Dental Health

Dental Health generally covers the topics of tooth decay, gum diseases, dry mouth, and oral cancer.

Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is a common, preventable problem for people of all ages. Tooth decay occurs when acid produced from plaque harms your teeth’s enamel, which causes holes in your teeth over time. These holes are called cavities, and once a cavity happens, a dentist has to fix it.

Gum Disease: Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along and under the gum line. This plaque causes infections that hurt the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. Sometimes gum disease makes your gums tender and more likely to bleed. This problem is known as gingivitis and often can often be fixed by daily brushing and flossing.

Dry Mouth: Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when you don’t have enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet. That can make it hard to eat, swallow, taste, and even speak. Dry mouth can also cause tooth decay and other infections of the mouth. Many common medicines can also cause dry mouth.

Oral Cancer: Cancer of the mouth can grow in any part of the mouth or throat. It is more likely to happen in people over age 40. A dental checkup is a good time for your dentist to look for signs of oral cancer. Pain is not usually an early symptom of the disease. Treatment works best before the disease spreads. Even if you have lost all your natural teeth, you should still see your dentist for regular oral cancer exams.

Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is typically caused by a build-up of bacteria and food that change into acids. These acids can cause holes in your teeth, which cause cavities. These bacteria and acids also cause a sticky substance called plaque to form and stick to your teeth. If plaque is left untreated, it can turn into a substance called tartar that can cause further damage to your teeth and gums.

Carbohydrates, sticky foods, and frequent snacking can all increase the risk of tooth decay.

Gum Disease: Gum diseases are typically caused by a sticky, colorless plaque that forms through a combination of bacteria, mucus, and other particles. Brushing and flossing your teeth can help get rid of plaque. However, if it is not removed, the plaque can harden and form tartar that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.

Dry Mouth: Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands that make saliva don't work properly. There are many over-the-counter and prescription medicines, as well as diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and Sjogren's syndrome, that can affect the salivary glands and cause dry mouth.  Other causes of dry mouth include certain cancer treatments and damage to the glands' nerve system. If you are unsure what is causing your dry mouth, contact your dentist or health care provider to set up an appointment.

Oral Cancer: Oral cancer typically involves the lips or the tongue but can also occur on the inner cheek lining, floor or roof of the mouth, and the gums. Smoking and tobacco use have also been linked to most cases of oral cancer.

Other risk factors of oral cancer can include human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, chronic irritation, taking medications that weaken the immune system, and poor dental hygiene.

See a dentist for a toothache, bleeding or swollen gums, loose teeth, or trouble chewing, and have a sore, white or red patch, or lump in the mouth that lasts more than two weeks checked promptly.