Tooth health: prevention and care

Tooth health: prevention and care

1. Anatomy and physiology of teeth

Teeth are complex organs that perform important functions in the process of digestion, speech and maintaining the aesthetics of the face. Understanding their structure and physiology is crucial for effective prevention and care.

1.1. Tooth structure:

• Crown: The visible part of the tooth protruding above the gum. Covered by enamel – the hardest tissue in the body.
• Neck: The area between the crown and the root located at the gum level.
• Root: Part of the tooth located in the bone alveolus of the jaw. The number of roots varies depending on the type of tooth.
• Enamel: The hardest and most mineralized tooth tissue. It consists of 96-98% of minerals (mainly hydroxyapatitis), which ensures its strength and resistance to mechanical and chemical influences. However, enamel does not contain living cells and is not capable of self -healing.
• Dentine: The main tooth tissue located under the enamel (in the crown) and cement (in the root). Dentin is less mineralized than the enamel and contains dentin tubules, in which there are processes of odontoblasts – cells that form dentin. Dentine has some elasticity, which allows it to amortize the chewing load.
• Cement: A solid fabric covering the root of the tooth. It looks like a bone and ensures the attachment of the tooth to the periodontal bunch.
• Pulp: Soft fabric filling the tooth cavity. Pulpa contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. It provides tooth nutrition and is responsible for sensitivity to temperature, pressure and pain.
• Periodonte: A complex of fabrics surrounding the tooth and holding it in the alveoli of the jaw. The periodontal includes gums, a periodontal ligament, cement of the tooth root and alveolar bone. The periodontal ligament consists of collagen fibers that connect the cement of the tooth root to the alveolar bone. It provides shock absorption of chewing load and allows the tooth to shift slightly in the alveoli.

1.2. Types of teeth and their functions:

• Cutters: 8 teeth (4 upper and 4 lower) in the front of the mouth. Designed for biting food. They have a flat shape and a sharp cutting edge.
• Fangs: 4 teeth (2 upper and 2 lower), located on the sides of the incisors. Used to break food. They have a conical shape and a long root.
• Premolar: 8 teeth (4 upper and 4 lower), located behind fangs. Designed for chewing and grinding food. They have two tubercles on the chewing surface.
• Molyar: 12 teeth (6 upper and 6 lower) located in the rear of the mouth. The largest teeth designed for chewing and grinding food. They have several tubercles on the chewing surface. The last molars (wisdom teeth) often erupt at a later age (17-25 years) or may not be cut out at all.

1.3. Teething:

• Milk teeth: Children usually have 20 milk teeth, which begin to erupt at about 6 months and end by 2-3 years. The teething scheme of the milk teeth is individual, but a certain sequence is usually observed.
• Constant teeth: The teething of permanent teeth begins at about 6 years and ends by 12-13 years (with the exception of wisdom tooths). In total, an adult has 32 permanent tooth. The teething of permanent teeth occurs by resorption of the roots of the milk teeth, after which the milk teeth fall out, making room for permanent.

1.4. Physiology of teeth:

• Chewing: The main function of the tooth is the machining of food. The teeth are crushed by food on small particles, which facilitates its digestion in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Speech: Teeth play an important role in the formation of speech sounds. They participate in the pronunciation of many consonants (for example, “t”, “d”, “C”, “Z”, “F”, “B”).
• Aesthetics: Teeth are an important part of a person’s appearance. Healthy and beautiful teeth increase self -confidence and improve the quality of life.
• Maintaining a bite: The teeth support the correct ratio between the upper and lower jaws (bite). Incorrect bite can lead to various problems, such as impaired chewing, speech, temporal-nomaduated joint and aesthetics of the face.
• Soft tissue protection: Teeth protect the gums and mucous membrane of the oral cavity from damage during chewing.

2. The main diseases of the teeth and oral cavity

Understanding the common diseases of the teeth and oral cavity is the first step to effective prevention.

