At Maplewood Dental Associates, your oral health is our top priority. Our dentistry offers comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages in the St. Paul, MN, area with an extensive list of available treatments. Continue reading to learn more about everyday aspects of dental health and how to prevent some of these common issues.
In recent years, bacterial inflammation involved in gum disease has been linked to chronic health problems such as stroke, coronary artery disease, and premature, low-birth-weight babies. Our dentists and hygienists take great care to identify and treat gum disease early to keep you and your mouth healthy.
Caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. While caries might not endanger your life, they may negatively impact your quality of life. When your teeth and gums are constantly exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks, and even fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that typically survive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, resulting in tooth decay.
Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede, or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the tooth’s interior and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.
Gum, or periodontal disease, can cause inflammation, tooth loss, and bone damage. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of the disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by your dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing. One indicator of gum disease is consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
Periodontal means “the tissue around the teeth.” Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the treatment and surgery of this area, often characterized by gum disease. Plaque is the most common element causing gum disease.
Unfortunately, periodontal-related problems are often discovered after they have persisted for an extended period. Proper oral hygiene, daily dental care, and regular dental checkups will minimize the risk of gum disease. Gum disease ranges from mild (gingivitis) to moderate (periodontitis) to severe (periodontitis). Treatments are available for every case of gum disease. Common problems associated with gum disease:
However, you can avoid problems associated with gum disease through proper preventive dental care and oral hygiene.
Daily brushing and flossing help prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque, and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem.
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, canker sores can be reduced using antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.
A bite that does not meet adequately (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth, or a misaligned jaw. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period, can also cause malocclusions. Malocclusions can typically be corrected through orthodontic treatment such as braces or surgery.
Innumerable studies have concluded the importance of starting children early in their lives with good dental hygiene and oral care. According to research, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in America, affecting 50 percent of first-graders and 80 percent of 17-year-olds. Early treatment prevents problems affecting a child’s health, well-being, self-image, and overall achievement.
The National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research estimates that children will miss 52 million hours of school each year due to oral health problems and about 12.5 million days of restricted activity every year due to dental symptoms. Because dental symptoms significantly affect academic performance, the Surgeon General has made children’s oral health a priority.
Parents are responsible for ensuring their children practice good dental hygiene. Parents must introduce proper oral care as early as infancy in a child’s life. The American Dental Hygiene Association states that a good oral hygiene routine for children includes:
General and cosmetic dentistry can effectively address many of the above-listed dental problems. If you’ve been looking for a dentist you can trust in the St. Paul, MN, area, the team at Maplewood Dental Associates is here to help. Our dentistry offers various treatment options to provide quality care for every member of your family. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your visit, or fill out our online appointment request form. We hope to hear from you soon!
