Toothspot - All About Teeth

Dental Terms to Impress Your Dentist Blood vessels - carry nutrients to the tooth. Bone - alveolar bone which forms the tooth socket and provides the tooth with support. Cemento-enamel junction - the line where the enamel and cementum meet. Cementum - thin layer of bone-like tissue covering the root of the tooth. Dentin - the hard yellow tissue underlying the enamel and cementum, making up the bulk of the tooth. Enamel - the hard, white outer layer of the tooth. Gingiva - the gums. Nerves - relay signals such as pain to and from your brain. Periodontal Ligament - the connective tissue which surrounds the tooth and connects it to bone. Pulp - located in the center of the tooth, it contains the blood vessels and nerves. Root canal - canal in the root of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels pass. Tooth Structure The portion of the tooth visible in the mouth is called the crown. The crown is covered with enamel which is a  hard, white, shi

The Jaws and Dental Arches The teeth are arranged in upper and lower arches. Those of the upper are called maxillary; those of the lower arch are called mandibular. The mandible is a horseshoe shaped bone which articulates with the skull by way of the temporomandibular joint, or the TMJ. Dentition Dentition is a term that describes all of the upper and lower teeth collectively. Clinically, there are three types of dentitions: The primary dentition consists of 20 teeth in all: ten upper and ten lower. Primary teeth are also called 'baby teeth, deciduous, or 'milk' teeth. Primary teeth begin to appear at about six months and are entirely replaced by permanent teeth by 12 to 13 years of age. The mixed dentition is the stage from ages 6 to 12  and is composed of both primary and permanent teeth. The permanent dentition is composed of 32 teeth in all, 16 upper and 16 lower. Types of dentition Homodont - Teeth that differ from each other only in size.

Plaque   Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria, salivary proteins, and food debris that forms on teeth every day. It is the main cause of cavities and gum disease. While it's still in a soft state, you can clean it off with a toothbrush and floss. However, once the plaque has calcified into calculus (commonly known as tartar), only your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to remove it. Plaque forms rapidly after cleaning regardless of your diet, however increased sugar has been shown to speed up the process. Plaque is actually composed of several species of bacteria. Different types of bacteria are associated with different dental conditions (decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, etc.) The types of bacteria most commonly found in plaque are Streptococcus mutans and  Streptococcus sanguis. It's been shown that there are over 160 different types of bacteria in gingivitis (Actinomyces, Fusobacterium, Streptococcus, etc.) Similar bacteria have been identified in peri

Anatomical Background of Cavities Your teeth break the food you eat into pieces that can be readily swallowed and digested. Teeth are alive. The pulp at the heart of each tooth contains blood vessels and nerves that sense heat, cold, pressure, and pain. A hard substance called dentin surrounds the pulp. On the crown (the part of the tooth above the gum), the dentin is covered by a layer of enamel. The root of the tooth lies below the gum and and is covered by a protective layer of a bone-like material called cementum. In health, the gums fit tightly around the teeth; the roots of the teeth fit into sockets in the jaw bone. A shock-absorbing material, periodontal ligament, lines the socket of each tooth and protecting the skull and jawbone from being jarred. Enamel is the hardest material in you body; however, acids produced through bacterial action can erode enamel and lead to decay, If left unchecked, decay will progress through the dentin and into the pulp resulting in pulpa

How To Brush   The following brushing technique is commonly recommended by dentists. Check with your dentist to make sure you're using the proper technique, since tooth position and gum condition vary. 1) Start off by getting a soft-bristled brush (synthetic bristles are preferable to natural because they harbor less bacteria).  Place the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the teeth (with the tips of the angled toward your gums). 2) Using light pressure, gently jiggle the bristles back and forth at the junction of the gums and teeth. The idea is to remove any plaque and bacteria hiding in the sulcus between your teeth and gums. Be sure to brush the outside, the tongue side and all the chewing surfaces of your teeth. 3) For the front teeth, brush the inside surfaces of the upper and lower jaws by tilting the brush vertically and using up and down strokes with the front part of the brush. Your toothbrush will only clean one or two teeth at a time. Make sure you're changing

