. Ask your dentist for advice on when this should begin, and how to do it.

The dentist will examine your child's teeth, gums, and jaw; check for any early signs of problems; and show you the right way to clean and care for your child's teeth. This is also a time to ask how your child's teeth are developing.

A new delicious tasting crème that is beneficial for your teeth. It contains calcium and phosphate, the major minerals teeth are made from. Because these minerals are carried in a special milk-derived protein called Recaldent™ they are available in a soluble form. This means Tooth Mousse can protect the teeth like saliva and replace minerals lost by regular acid attack after eating and drinking.

1. If you suffer from dry mouth, which could be a side effect of prescription or non prescription medicines.



2. If you are susceptible to dehydration from sporting activities or outdoor work.



3. If you currently have orthodontic bands or brackets or have just had them removed.



4. Immediately following bleaching for tooth whitening.



5. If you are pregnant and your mouth acid levels are higher than normal.



6. After your teeth have been cleaned and polished.

Tooth Mousse can be applied into a pre-formed holder called a stent and placed in the mouth. Alternatively squeeze a small amount of Tooth Mousse from the tube onto your finger and apply it over the surfaces of the teeth as advised by your dentist. If you are in the middle of orthodontic treatment, apply Tooth Mousse around the areas where the bands and brackets are attached to the teeth. Immediately after use replace the cap and clean any excess Tooth Mousse from the nozzle of the tube.

You should discuss this with your dentist. In most situations you will apply it after brushing your teeth, both morning and night. If starting tooth whitening you will be advised to apply Tooth Mousse immediately following each whitening session. When undergoing orthodontic treatment you may be advised to apply Tooth Mousse twice daily for the entire time the bands or brackets are attached to teeth. If you regularly suffer from dry mouth you may need to use Tooth Mousse more often. Discuss this with your dentist.

Yes. The main active ingredient of Tooth Mousse is derived from milk casein and like milk and cheese, is edible. Tooth Mousse is lactose free but should not be used by people with milk protein allergies.

This is a matter of preference. For the maximum benefit, leave it on the teeth as long as possible. The minimum recommended application time is three minutes. You can then rinse the mouth or simply wipe any remaining crème from the teeth.

No. However if your dentist recommends that you need an additional fluoride treatment program, you can safely use both Tooth Mouse and fluoride products at the same time.

Without treatment, infection will spread, bone around the tooth will degenerate and the tooth may fall out. Pain usually increases until one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative now is usually extraction of the tooth, which can cause surrounding teeth to shift and weaken. Though an extraction is cheaper, an implant or a bridge to replace the tooth can be more expensive than root canal therapy. If you have a choice, it is always advisable to keep your original teeth. However, there are limitations, and the times a root canal therapy might not be possible. Allow your dentist to decide.

Your treatment may take one or more visits, where the nerve of the offending tooth is removed and the root canal is subsequently filled. You may receive local anaesthesia.

Your dentist may take x-rays to ensure that the full length of your root canal is treated.

If your roots are unusually shaped or there are other complications, you may need to have apical surgery (Apicoectomy) as advised by your Dentist.

Step 1: The tooth is anaesthetized and an opening is made through the crown into the pulp chamber.

Step 2: The length of the root canal is determined. Unhealthy pulp is removed. The canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped with special root canal files and disinfecting solutions.

Step 3: Once the tooth is free of infection, the tooth is filled with a special root canal filling material like gutta percha and sealed with a temporary filling.

Step 4: A post and core may be added for structural support. Usually a metal or porcelain crown is made for the tooth to provide further protection.

Yes, Very often milk and permanent teeth in children may require Root Canal Therapy, though the procedure varies slightly in milk teeth.

After the inside of your tooth has been treated, the outside will be restored to protect your tooth's underlying structures and give your tooth a healthy appearance. After Root Canal Therapy your tooth should function and feel like your tooth should function and feel like your other teeth. Take care of your treated tooth the same way you would your other teeth. Brush and floss regularly. It is advisable to visit your Dentist regularly for preventive check-ups. Your Dentist is trained to see hidden problems that you cannot.

The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth" Health gum tissue fits like a cuff around each tooth. Where the gum line meets the tooth, it forms a slight v-shaped crevice called a sulcus. In healthy teeth, this space is usually three millimeters or less.

Periodontal diseases are infections that affect the tissues and bone that support teeth. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket that is greater than three millimeters. Generally, the more servere the disease, the greater the pocket depth and bone loss. The enlarged pockets allow harmful bacteria to grow and make it difficult to practice effective oral hygiene. Left untreated, periodontal diseases may eventually lead to tooth loss.

The mouth is filled with countless bacteria. Periodontal disease begins when certain bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth and the surfaces lining the mouth) produce toxins and enzymes that irritate the gums and cause inflammation. The resulting inflammation, which may be painless, can damage the attachment of the gums and bone to the tooth.

Good oral hygiene-brushing twice a day and flossing or using another interdental cleaner once a day-helps reduce the plaque film. Plaque that is not removed regularly can harden into rough porous deposits called calculus, or tartar. Tartar is not the main cause of periodontal diseases, but the pores in tartar hold bacteria and toxins, which are impossible to remove even with regular brushing. Once the hardened tartar forms, it can only be removed when teeth are cleaned professionally at the dental office.

There are several factors that increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

1. Studies have shown that People who smoke or chew tobacco are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth. They also are more likely to have deeper pockets between their teeth and gums and greater loss of bone and tissue that support teeth. Gum treatment is also less successful in patients who continue to smoke.





2. Systemic diseases, such as diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV infections, and AIDS can lower the body's resistance to infection, making periodontal diseases more servere.(Systemic diseases are those diseases that can affect the body as a whole).





3. Many medications-such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure drugs and oral contraceptives-can affect the gums. Some medications have side effects that reduce saliva. A lack of saliva can result in a chronically dry mouth, which can irritate the soft tissues. Update your medical history files at the dental office, to include all medications and any changes that occur in your health.





4. Bridges that no longer fit properly, crooked, crowded teeth, or fillings that have become defective may hold plaque in place and increase the risk of developing periodontal diseases.

5. Puberty, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives change the body's hormone levels. This can cause gum tissue to become more sensitive to toxins and enzymes and can accelerate growth of some bacteria.





6. Genetics may play a role. Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive, severe type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss or those who have parents wearing dentures should pay particular attention to their gums.





7. According to some studies, periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples. Research suggests that bacteria causing periodontal diseases are passed through saliva.

Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal diseases without noticeable symptoms. That is why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Several warning signs can signal a problem. While periodontal disease may begin slowly for some patients. Others may develop a rapidly slowly for some patients, others may develop a rapidly progressive form of the disease. If you notice any of the following. See you dentist:

1. Gums that bleed easily



2. Red, swollen, or tender gums.



3. Gums that have pulled away from your teeth.



4. Persistent bad breath.



5. Pus between the teeth and gums.



6. Looser or separating teeth.



7. A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.



8. A change in the fit of partial dentures.

There are many types of periodontal diseases and they can affect individuals of all ages from children to seniors.

GINGIVITIS is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral care at home.

CHRONIC PERIODONTITS is a form of periodontal disease that results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth. Patients experience progressive loss of tissue attachment and bone. Chronic periodontitis is characterized by pocket formation and/ or recession of gum tissue and is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.

AGGRESSIVE PERIODONTITIS is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue attachment and destruction of bone. This disease may occur in localized or generalized patterns.

PERIODONTITIS AS A MANIFESTATION OF SYSTEMIC DISEASES This form of periodontitis is associated with one of several systemic diseases, such as diabetes. Patients who have rare but specified blood diseases or genetic disorders frequently show signs of periodontal diseases.

NECROTIZING PERIODONTAL DISEASES are infections characterized by necrosis (death) of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesion are most commonly associated with pain, bleeding, and a foul odor. Contributing factors can include emotional stress, tobacco use and HIV infection.

A good oral hygiene routine practiced for a few minutes twice a day can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal diseases and tooth decay. When choosing dental care products, look for those that display the American Dental Association's seal of Acceptance. The seal of Acceptance is your assurance the product meets the ADA's criteria for safety and effectiveness for its intended use.

1. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste with thorough brushing, you can remove plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you a proper brushing technique.



2. Clean between teeth once a day with dental floss or another interdental cleaner to remove plaque and debris from areas your toothbrush can't reach.



3. If you need extra help controlling gingivitis and plaque that forms above the gum line, your dentist may recommend using an ADA-acceptance antimicrobial mouthrinse or other oral hygiene aids as an effective addition to your daily oral hygiene routine.



4. Eat a balanced diet for good general health and limit snacks.



5. Visit your dentist regularly. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove tartar, which traps bacteria along the gum line.

During your dental checkup, the dentist examines your gums. This is called a periodontal examination. A periodontal probe is gently used to measure the depth of the sulcus surrounding each tooth. The depth of the healthy sulcus is usually three millimeters or less. The periodontal probe can indicate whether you have developed any pockets and the depth of those pockets. Generally, the more severe the disease, the deeper the pocket.

