Many people don’t give much thought to their teeth and gums until they experience an issue, such as a toothache or bleeding gums. However, proper dental care and oral hygiene are essential not only for maintaining dental health but also for ensuring overall well-being.

Taking proper care of your teeth and gums involves brushing and flossing at least twice a day to guard against tooth decay and gum disease, and scheduling dental check-ups at least twice a year. These check-ups typically include a professional cleaning, x-rays, and an examination to detect cavities, gum issues, and early signs of oral cancer.

In addition to routine dental care, living a healthy lifestyle is equally important for optimal dental health. This means consuming a plant-based diet, avoiding sugar-laden foods and drinks, reducing alcohol consumption, and refraining from smoking.

Maintaining good dental hygiene can protect against periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that begins with gum inflammation (gingivitis) and can progress to more severe bone damage and tooth loss (periodontitis) if left untreated.

Unchecked gum disease can increase the risk of other serious health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and complications during pregnancy. Emerging research has also suggested potential links between gum disease and various other conditions, including kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer.

Common Dental Issues

Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Teeth
Teeth can be damaged through injury, biting into hard foods, or chewing on objects like pens. Clenching or grinding your teeth during sleep, known as bruxism, can also cause teeth to crack or chip.

Damaged teeth can lead to pulpitis, which is inflammation of the tooth’s pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels that nourish the tooth and nerves that provide sensation. Pulpitis can cause significant discomfort, especially when chewing, and make teeth sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods.

If you notice any sudden sensitivity or discomfort in your teeth, it’s crucial to visit your dentist immediately. There are various options for treating damaged teeth. Small chips can often be repaired with white resin, while more significant damage may require treatments such as veneers, crowns, or a root canal. In cases where a tooth is beyond repair, extraction may be necessary.

• Veneers: Veneers are custom-made shells that cover the surface of a tooth to hide damage. They are typically made from porcelain or composite resin, with porcelain being more durable and providing a more natural appearance.
• Crown: A crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth when a substantial portion of the tooth is affected. Crowns can be made from various materials, including resin, ceramic, or metal. The dentist reshapes the damaged tooth and takes an impression to create a custom crown. A temporary crown is used until the permanent one is ready.
• Root Canal: If the tooth’s pulp has been irreversibly damaged, a root canal procedure may be necessary. The pulp is removed, and the tooth is repaired, usually by an endodontist.

Toothache
Toothaches and sensitive teeth are common issues caused by tooth decay, cracks, or gum erosion due to aging. Exposed tooth pulp can make it difficult to chew and may cause pain when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.

It’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible if you experience a toothache or tooth sensitivity. In the meantime, you can alleviate pain with over-the-counter pain relievers, ice, or a warm saltwater rinse. Special toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can also help. Consult your dentist for recommendations.

Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by specific types of bacteria that feed on sugars and release acidic waste, which dissolves tooth enamel. If not treated early, decay can penetrate deeper into the tooth, affecting the dentin and eventually the pulp. Decay is most likely to occur in areas where sugars and bacteria collect, such as the crevices of molars and between teeth.

The earliest sign of tooth decay is a white spot on the enamel, which is often detected only by x-rays. At this stage, fluoride treatments can sometimes stop or even reverse decay by strengthening the enamel. However, if decay progresses, the white spot will turn brown, and cavities will form, requiring the dentist to remove the decay and fill the area with resin or amalgam.

If left untreated, decay can advance through the enamel and into the dentin, leading to more severe damage that may require a crown or larger filling.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums, bone, and other structures that support the teeth. It begins as gingivitis, characterized by gum inflammation due to plaque buildup, and can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease. It occurs when bacteria form plaque, a sticky film on the teeth, that can harden into tartar if not removed through daily brushing and flossing. The bacteria in plaque and tartar cause gum inflammation, leading to symptoms like swollen, red gums that bleed during tooth brushing.

Fortunately, gingivitis can be easily treated with good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and flossing every night can help prevent plaque buildup. Studies suggest that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual ones at removing plaque and reducing gingivitis risk. Using a mouthwash specifically designed to fight gingivitis can also be beneficial. Regular dental cleanings every six months can remove plaque and tartar from areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush.

If your gums feel tender or swollen, saltwater rinses can help. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, swish it around your mouth for 20 to 30 seconds, and spit. However, long-term use of saltwater rinses should be avoided, as it can erode tooth enamel.

If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis has four stages, with each progressing in severity.

• Stages I and II: In the early stages, symptoms are similar to gingivitis, such as gum inflammation and bleeding during brushing. However, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that collect bacteria. Dentists measure these pockets during check-ups to assess the severity of the disease. As periodontitis progresses, bone loss around the teeth begins, and the gums recede further, exposing the tooth roots.

Treatment for early-stage periodontitis involves scaling and root planing, which removes tartar and plaque from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from accumulating.

• Stage III: In more advanced periodontitis, the pockets deepen, bone loss becomes more significant, and the exposed tooth roots can cause pain and sensitivity. The infection can loosen teeth, and pus may form around the gums. This stage can result in tooth loss if left untreated. Treatment may involve scaling and root planing, as well as surgery to remove infected tissue and reshape the gums and bone.
• Stage IV: This is the most severe stage of periodontitis. The gums become dark and swollen, and pus may be present. Deep pockets between the teeth and gums allow bacteria to thrive, causing pain, bad breath, and loose or lost teeth. Treatment requires surgery to remove the infection and reshape the gums. Tooth replacement may be considered once the infection is under control.

Dentures

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They are typically made from acrylic and fused to a gum-colored base. There are two main types of dentures: full and partial.

• Full Dentures: These replace all the teeth in an upper or lower arch. A layer of saliva between the gums and the denture helps keep them in place. Snap-in dentures, held in place by implants in the jaw, provide a more secure fit. Permanent dentures are surgically fixed into the jawbone and cannot be removed.
• Partial Dentures: These are used when only a few teeth are missing. They are anchored by reshaping nearby teeth or placing crowns or implants to hold the denture in place.

Proper care of dentures is essential for maintaining their appearance and functionality. Dentures should be cleaned daily using a brush and denture cleaner, not toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface. Dentures should be soaked in warm water or a cleaning solution when not being worn. It’s important to avoid dropping them or biting into hard foods to prevent breakage. Dentures should be removed at night unless otherwise advised by a dentist.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can occur in various parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and the roof of the mouth. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and dentists check for signs of oral cancer during routine exams.

Symptoms of oral cancer may include:

• A sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal
• A discolored area inside the mouth
• A lump or thickening in the cheek
• Persistent sore throat or changes in voice
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain or swelling around the teeth or jaw

If any of these symptoms are present, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for further testing. A biopsy may be performed to diagnose the presence of cancer. Treatment depends on the location and stage of the cancer, with early-stage diagnoses having a higher likelihood of successful treatment.