How to preserve the health of teeth and gums

How to preserve the health of teeth and gums: a detailed guide

I. Anatomy and physiology of the oral cavity: the basis of understanding of the health of teeth and gums

Understanding the structure and functioning of the oral cavity is the key to maintaining the health of teeth and gums. Teeth are mineralized structures designed to grind food. They consist of:

• Enamel: The hardest tissue in the body, covering the tooth crown and protecting it from damage.
• Dentine: The bulk of the tooth, less solid than enamel and contains microscopic tubules that connect it to pulp.
• Pulp: The inside of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, providing nutrition and tooth sensitivity.
• Cement: Coves the root of the tooth and attaches it to the periodontal bundle.
• Periodontal ligament: The system of fibers connecting the root of the tooth with the bone of the jaw, providing depreciation and maintenance of the tooth in the alveolus.
• Alveolar bone: The bone of the jaw, in which the dental alveoli is located.

The gums (gingiva) are a mucous membrane surrounding the teeth and covering the alveolar bone. They protect the roots of the teeth from environmental exposure and play an important role in maintaining periodontal health. A healthy gum has a pale pink color, a dense structure and tightly adjacent to the tooth.

Roth cavity functions:

• Grinding of food: The teeth of different shapes and sizes perform various functions when chewing. The incisors are bitten by food, the fangs are torn, and the premolar and molar chop it.
• The beginning of digestion: Saliva contains enzymes, such as amylase, which begin to split carbohydrates.
• Speech: Teeth and language are involved in the formation of sounds.
• Taste: Taste receptors in the tongue allow you to feel the taste of food.
• Protection: Saliva contains antibodies and other substances that help protect the oral cavity from infections.

II. The main diseases of the teeth and gums: risk factors and development mechanisms

The most common teeth and gum diseases include:

• Caries: The process of demineralization of the hard tissues of the tooth caused by acids formed as a result of the vital activity of bacteria of dental plaque when carbohydrates breakdown.

  • Risk factors:
    • High consumption of sugar and carbohydrates.
    • Insufficient oral cavity.
    • Reduced salivation.
    • Features of the structure of the teeth (deep fissures).
    • Hereditary predisposition.
  • Development mechanism: Bacteria in a tooth raid (for example, Streptococcus mutans) Metabolizes sugar, producing acids (milk, vinegar, ant). These acids reduce pH on the surface of the tooth, which leads to the dissolution of enamel. If the process of demineralization continues, the carious cavity is formed.

• Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums caused by a bacterial raid.

  • Risk factors:
    • Poor hygiene of the oral cavity.
    • Smoking.
    • Hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty).
    • Some drugs.
    • System diseases (diabetes).
  • Development mechanism: Bacteria in the tooth raid cause an inflammatory reaction in the gums. This leads to redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress in periodontitis.

• Periodontitis: Inflammatory disease that affects the tissue surrounding the teeth (periodont), including gums, bones and ligaments.

  • Risk factors:
    • Unsuccessed gingivitis.
    • Smoking.
    • Hereditary predisposition.
    • Systemic diseases (diabetes, autoimmune diseases).
    • Poor hygiene of the oral cavity.
  • Development mechanism: Prolonged inflammation of the gums leads to the destruction of the periodontal ligament and bone tissue that supports the teeth. As a result, periodontal pockets are formed, the teeth become mobile and ultimately may fall out.

• PeriiMplattite: Inflammation of tissues surrounding dental implants similar to periodontitis.

  • Risk factors:
    • Poor hygiene of the oral cavity.
    • Smoking.
    • Uncontrolled diabetes.
    • Overloading of implants.
    • The presence of residual cement after installing the crown.
  • Development mechanism: The bacteria formed on the surface of the implant cause an inflammatory reaction in the surrounding tissues. This leads to the destruction of bone tissue around the implant and can lead to its loss.

• Tartar: Mineralized plaque, which is formed on the surface of the teeth.

  • Risk factors:
    • Poor hygiene of the oral cavity.
    • Features of the composition of saliva.
  • Development mechanism: The dentition remains on the surface of the teeth, over time, is mineralized under the influence of minerals contained in saliva. Tartar creates a rough surface on which the dentition accumulates easier, which exacerbates inflammation of the gums.

• Erosion of tooths: Loss of tooth enamel under the influence of acids not associated with a bacterial coating.