2.1. Caries:

• Definition: Caries is a progressive destruction of the hard tissues of the tooth (enamel and dentin) under the influence of organic acids formed as a result of the vital activity of bacteria of denture.
• Reasons: The main causes of caries are:
  • Bacteria: The key role in the development of caries is played by Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus bacteria. They form a dentition in which carbohydrates contained in food are processed into organic acids.
  • Carbohydrates: Eating a large amount of carbohydrates (especially sugars) contributes to the growth and reproduction of carial bacteria.
  • Reduced enamel resistance: The disadvantage of fluorine, genetic predisposition, diseases affecting the mineralization of tooths, can reduce the resistance of enamel to the effects of acids.
  • Poor oral hygiene: Insufficient removal of dentition creates favorable conditions for the development of caries.
• Stages of caries:
  • Stage of stains: A petty or pigmented spot appears on the enamel, indicating demineralization. At this stage, caries we turn when using fluorine -containing drugs and careful hygiene of the oral cavity.
  • Superficial caries: The destruction of enamel, the formation of a small defect. It can cause sensitivity to sweet, sour or cold.
  • Medium caries: The destruction of enamel and dentin. More pronounced tooth sensitivity.
  • Deep caries: Significant destruction of dentin, close to pulp. Strong pain when exposed to stimuli.
• Diagnosis: Visual inspection, sounding, radiography.
• Treatment: Removal of affected tissues and tooth sealing. In some cases, depulpation (removal of the pulp) and filling of root canals may be required.
• Prevention: Careful hygiene of the oral cavity, limitation of sugar consumption, regular examinations of a dentist, tooth fluoridation.

2.2. Pulpation:

• Definition: Inflammation of the pulp to the tooth.
• Reasons: The main cause of pulpitis is the penetration of bacteria from the carious cavity into pulp. Other reasons: tooth injury, thermal or chemical stimuli.
• Symptoms: Acute, pulsating pain, intensifying at night. Pain can radiate to the ear, temple, jaw. The sensitivity of the tooth to temperature.
• Treatment: Depulpation (removal of pulp) and filling of root canals. In some cases, tooth extraction may be required.
• Prevention: Timely treatment of caries, prevention of teeth injuries.

2.3. Periodontitis:

• Definition: Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth (periodontal).
• Reasons: The penetration of infection from the root channels of the tooth in periodontal, tooth injury, chronic gum inflammation.
• Symptoms: Pain when biting on the tooth, swelling of the gums, mobility of the tooth, the formation of a fistula.
• Treatment: Treatment of root canals, antibiotic therapy, surgery (in severe cases).
• Prevention: Timely treatment of caries and pulpitis, proper hygiene of the oral cavity.

2.4. Gingivitis:

• Definition: Inflammation right.
• Reasons: Tenth and tooth stone, poor oral hygiene, hormonal changes (for example, during pregnancy), some diseases (for example, diabetes).
• Symptoms: Bleeding gums, redness and swelling of the gums, unpleasant odor from the mouth.
• Treatment: Professional oral hygiene (removal of plaque and tooth stone), antiseptic rinses, improvement of oral hygiene.
• Prevention: Proper oral hygiene, regular examinations at the dentist.

2.5. Periodontitis:

• Definition: The inflammatory disease of the periodontal tissue, leading to the destruction of bone tissue surrounding the tooth.
• Reasons: Gingivitis progression, genetic predisposition, smoking, diabetes.
• Symptoms: The bleeding of the gums, redness and swelling of the gums, the formation of dentist pockets, mobility of the teeth, the recession of the gums (exposure of the roots of the teeth), unpleasant odor from the mouth, and teeth loss.
• Treatment: Professional oral hygiene (removal of plaque and tooth stone, curettage of dentistry pockets), antibiotic therapy, surgical intervention (patchwork surgery, bone plastic), teeth shining (for stabilizing mobile teeth).
• Prevention: Proper oral hygiene, regular examinations of the dentist, tidies of smoking, control of blood sugar (with diabetes).

2.6. Tooth plaque and tartar:

• Tooth plaque: A soft, sticky film consisting of bacteria, saliva and food residues, which is constantly formed on the surface of the teeth.
• Tartar: A mineralized plaque, which is tightly attached to the surface of the teeth.
• Reasons: Poor hygiene of the oral cavity.
• Influence: Tooth coat and tooth stone are the main causes of gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Removing: The tooth plaque is removed using a toothbrush and a tooth thread. Tartar is removed only professionally in the dentist’s office.
• Prevention: Thorough oral hygiene, regular examinations at the dentist.

2.7. Diseases of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity:

• Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. It can be caused by various causes: infection, allergies, injury, autoimmune diseases.
• Herpetic stomatitis: Caused by the herpes virus. It is characterized by the appearance of painful bubbles on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity.
• Aftose stomatitis: It is characterized by the appearance of painful ulcers (AFT) on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. The cause of aphthous stomatitis is unknown.
• Candidiasis (thrush): Caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It is characterized by the appearance of white plaque on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity.
• Lecoplakia: It is a white spot or plaque on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. It can be caused by various reasons, including smoking, drinking alcohol, injury. Leukoplakia can be a precancer.
• Eritroplakia: It is a red spot or plaque on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Erythroplakia is more often than leukoplakia, passes into a malignant tumor.
• Treatment: Depends on the cause of the disease. It may include antiseptics, antifungal drugs, antiviral drugs, corticosteroids, surgery.