Dental X-rays also may be taken to evaluate the amount of bone supporting the teeth and to detect other problems not visible during the clinical examination. If periodontal disease is diagnosed, the dentist may provide treatment or may refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases.

Periodontal treatment methods depends upon the type and severity of the disease. If the disease is caught very early and no damage has been done, you may simply be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene.

The first non surgical step usually involves a special cleaning, called scaling and root planning, to remove plaque and tartar deposits on the tooth and root surfaces. This procedures helps gum tissues to heal and pockets to shrink. This is sometimes reffered to as "periodontal" or "deep cleaning" and may take more than one visit.

Your dentist also may recommend medications to help control infection and pain, or to aid healing. These medications could include a pill, a mouthrinse, or a substance that the dentist places directly in the periodontal pocket after scaling and root planning. Your dentist may also stress the need to control any related systemic disease, like diabetes.

At the next visit, the dentist checks the pocket depth to determine the effect of the scaling and root planning. If the disease has advanced to the point where the periodontal pockets are deep and the supporting bone is lost, surgery may be necessary. You may be referred to a periodontist for this treatment.

When the sulcus develops deep pockets, it is difficult to completely remove plaque and tartar even with thorough daily oral hygiene. If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce the pocket depth and make teeth easier to keep clean.
Surgery allows the dentist to access hard-to-reach areas that require the removal of tartar and plaque. The gums are sutured back into place or into a new position to make tissue snug around the tooth.
Bone surgery, including bone grafts, may be used to rebuild or reshape bone destroyed by periodontal disease. Splints, bite guards or other appliances may be used to stabilize loose teeth and to aid the regeneration of tissue during healing. If excessive gum tissue has been lost, a gum graft may be performed.
After surgery, the dentist may apply a protective dressing over teeth and gums and a special mouthrinse may be recommended or prescribed. An antibiotic and mild pain reliever also may be prescribed.

Once your periodontal treatment is completed, your dentist will want to see you at regular intervals. In some cases, your appointments may alternate between your general dentist and a periodontist. Your dentist may recommend more frequent checkups. Daily cleaning helps keep the plaque under control and reduces tartar formation, but it won't completely prevent it. Have your teeth cleaned regularly at the dental office to reduce plaque and remove calculus from places your toothbrush and floss may have missed.

If you use tobacco, ask your dentist or physician for information about how to successfully stop the habit. Tobacco contains chemicals that can slow the healing process and make the treatment results less predictable.

Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or from recurring. It just takes a few minutes twice a day to care for your teeth and gums.

The process of straightening teeth, is called Orthodontics. It may be loosely defined as the science of moving teeth, straightening irregular, crowded or improperly placed teeth. Dentists who are specially qualified in this area of expertise are referred to as Orthodontistis.

Anyone with malaligned or irregular teeth, buck teeth, crowded teeth, overlapping teeth, rabbit teeth or ones with gaps in between may require orthodontic treatment.

There are numerous reasons for malaligned or irregular teeth. These are briefly:

1. Small Jaw



2. Thumb-sucking



3. Bad lip and tongue habits



4. Other habits like breathing through the mouth, nail biting.



5. Incompetent lips



6. Injury / accidents

This is done commonly by fixing braces to teeth and straightening them out.

The treatment is certainly not painless, but the pain is mild and lasts from 3 to 7 days after a visit to the Orthodontist. After this, there is no pain. During subsequent adjustments or wire changes, there may be mild pain.

Recent advances in Orthodontics have made treatment far more comfortable. The braces become a part of you, just like a pair of spectacles.

You can continue to eat your favourite foods but they will have to be prepared specially. Your food will have to be softened, or cut into small pieces, or be well-cooked before eating. Ice cream and colas may be had as usual but corn will have to be sliced off the cob, hard fruits will need to be sliced, nuts and chikki ground and chocolate must not be eaten after refrigeration.

Foods that are best avoided are popcorn, sticky chocolates, hard nuts and fruits, hard crusts and chewing gum. These foods can break or loosen your braces making you uncomfortable and can delay treatment.

1. Brushing with braces on your teeth requires a little more effort than, if you didn't have any.



2. Use a soft bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush.



3. Brush twice a day in gentle circular motions with special emphasis to dislodge food that is lodged between teeth and the braces. Use a mouthwash to rinse additionally.



4. Never allow plaque or food to accumulate on the teeth and braces.

You may have to wear small elastic bands which you change regularly. Some treatment requires a retractor or head gear, a lip bumper and other functional appliances which your orthodontist will show you how to use. Report any untoward change or damage of the braces immediately.

Not at all. You will only need to take reasonable care of your braces during contact sports like boxing, football, hockey, cricket etc. to prevent damage to the braces and injury to the teeth and lips.