  • Risk factors:
    • The use of acidic products and drinks (citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, fruit juices).
    • Bulima.
    • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB).
    • Xerostomy (dry mouth).
  • Development mechanism: Acids dissolve enamel, leading to its thinning and increased sensitivity of the teeth.

• Bruxism: Involuntary grinding or grinding of teeth, usually during sleep.

  • Risk factors:
    • Stress.
    • Anxiety.
    • Sleep disorders.
    • Malocclusion.
  • Development mechanism: Grinding the teeth has an excessive load on the teeth, the jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint. This can lead to the abrasion of teeth, headaches, pain in the jaw and problems with the temporomandibular joint.

III. Proper oral hygiene: the basis for the prevention of teeth and gum diseases

Effective oral hygiene is the cornerstone of the prevention of dental diseases and gums. She includes:

• Tooth brushing:

  • Technique: Use a soft toothbrush with rounded bristles. Brush your teeth in circular movements, covering all the surfaces of each tooth – external, internal and chewing. Do not forget to clean your tongue to remove bacteria and refresh your breath.
  • Duration: Brush your teeth at least two minutes two times a day – in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before going to bed.
  • Toothpaste: Use toothpaste with fluorine. The fluorine strengthens the enamel and helps to prevent caries.
  • The frequency of replacement of the toothbrush: Change the toothbrush every three months or earlier if the bristles are worn out.

• Using tooth thread:

  • Technique: Carefully introduce the tooth thread between the teeth, gently leading it up and down the side surface of each tooth, without damaging the gum.
  • Frequency: Use the dental thread daily, preferably before bedtime.

• Using the rinseum for the oral cavity:

  • Types: Choose an oral cavity containing a fluoride or antiseptic (for example, chlorhexidine).
  • Application: Rinse your mouth with a rinseum for 30 seconds after brushing your teeth.
  • Cautions: Clorhexidine rinses should be used only as prescribed by a doctor, as they can cause painting tooths with prolonged use.

• The use of interdental ruffs:

  • Application: Inte d “egblasts are effective for cleaning the interdental spaces, especially in the presence of a recession of gums or orthodontic structures.

• Irrigator:

  • Application: The irrigator (water flisser) uses a stream of water to remove denture and food residues from hard -to -reach places.

IV. Professional oral hygiene: an important component of prevention and treatment

Regular visits to the dentist and professional oral hygiene are necessary to maintain health and gum health.

• Regular examinations: Visit a dentist for a preventive examination at least once every six months. The dentist will be able to identify caries, gingivitis and other diseases in the early stages.

• Professional tooth brushing: A dentist or hygienist will remove the toe and tooth stone from the surface of the teeth using special tools. Professional tooth brushing allows you to remove plaque and stone, which cannot be removed at home.

• Fluoridation: A dentist can fluoride tooth to strengthen enamel and prevent caries.

• Fissour sealing: Fissour sealing is a procedure in which the dentist fills deep fissures on the chewing surfaces of the teeth with special material. This helps to prevent caries, especially in children and adolescents.

• Removing tooth stone: The dentist or hygiene removes the tooth stone from the surface of the teeth and from under the gums using special tools (skiylers, ultrasound skillers).

• Politing tooths: After removing tartar, the teeth are polished by a special paste to give them smoothness and shine.

V. Nutrition and health of teeth and gums: interconnection and recommendations

Food plays an important role in the health of teeth and gums.

• Limiting sugar and carbohydrates: Sugar and carbohydrates are the main source of nutrition for denture bacteria, so the restriction of their consumption helps to prevent caries.

• The use of products rich in calcium and phosphorus: Calcium and phosphorus are necessary to strengthen enamel and bone tissue of the jaw. The products rich in calcium include dairy products, green leafy vegetables and fish. Products rich in phosphorus include meat, fish, eggs and nuts.

• The use of products rich in vitamin C: Vitamin C is necessary for the health of the gums. Its deficiency can lead to bleeding of gums and periodontitis. Products rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries and vegetables.

• The use of products rich in vitamin D: Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Its deficiency can lead to a weakening of the bone tissue of the jaw. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, fish and eggs.

• Sufficient water consumption: Water helps to wash off the remains of food and neutralize acids in the oral cavity.

• Solid fruits and vegetables: The use of solid fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, stimulates salivation and helps to cleanse the teeth.

VI. Fluorine: role in the prevention of caries and methods of application

Phthor is a trace element that strengthens the enamel of the teeth and helps to prevent caries.