2.8. Anomalies of tooth development:

• Adentia: The absence of one or more teeth.
• Superfigurate teeth: The presence of more teeth than usual.
• Dystopia: The improper location of the tooth.
• McRrodentia: Increased teeth.
• Microdece: Treats of reduced size.
• Amelogenesis imperfect: Violation of the formation of enamel.
• Dentinogenesis imperfect: Violation of the formation of dentin.
• Fluesture: The defeat of the enamel of the teeth caused by the excessive content of fluorine in drinking water.
• Treatment: Orthodontic treatment (braces), prosthetics, surgery.

2.9. Teeth injuries:

• Fracture of the tooth crowns: Partial or full fragment of the tooth crown.
• Tooth dislocation: Alveola tooth displacement.
• Tooth bruis: Tooth injury without visible damage.
• Fracture of tooth root: Fracture of the tooth root.
• Treatment: Tooth restoration, endodontic treatment, tooth replantation (with dislocation), tooth extraction (in severe cases).

2.10. RAC of the oral cavity:

• Definition: A malignant tumor developing in the oral cavity.
• Reasons: Smoking, alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Symptoms: An ulcer that does not heal for several weeks, seal or tumor in the oral cavity, difficulty swallowing or speech, pain.
• Diagnosis: Biopsy.
• Treatment: Surgical intervention, radiation therapy, chemotherapy.
• Prevention: Refusal of smoking and drinking alcohol, vaccination against HPV, regular examinations at the dentist.

3. Proper oral hygiene

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

3.1. Choosing a toothbrush:

• Type of bristles: It is recommended to use toothbrushes with soft or medium stiffness with bristles so as not to damage the enamel of teeth and gums.
• Form of the head: Choose a toothbrush with a small head so that it can easily reach all sections of the oral cavity, including hard -to -reach places.
• Bristle material: Synthetic bristles are preferable, since it is less susceptible to the reproduction of bacteria than natural bristles.
• Electric toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes can be more effective in removing denture, especially for people with disabilities or those who have difficulty with a manual toothbrush. Choose an electric toothbrush with soft bristles and a pressure control function.

3.2. Choosing toothpaste:

• Fluorine: Forts -containing toothpastes help strengthen the enamel of the teeth and prevent caries. The recommended concentration of fluorine in adult toothpaste is 1000-1500 PPM. For children, it is necessary to use toothpaste with a lower fluorine concentration (500 PPM).
• Abrasiveness: Choose a toothpaste with low abrasiveness so as not to damage the enamel of the teeth. RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) – an indicator of abrasiveness of toothpaste. Toothpasts with RDA below 70 are considered low -amatery.
• Other components: Some toothpastes contain additional components such as antibacterial substances (for example, triclosan, chlorhexidine), substances that reduce the sensitivity of the teeth (for example, potassium nitrate, strontium chloride), whitening components (for example, carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide).

3.3. Teeth brushing technique:

• Frequency: Bright your teeth twice a day – in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before bedtime.
• Duration: Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes.
• Method: There are several techniques for brushing tooths, but the most common is the bass technique. With the bass methodology, the toothbrush is located at an angle of 45 degrees to the surface of the tooth, the bristles should partially be on the gum. Perform short vibrating movements by moving the toothbrush from the gum to the cutting edge of the tooth. Carefully cleanse all the surfaces of the teeth – external, internal and chewing.
• Do not forget about the language: A large amount of bacteria accumulates in the tongue, so do not forget to clean the tongue using a special scraper or toothbrush.

3.4. Using tooth thread (floss):

• Target: The dental thread is used to remove the denture and food residues from the interdental spaces, where the toothbrush cannot get.
• Technique: Cut about 45 cm of the tooth thread. Wrap the ends of the thread around the middle fingers of both hands. Gently enter the thread in the interdental gap, trying not to damage the gum. Perform up and down movements, pressing the thread to the surface of the tooth. Repeat the procedure for each interdental interval using a clean section of the thread.
• Frequency: Use the tooth thread once a day, preferably in the evening before brushing your teeth.

3.5. The use of interdental ruffs:

• Target: Inte d “eg-throatians are used to clean the interdental spaces, especially if they are expanded due to periodontal diseases.
• Choosing size: Choose a suitable size ruff, which passes freely in the interdental gap.
• Technique: Gently enter the ruffs in the interdental gap and perform several moves back and forth.
• Frequency: Use interdental ruffs once a day.

3.6. Using rinses for the oral cavity:

• Types of rinses:
  • Poftor -containing rinsers: They help strengthen the enamel of the teeth and prevent caries.
  • Antiseptic rinses: They contain antibacterial substances (for example, chlorhexidine, cilestylpyridinium chloride), which help reduce the amount of bacteria in the oral cavity and prevent gingivitis.
  • Cosmetic rinses: Refreshing breathing and do not have a therapeutic effect.
• Usage: Rinse your mouth with a rinseum for 30 seconds after brushing your teeth. Do not swallow the rinser.
• Do not abuse: Antiseptic rinses are not recommended for a long time, as they can disrupt the balance of the microflora of the oral cavity.

3.7. ORIRITER of the oral cavity:

• Target: The irrigator of the oral cavity is a device that supplies a stream of water under pressure to remove the plaque and food residues from hard -to -reach places, such as interdental spaces and dentisting pockets.
• Usage: Direct the stream of water to the gums and interdental spaces. Add water pressure in accordance with your sensations.
• Advantages: The irrigator of the oral cavity can be useful for people with braces, implants, periodontal diseases.

3.8. Professional oral hygiene:

• What is it: Professional oral hygiene is a set of procedures performed by a dentist or hygienist aimed at removing denture and tooth stone.
• Procedures:
  • Removing tartar with ultrasound: The ultrasonic skeler is used to remove tartar over and under the gum.
  • Air Flow: Using the Air Flow apparatus, a stream of water, air and abrasive powder is supplied to the teeth, which effectively removes the toe and pigmentation.
  • Politing tooths: After removing the tooth and tooth stone, the teeth are polished using a special pasta and brushes.
  • Frighting of teeth: A fluorine -containing varnish or gel is applied to the teeth, which helps strengthen enamel and prevent caries.
• Frequency: It is recommended to undergo professional oral hygiene once or twice a year, depending on the individual characteristics and condition of the oral cavity.

4. Proper nutrition for teeth health

What we eat has a direct effect on the health of our teeth.

4.1. Sugar effect:

• Cariesogenicity: Sugar is the main source of energy for cariesogenic bacteria, which process it into organic acids that destroy the enamel of the teeth.
• Frequency of use: Not only the amount of sugar is important, but also the frequency of its use. The more often you consume sweet foods, the more often your teeth are exposed to acids.
• Sugar type: Not all sugar is equally harmful to the teeth. Refined sugar (sucrose) is the most carial. Fruitosis contained in fruits is less harmful, but can still contribute to the development of caries.
• Hidden sugar products: Sugar is contained not only in sweets and drinks, but also in many other products, such as bread, sauces, yogurts, ready breakfasts. Read the labels of products to control sugar consumption.

4.2. Products useful for teeth:

• Calcium products: Calcium is the main building material for teeth and bones. Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), green leafy vegetables (cabbage, spinach), tofu, calcium products.
• Products rich in phosphorus: Phosphorus is also necessary for the health of teeth and bones. Fish, meat, eggs, nuts, seeds.
• Products rich in vitamin D: Vitamin D helps the absorption of calcium. Fish oil, eggs enriched with vitamin D products. Vitamin D is also produced in the skin under the influence of sunlight.
• Products rich in vitamin C: Vitamin C is necessary for the health of the gums. Citrus fruits, berries, pepper, broccoli.
• Products rich in vitamin A: Vitamin A is necessary to maintain the health of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach.
• Fiber: Products rich in fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grain products) stimulate salivation, which helps neutralize acids and cleanse the teeth.
• Green tea: Green tea contains polyphenols that have antibacterial properties and can help prevent caries and gum disease.
• Water: Water helps to wash off the remains of food and bacteria from the oral cavity. Drink enough water during the day, especially after eating.

4.3. Recommendations for dental health:

• Limit sugar consumption: Avoid the use of sweet drinks, sweets, cookies and other products containing a lot of sugar. If you still eat sweets, do this during the main meals, and not between them.
• Eat more products that are useful for teeth: Include products rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, C and D. in your diet.
• Drink enough water: Drink water during the day, especially after eating.
• Avoid acidic products and drinks: Sour products and drinks (citrus fruits, juices, carbonated drinks) can corrode tooth enamel. If you eat acidic products, rinse your mouth with water after eating.
• Chew chewing gum without sugar: Chewing gum without sugar stimulates salivation, which helps neutralize acids and cleanse the teeth. Choose a chewing gum containing xylitol, which has an anticariya effect.