How to Floss One of the major causes of tooth loss today is due to gum disease or periodontitis. Plaque and bacteria build up on and between the teeth; their presence serves as a constant irritation for the gums. Flossing helps to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth, areas inaccessible to a toothbrush. How To Floss: Wrap about 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of your hands.      Using your thumbs and forefingers gently pass the floss between your teeth. Never "snap" the floss; it can cut the gums. If done improperly, it can injure your gums.  When the floss reaches the gums, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel pressure against the tooth.  Gently scrape the side of the tooth with the floss while pulling the floss up through the contact (between the teeth).  Repeat this method on all your teeth.   Move to a clean area of floss after each tooth. 1

What’s A Dental Emergency? Injuries to the mouth may include teeth that are knocked-out (avulsed), forced out of position and loosened (extruded), or fractured. In addition, lips, gums or cheeks are often cut or traumatized. Oral injuries are often painful and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Teeth If a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown, so as avoid damaging any of the periodontal fibers on the root surface (these are what will help reattach it once it is reimplanted). The tooth may be placed back into the socket if possible,  stored in a zip-lock bag filled with milk, or (as long as you don't swallow it) it can be stored in your mouth - between your cheek and gums. Survival rates for knocked out (avulsed) teeth drop sharply after 30 minutes. So, try to make it to your dental office within the first 30 minutes. Many parents and teachers could and should manage to push the tooth back into the socket. It doesn’t matter

 Pregnancy Gingivitis   Most women show some degree of gingivitis during pregnancy. Pregnancy tends to exaggerate the body's normal response to dental plaque. Hormonal increases create a heightened immunological response to the bacteria in plaque, leading to an increased likelihood for pregnant women to develop gingivitis.  It is important to note, that it is the plaque (bacteria) not the increased levels of hormones that is the major cause of pregnancy gingivitis. A general swelling of the gums is usually noted in the second month of pregnancy and generally reaches its peak by the middle of the last trimester. The gums can remain swollen for up to 3-6 months after delivery. Pregnancy generally tends to make preexisting gum conditions worse. The advice provided here is intended to aid you in understanding some of the treatment options available. It is important to note that before beginning any course of treatment you should see your dentist.. I will be happy to update th

Pregnancy is a vulnerable time for your teeth and gums  With pregnancy comes a whole host of hormonal changes (increased levels of estrogen and  progesterone). These changes in hormones translate to an increase in the plaque that builds up on the teeth. Plaque that is not removed can cause gingivitis and swollen gums that are tender and prone to bleed. In most women, gingivitis begins to appear around the second trimester. It's important to note that without treatment, preexisting gum conditions generally worsen through the course of pregnancy. Tips For Pregnant Moms: Before you get pregnant - It’s a good idea to have a dental examination prior to getting pregnant so that any potential problems can be handled well in advance without complication. Check - Ups - Visit your dentist for a checkup in your first and second trimesters to control plaque and maintain good oral health.  It's always a good idea to complete any dental treatment prior to pregnancy. All elective

Pediatric Dental Questions How Do I Find A Good Dentist For My Child? Usually, word-of-mouth recommendation from a friend or family member are the way to go. If your dentist doesn't treat children, you might ask for a referral in your area. When Should My Child First See A Dentist? The ideal time for your child to meet the dentist is six months after their first (primary) teeth erupt. This gives your dentist a perfect opportunity to carefully examine the development of your their mouth and catch problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, and prolonged thumb-sucking early. What Will Happen On The First Visit? Most first visits are nothing more than a ride in the dental chair. Basically, they serve as introductory icebreakers to acquaint your child with the dentist and the office. The entire dental team should provide a relaxed, non- threatening environment. Multiple short visits are often used for difficult children and meant to build the child'