• The mechanism of action: The fluorine is integrated into the structure of enamel, forming fluoridate, which is more resistant to acids than hydroxyapatitis (the main component of enamel).

• Fluorine sources:

  • Toothpaste with fluorine: Use toothpaste with a fluorine content of at least 1000 PPM (parts per million).
  • Flectoral water: In many countries, water is fluid to reduce caries incidence.
  • Rinsers for the oral cavity with fluorine: Use the oral cavity with fluorine after teeth brushes.
  • Professional fluoridation: The dentist can conduct professional teeth fluoride using a fluorine -containing gel or varnish.

• Fluorine safety: Poftor is safe when used in recommended doses. However, excessive fluorine consumption can lead to fluorosis – the appearance of white spots on the enamel of the teeth.

VII. Smoking and health of the oral cavity: negative impact and prevention measures

Smoking has an extremely negative effect on the health of the oral cavity.

• Increased risk of periodontitis: Smoking is one of the main risk factors for the development of periodontitis. Nicotine and other substances contained in tobacco smoke disrupt the blood supply to the gums and reduce their ability to restore.

• Slow healing of wounds: Smoking slows down the healing of wounds after dental procedures, such as tooth extraction or implantation.

• Increased risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity: Smoking significantly increases the risk of oral cancer.

• Coloring tooths and unpleasant odor from the mouth: Smoking causes staining tooths in yellow or brown color and leads to an unpleasant odor from the mouth.

• Prevention measures:

  • Refusal of smoking: The most effective way to prevent the negative impact of smoking on the health of the oral cavity is a complete rejection of smoking.
  • Regular visits to the dentist: Smokers are recommended to visit the dentist at least once every three months for a preventive examination and professional brushing of teeth.
  • Thorough oral hygiene: Smokers should thoroughly brush their teeth and use the tooth plate to remove the denture and food residues.

VIII. Pregnancy and health and gum health: features and recommendations

Pregnancy has a significant effect on the hormonal background of the woman, which can lead to changes in the oral cavity.

• Gingivitis of pregnant women: Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of gingivitis. The gums become more sensitive, edematous and bleeding.

• Increasing the risk of caries development: Changes in food habits during pregnancy, such as frequent use of sweet products, can increase the risk of caries.

• Recommendations:

  • Thorough oral hygiene: Pregnant women are recommended to brush their teeth especially thoroughly and use the tooth thread.
  • Regular visits to the dentist: Pregnant women are recommended to visit the dentist at least once every three months for a preventive examination and professional brushing of teeth.
  • Balanced nutrition: Pregnant women are recommended to adhere to a balanced diet rich in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin C.
  • Treatment of oral diseases: Treatment of diseases of the oral cavity during pregnancy is safe and necessary to prevent complications.

IX. Diseases associated with dry mouth (xerostomy): causes and methods of treatment

Xerostomy is a condition characterized by insufficient salivation. Saliva plays an important role in maintaining the health of the oral cavity, so dry mouth can lead to various problems.

• Reasons for xerostomy:

  • Medicines: Many drugs, such as antidepressants, antihistamines and diuretics, can cause dry mouth.
  • System diseases: Some systemic diseases, such as Shegren syndrome, diabetes and radiation therapy of the head and neck, can cause dry mouth.
  • Aging: With age, salivation may decrease.
  • Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to dry mouth.

• The consequences of xerostomy:

  • Increased risk of caries development: Saliva helps neutralize acids in the oral cavity and remove food residues. With a lack of saliva, the risk of caries is increased.
  • Difficult swallowing and speech: Saliva facilitates swallowing and speech. With a lack of saliva, it can be difficult to swallow food and speak.
  • Unpleasant odor from the mouth: Saliva helps to cleanse the oral cavity from bacteria. With a lack of saliva, an unpleasant odor appears from the mouth.
  • Inflammation right: Dry mouth can lead to gum inflammation.

• Treatment methods:

  • Moisturization of the oral cavity: Drink enough water during the day. Use air humidifiers in the room.
  • Slunum separation stimulation: Chew chewing gum without sugar or sugar louds.
  • Using artificial saliva: Use artificial saliva in the form of a spray or gel.
  • Treatment of the underlying disease: If dry mouth is caused by drugs or a systemic disease, consult a doctor to adjust treatment.

X. Orthodontic treatment and health and gum health: hygiene features and recommendations

Orthodontic treatment (braces, eliners) requires special attention to oral hygiene.