5. Frighting of teeth

Phthor plays a key role in strengthening enamel and protection against caries.

5.1. Fluorine mechanism:

• Emali strengthening: The fluorine is integrated into the structure of enamel, forming fluoridate, which is more resistant to acids than hydroxyapatitis (the main enamel mineral).
• Remineralization: Phthor promotes enamel remineralization, that is, the restoration of the mineral composition of damaged areas.
• Antibacterial effect: Phthor suppresses the growth and reproduction of cariesogenic bacteria.

5.2. Flecting methods:

• Flectoral water: Water fluoridation is the addition of fluorine to drinking water to prevent caries. Plane water is considered one of the most effective and economically advantageous methods for the prevention of caries.
• Fit -containing toothpaste: Regular use of fluorine -containing toothpaste helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth and prevent caries. The recommended concentration of fluorine in adult toothpaste is 1000-1500 PPM. For children, it is necessary to use toothpaste with a lower fluorine concentration (500 PPM).
• Poftor -containing rinsers: Forts -containing rinses can be useful for people with a high risk of caries.
• Professional fluoridation: Professional fluoridation is the application of fluorine -containing varnish or gel to the teeth in the dentist’s office. Professional fluoride is usually carried out twice a year.
• Fit -containing tablets and drops: Forts -containing tablets and drops can be prescribed to children with a high risk of decay development living in areas where there is no fluorine water.

5.3. Fluoride safety:

• Fluesture: Excessive fluorine intake during the formation of teeth can lead to fluorosis – the damage to enamel, characterized by the appearance of white spots or strips on the teeth. Fluorosis is most often found in children living in areas with a high fluoride content in drinking water.
• Toxicity: Poftor in large doses can be toxic. However, cases of fluorine poisoning are extremely rare.
• Recommendations: To prevent fluorosis and other side effects of fluorine, the following recommendations must be followed:
  • Use toothpaste with the correct fluorine concentration.
  • Do not swallow toothpaste.
  • Do not use fluorine supporters and tablets without a doctor’s prescription.
  • Control the consumption of fluorine by children.

6. Regular examinations at the dentist

Regular visits to the dentist is the key to timely detect and treatment of dental diseases and gums.

6.1. Examination frequency:

• General recommendations: It is recommended to visit the dentist at least once a year, and better – twice a year.
• Individual factors: The frequency of examinations can vary depending on individual factors, such as the condition of teeth and gums, the presence of periodontal diseases, a high risk of caries. The dentist can recommend more frequent examinations if you have any problems with teeth or gums.

6.2. What includes an examination by the dentist:

• A history of anamnesis: The dentist will ask you questions about your medical history, drugs taken, complaints about teeth and gums.
• Office of the oral cavity: The dentist will examine your teeth, gums, mucous membrane of the oral cavity, tongue and throat. He will check the presence of caries, seals, tooth and tooth stone, inflammation of the gums, ulcers, tumors and other anomalies.
• Radiography: A dentist can prescribe teeth radiography to identify hidden problems, such as caries between teeth, diseases of the roots of teeth, cysts and tumors.
• Assessment of periodontal status: The dentist will check the depth of dentist pockets, bleeding gums and mobility of the teeth to assess the state of periodontal.
• Diagnosis: Based on the inspection and results of radiography, the dentist will diagnose and draw up a treatment plan.
• Recommendations: The dentist will give you recommendations for caring for teeth and gums, nutrition and lifestyle.

6.3. Advantages of regular inspections:

• Timely detection of caries: Regular examinations allow you to identify caries in the early stages when it can be cured by less invasive methods.
• Prevention of periodontal diseases: Regular examinations allow you to identify gingivitis and periodontitis in the early stages and prevent their progression.
• Identification of other diseases of the oral cavity: Regular examinations allow you to identify other diseases of the oral cavity, such as cancer of the oral cavity, in the early stages, when treatment is most effective.
• Individual recommendations: The dentist can give you individual recommendations for career care and gums, taking into account your features and needs.
• Maintaining the health of teeth and gums: Regular examinations help maintain the health of teeth and gums throughout life.

7. Dental procedures: review

Modern dentistry offers a wide range of procedures