Things to affect the Teeth : Tooth Decay
Teeth are covered in a hard, outer coating called enamel. Everyday, a thin film of bacteria called dental plaque builds up on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that can harm enamel and cause cavities. Brushing and flossing your teeth can prevent decay, but once a cavity forms, to avoid further damage, a dentist must fix it with a filling. Use fluoride tooth paste to protect your teeth from decay. If you are at higher risk for tooth decay for e.g., if you have a dry mouth because of condition you have or medicine you take, you might need more fluoride. Your dentist or dental hygienist may give you a fluoride treatment during an office visit or may tell you to use a fluoride gel or mouth rinse at home.
Things that can affect the Teeth : Gum Disease
Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along and under your gum line. Plaque causes an infection that hurts the gum and bone that hold teeth In place. A mild form of gum disease may make your gums red, tender, and more likely to bleed. This problem, called gingivitis, can often be fixed by brushing and flossing everyday. A more severe form of gum disease must be treated by a dentist. If not treated, this infection can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems and even tooth loss.
Things that can affect the Teeth: Dentures
Sometimes, false teeth are needed to replace badly damaged teeth or teeth lost because of gum disease. Partial dentures may be used to fill in one ore more missing teeth. Dentures may feel strange at first. In the beginning, your dentist may want to see you often to make sure the dentures fit. Overtime, your gums will change shape, and your dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced. Be sure to let your dentist handle these adjustments. Be careful when wearing dentures because it may be harder for you to feel hot foods and drinks or notice bones in your food. When learning to eat with dentures, it may be easier if you:
Start with soft, non-sticky food.
Cut your food into small pieces
Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth.
Keep your dentures clean and free from food that can cause stains or bad breath. Avoid small crunchy foods that can get trapped under the dentures and hurt your gums. Brush dentures everyday with a denture-care product, and soak them in water or a denture-cleansing liquid at night. Be sure to leave them out of your mouth while you sleep to prevent swollen gums.
Things that can affect the Teeth : Dry Mouth
Dry mouth happens when you don’t have enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet. It can make it hard to eat, swallow, taste, and even speak. Dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay. Fungal infections of the mouth, and cavities. Many common medicines can cause this problem for example, medicines for high blood pressure, depression, and bladder-control issues often cause dry mouth. Try sipping water or sugarless drinks to help. Don’t smoke, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, soft drinks, and acidic fruit juices. Avoid spicy or salty foods. Sugarless hand candy or sugarless gum that is a little tart may help your dentist or doctor might suggest using artificial saliva to keep your mouth wet.