• Hygiene difficulties: Braces and other orthodontic constructions make it difficult to brush tooths, which increases the risk of caries and gingivitis.

• Recommendations:

  • Careful brushing tooths: Brush your teeth after each meal using a special toothbrush for braces and a tooth thread.
  • The use of interdental ruffs: Use interdental ruffs to clean the interdental spaces and around the braces.
  • Using the rinseum for the oral cavity: Use the oral cavity with a fluorine.
  • Regular visits to the dentist: Visit a dentist and an orthodontist regularly for a preventive examination and professional brushing of your teeth.

XI. Alternative methods of maintaining tooth health and gums: review and evaluation

In addition to traditional methods of oral hygiene, there are alternative methods that can help maintain the health of teeth and gums.

• Oil rinse (Oil pulling): Rinsing the mouth with vegetable oil (for example, coconut, sesame seeds) for 15-20 minutes can help remove bacteria and tooth.

• Probiotics: Reception of probiotics (beneficial bacteria) can help improve the microflora of the oral cavity and reduce the risk of caries and gingivitis.

• Herbal rinses for the oral cavity: Rinsers for the oral cavity containing herbs, such as sage, chamomile and calendula, can help reduce gum inflammation.

• Xilit: Xilit is a natural sweetener that is not metabolized by denture bacteria. Its use can help prevent caries.

• Evaluation: The effectiveness of these alternative methods requires further research. They can be used as an addition to the traditional methods of oral hygiene, but should not replace them.

XII. Modern technologies in dentistry: opportunities for the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases and gums

Modern dentistry offers a wide range of technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases and gums.

• Digital X -ray pictures: Digital X -ray pictures allow you to get a clearer image of teeth and jaws with a lower dose of irradiation.

• Computed tomography (CT): CT allows you to get a three -dimensional image of teeth and jaws, which helps to identify hidden problems, such as cysts and tumors.

• Laser dentistry: Lasers are used to treat various diseases of teeth and gums, such as caries, gingivitis and periodontitis.

• CAD/CAM Technologies: CAD/CAM technologies allow you to make dental crowns, tabs and other prostheses with high accuracy and speed.

• 3D printing in dentistry: 3D printing is used for the manufacture of surgical templates, dentures and other dental products.

XIII. The importance of preventive examinations and early diagnosis: preventing serious problems

Regular preventive examinations and early diagnostics play a key role in maintaining the health of teeth and gums.

• Identification of diseases in the early stages: Regular examinations allow you to identify caries, gingivitis and other diseases in the early stages, when treatment is more simple and effective.

• Prevention of the progression of diseases: Early detection and treatment of diseases of the oral cavity helps prevent their progression and the development of serious complications, such as teeth loss.

• Individual approach to prevention: The dentist can develop an individual preventive program, taking into account the characteristics of the health of the oral cavity of each patient.

• Saving funds: Early detection and treatment of diseases of the oral cavity allows you to save money on expensive treatment in the future.

XIV. Questions and answers about the health of teeth and gums: clarification of common misconceptions

• Do I need to brush your teeth after each meal? Yes, it is advisable to brush your teeth after each meal. If this is not possible, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

• Is it possible to use toothpaste without fluorine? Toothpaste with fluorine is more effective in the prevention of caries.

• Do you need to remove tartar? Yes, tartar must be removed, as it promotes inflammation of the gums and the development of periodontitis.

• Is it possible to bleach your teeth at home? Bleing tooth at home can be unsafe. Consult a dentist before using bleaching.

• What to do if the gums bleed? If the gums bleed, contact the dentist. This can be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis.

• What is dental implantation? Tooth implantation is a surgical procedure in which an artificial tooth root (implant) is installed in the jaw, on which the crown is then attached.

• How to choose a toothbrush? Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a comfortable handle.

• How often do you need to change the toothbrush? Change the toothbrush every three months or earlier if the bristles are worn out.

• Is it possible to use toothpicks? Toothpicks should be used with caution so as not to damage the gums. It is better to use a dental thread or interdental ruffs.

• How to get rid of unpleasant odor from your mouth? Carefully brush your teeth and tongue, use the tooth thread and rinse cavity for the oral cavity. If the unpleasant odor does not go away from the mouth, consult a dentist or doctor.

By consistently adhering to these principles of oral hygiene and preventative care, individuals can significantly improve their dental and periodontal health, ensuring a brighter, healthier smile for years to come.