How to Encourage Your Kids to Brush Although tooth decay is not quite as common as it once was, it is still one of the most common diseases among children. While fluoridated drinking water and fluoride containing toothpastes have helped to improve the oral health of both children and adults, regular brushing is still very important to maintaining good oral health. The key to establishing good brushing habits is starting early. The American Dental Association suggests that you begin cleaning your child's mouth the first few days after birth. Starting early gets your child accustomed to having a clean, plaque-free mouth. It also makes it alot easier to brush their teeth later once they've become accustomed to you fiddling in their mouth. They're also more likely to maintain their oral health once they're used to the feeling of  a clean, plaque-free mouth. After each meal, take a wet washcloth and gently wipe your baby's gums. This will removes any plaque that

What foods Are Best For Your Teeth When you serve the occasional sweets, try to combine them with meals. Increased salivary flow during meals aids in neutralizing the damaging effects of sugar. When combined with starches such as toast and cereal, milk will actually neutralize tooth-damaging acid. Avoid soft, sticky sweets which remain on and between tooth surfaces (ie. toffee). Sticky foods that are retained in the mouth longer give bacteria additional time to dine; as a result, they produce more cavity-forming acid. If you can't brush after every snack and/or meal, at least try to rise for a few seconds with water. The key is to cut down on the acidity of the mouth. Avoid giving your child foods rich in sugar that stay in the mouth and prolong the acid attack (ie. hard candy, lollipops, gum). Instead, try offering snacks which are low in sugar. By offering your child a variety of foods such as grains, milk and milk products, meat, vegetables, and fruits you can often a

What Are Sealants? Over 80% of all childhood cavities occur on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Bacteria settle here and use food particles to create cavity-causing acid. Sealants are thin coatings of resin applied to the chewing surfaces of these back teeth. They act as a physical barrier to prevent bacteria and food from collecting in the grooves and fissures. Sealants are usually applied to the permanent first molars which erupt around the age of 6 and second molars, erupting around the age of 12. It's important to have the sealants applied as soon as these teeth erupt.  Even if the sealant is lost, the material which has penetrated the enamel continues to provide protection. They're easily replaced if lost and are nearly 100% effective in preventing decay. Foods that stay in the mouth for long periods of time, such as sucking on lollipops or sipping juice, give the bacteria (plaque) present in the mouth more time to produce acid that causes tooth decay.  Dent

Pacifiers and Teeth If you notice that your child is beginning to suck their thumb or fingers during their first 3 months, you can introduce them to a pacifier. However, it’s important to buy a pacifier with a nipple made of rubber to avoid any trauma to the gums. Don’t allow them to use the pacifier around the clock; allow them to use it only when necessary.  It’s a good idea to check the pacifier daily for signs of wear. Like everything else, they don’t last forever. Your child could potentially choke on a piece of ripped pacifier. Also, it’s a bad idea to hang the pacifier around your child’s neck with a string. They could easily become entangled and choked. Choosing a Pacifier  Only purchase pacifiers which come as a single molded piece. Avoid using pacifiers assembled from multiple parts; should pieces become loose, there’s a risk of choking.   You should choose a pacifier which resembles the natural nipple as closely as possible. In rare cases, pacifier use can

How to Avoid Cavities in Your Kid's Teeth Children 6 to 8 Months Avoid using the bottle as a means of comfort. Also, avoid prolonged periods with the bottle in their mouth. The longer the teeth are in contact with sweet or acidic foods or drink, the greater the likelihood of decay.  Ideally, water should be given for thirst. Always consider the acidity and sweetness of anything you place inside your child's bottle. Cleaning Teeth - As soon as their first tooth erupts, start cleaning their teeth everyday. Teething - Stay away from using lemon juice on the gums once your teeth begin to emerge. The high acidity will lead to demineralization of the erupting teeth and put your child at an early disadvantage for decay.  For more info., see my blog on teething.  Pacifiers - Don't dip them in any food stuffs (ie. honey) or liquids.  Their first cup - Consider introducing the cup between the ages of 6 to 8 months. Children 18 to 21 Months Ideally, water should