Dental Problems.

Abscessed Tooth
Bad Breath
Bulimia Nervosa
Cavities and Tooth Decay
Diabetes
Sensitive Teeth
Plaque
Root Canal

Abscessed Tooth

In general, a tooth that has become abscessed is one whose underlying pulp (the tooth's soft core) has become infected or swollen. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue and lies within the tooth and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws.

In most cases, this may require a root canal treatment. A root canal treatment gives dentists a safe way of saving your teeth.

An abscessed or infected tooth is often the result of tooth decay. When the pulp becomes diseased or injured and can not repair itself, it dies, exposing your teeth and mouth to even more serious problems down the road.

Root canal treatment is usually accomplished in one to three visits. During treatment, the dentist removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed.

Bad Breath

An estimated sixty-five percent of Americans have bad breath. Over forty-million Americans have "chronic halitosis," which is persistent bad breath. Ninety percent of all halitosis is of oral, not systemic, origin.

Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on over the counter halitosis products, many of which are ineffective because they only mask the problem.

Bad breath is caused by a variety of factors. In most cases, it is caused by food remaining in the mouth - on the teeth, tongue, gums, and other structures, collecting bacteria. Dead and dying bacterial cells release a sulfur compound that gives your breath an unpleasant odor. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is exhaled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash only mask the odor. Dieters sometimes develop unpleasant breath from fasting.

Bad breath may also be caused by medications you are taking, including central nervous system agents, anti-Parkinson drugs, antihistamines/decongestants, anti-psychotics, anti-cholinergics, narcotics, anti-hypertensives, and anti-depressants.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating and psychiatric compulsive disorder that can lead to serious problems with your teeth if left untreated.

It is characterized by periods of normal eating followed by dieting or severe restrictions of food intake, often ending in binge-eating. Binge-eating episodes must occur at least twice a week for 3 months to be diagnosed as bulimia nervosa. Weight gain is controlled by self-induced vomiting, strict fasting, vigorous exercise and abuse of laxatives or diuretics.

If you or someone you know has bulimia nervosa, avoid brushing your teeth after vomiting, and rinse with water instead. Use a basic rinse, such as baking soda and water; immediately after vomiting to neutralize the acid. Remove plaque by brushing and flossing properly. Chew sugarless gum to increase salivary flow or use an artificial saliva. Use fluoride either in toothpastes, rinses or gels to reduce sensitivity of teeth and build resistance to decay from acid.

Cavities and Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is another name for the disease known as "caries," or cavities. A cavity is the result of your tooth enamel, dentin, cementum or pupal tissue being destroyed over long-term exposure to harmful bacteria and other germs.

Cavities, while not life threatening and highly preventable, affect most people to some degree during their lifetime. Tooth decay is caused by your teeth being frequently exposed to foods rich in carbohydrates (starches and sugars) like soda pop, candy, ice cream, milk, and cakes. Ironically, even fruits, vegetables, and juices can lead to tooth decay.

When these foods break down in your mouth, they release natural bacteria, which eventually turns into a colorless film on your teeth and gums called plaque. The plaque interacts with deposits left on your teeth from sugary and starchy foods to produce acids. These acids break down tooth enamel over time by dissolving, or demineralizing the mineral structure of your teeth. This leads to tooth decay and weakening of the teeth.

Common symptoms of a possible cavity may include:
• A painful toothache
• Higher sensitivity in your teeth to hot or cold temperatures, liquids, or food
• The presence of decay such as white spots
• Tooth discolorations

Diabetes

Many diabetics experience diminished salivary flow and burning mouth or tongue, often leading to a condition called dry mouth. Diabetics also seem to have more receding gums, because in moderate- and poorly-controlled diabetic patients, plaque responds differently, creating more harmful proteins in the gums.

Dentists may prescribe antibiotics, medicated mouth rinses, and more frequent cleanings to prevent problems with bacterial infections in the diabetic's mouth. Diabetics who receive good dental care and have good insulin control typically have a better chance at avoiding gum disease. Diet and exercise may be the most important changes that diabetics can make to improve their quality of life and their oral health. Diabetic patients should be sure both their medical and dental care providers are aware of their medical history and periodontal status.

Diabetic patients should be aware of their blood sugar levels in addition to having their triglycerides and cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis, in order to keep their teeth and gums strong. Diabetics are urged to make morning dental appointments because blood glucose levels tend to be under better control at this time of day.

Sensitive Teeth

If you wince with pain after sipping a hot cup of coffee or chewing a piece of ice, chances are that you may suffer from "dentin hypersensitivity," or more commonly known as sensitive teeth.

Hot and cold temperature changes cause your teeth to expand and contract. Over time, your teeth can develop microscopic cracks that allow these sensations to seep through to the nerves. Exposed areas of the tooth can cause pain and even affect or change your eating, drinking, and breathing habits.

Sensitive teeth result when the underlying layer of your teeth (the dentin) becomes exposed. This can happen on the chewing surface of the tooth as well as at the gum line. In some cases, sensitive teeth are the result of gum disease, years of unconsciously clenching or grinding your teeth, or improper or too vigorous brushing.

Plaque

Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums after eating foods that produce acids. These foods may include carbohydrates (starches and sugars), such as candy and cookies, and starchy foods such as bread, crackers, and cereal.

Tooth decay leads to cavities and occurs when plaque remains on your teeth for an extended period of time, allowing the bacteria to "eat away" at the surfaces of your teeth and gums. Ironically, the areas surrounding restored portions of teeth (where fillings or amalgams have been placed) are particularly vulnerable to decay and are a breeding ground for bacteria.

Long-term, plaque can lead to serious problems. Sometimes, the bacteria can form pockets of disease around tooth structures, eventually destroying the bone beneath the tooth.

Root Canal

Before root canal therapy came into practice, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you'd probably lose that tooth.

Deep beneath each tooth's outer shell is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth's nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has between one and four root canals.

When the pulp becomes infected, usually from a deep cavity or fracture that allows bacteria to creep in, or injury due to trauma, it can die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow and cellular activity, and pressure cannot be relieved from inside the tooth. Pain in the tooth is commonly felt when biting down, chewing on it and applying hot or cold foods and drinks.

Root canal therapy is performed in order to save the damaged or dead pulp in the root canal of the tooth. The procedure involves cleaning out the diseased pulp and reshaping the canal. The canal is filled with a rubber-like material to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed with either a post or gold or porcelain crown. This enables you to keep most of your original tooth.

In most cases, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits.