Absolutemedica | Dental information | Dentistry abroad | Dental Implant Surgery | Dentist Abroad

Dental information - to know more about what is in the mouth, why teeth are important and how to keep them healthy

Avulsed Teeth

An avulsed tooth is a tooth that had been knocked out by a blow to the mouth or an accident. If the right action is taken as soon as possible the tooth can be replaced into the socket successfully. This way the tooth needs replacement in the socket in under 30 minutes. If you can put the tooth back into the socket firmly and bite on a clean handkerchief for about 15-20 minutes. Go to an emergency dental treatment to solve the problem. If you cannot push the tooth into the socket keep it in milk until you arrive to an emergency dental unit. The dentist will take an X-ray and will check whether it had been reimplanted successfully. This check-up needs to be done several times. If the tooth has re-implanted successfully you may not need any further treatment as long as you keep up your regular check-ups with your dentist. If the tooth becomes loose, it can be splinted to the teeth next to it. This means it will be temporarily attached to keep it firm until your dentist can tell whether it has re-implanted successfully. If the tooth is lost or doesn't implant successfully, it can be replaced at first with a denture. Then, when the socket has healed fully, you can have a bridge or dental implant.

Bad breath

Bad breath can be caused by several things:

it is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums.

bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell.

strong food like garlic, coffee and onions can add to the problem

smoking

bad breath can also be caused by some medical problems: dry mouth (xerostomia), salivary gland problems or when continuously breathing through the mouth instead of the nose

other medical conditions such as sinusitis, bronchitis, diabetes or kidney-liver problems also cause bad breath

If you do have bad breath, you will need to start a routine for keeping your mouth clean and fresh. Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to watch out for any areas where plaque is caught between your teeth. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to clean all those areas that are difficult to reach. They will also be able to show you the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and show you any areas you may be missing, including your tongue.

Braces

The time of wearing dental braces depens on how much work there is to do and how far your teeth need to be moved. Fixed braces usually take between 12-24 months, but could take longer if the problem is complex. Removable braces usually take less than a fixed brace. However, removable brace might need to be worn before and after finishing the treatment with a fixed brace.

You will need to have your brace adjusted regularly to make sure it is working properly. Usually every 6-8 weeks you will need a visit to your orthodontist.

You will need time to get used to your brace when fitted. Your mouth will be sensitive at first and teeth may feel uncomfortable because of the pressure put on them. Some parts of the brace may also cause discomfort to your gums and lips, causing sore spots.

Sometimes when a brace is fitted, it may affect your speech and cause problems in pronouncing certain words. Nail biting and chewing your pen or pencil can damage or break your brace.

Eating the wrong foods can damage or even break your brace. For the first few days, it may be better to keep to soft foods.

Whether you have a removable or a fixed brace you should avoid sticky, chewy and sugary foods. Chewing-gum is not recommended as it can stick to your brace. Avoid hard foods such as whole apples, carrots, French bread and crusty rolls. These foods could break the orthodontic wires and brackets.

At first it is best to cut your food into small pieces and keep to a soft diet. Food may build up in the brackets and in between your teeth and will need careful cleaning to remove it. Avoid fizzy drinks and natural fruit juices as these are often high in sugar and can be acidic. This can lead to tooth decay and erosion. Fizzy drinks can also stain the orthodontic brackets. If you do drink fizzy drinks, avoid constant sipping of the drink and use a straw. Water and plain milk are the safest drinks.

Clean your teeth and the brace thoroughly after each meal. Pay special attention to each individual tooth and the gum line around it.

Cold sore

Cold sore is a small, painful area of small, fluid-filled blisters where the lip joins the surrounding skin. These blisters are usually painful and dry up to make a yellow crust which heals in a few days. Cold sores tend to last 5 to 7 days and can keep coming back. Cold sores are caused by a virus (Herpes Simplex virus). Cold sores mainly appear when people are ill and sunlight and ultra-violet light can also cause it to appear. It can be infectious and the virus can be passed to other people by close contact. Avoid squeezing, pinching or picking the cold sore as it can spread the infection more. When having cold sore your dentist or hygienist can check first. Dentists usually do not treat patients with active cold sores as it can be really painful and may crack or bleed during dental treatment.

Cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is the termo f dental treatments such as straightening, lightening, reshaping and repairing your teeth. Cosmetic treatments include veneers, crowns, bridges, tooth-coloured fillings, implants and tooth whitening.

Cracked teeth

A cracked tooth is a tooth that has become broken.

Many things can cause teeth to crack; such as:

extreme tooth grinding, which can put the teeth under enormous pressure
large fillings that weaken the tooth
chewing or biting on something hard, for example, ice, boiled sweets, fruit stones or meat bones
a blow to the chin or lower jaw
gum disease, where there has been bone loss that could make the teeth more likely to suffer from root fractures
sudden changes in mouth temperature

It is important to have the cracked tooth treated. If they are not treated, cracked teeth can lead to the death of the nerve, and an abscess might grow that could need root canal treatment or extraction. In severe cases the tooth can actually split in two. If this happens your dentist will not be able to save the tooth and it will need to be taken out.

Crowns

Crown is an artificial restoration that is fitted onto the remaining part of the prepared tooth, making it stronger and giving its natural looking shape back. Crowns can be ideal restorations for broken teeth, decayed teeth or very large filling.
Crowns can be made of a variety of different materials and new materials are continually being introduced. Some of the most popular options are listed below.

Porcelain bonded to precious metal: this is what most crowns are made from. A precious metal base is made and then porcelain is applied in layers over it.

Porcelain crowns: these crowns are made entirely out of porcelain and are not as strong as bonded crowns, but they can look very natural and are most often used for front teeth.

All-ceramic crowns: this modern technique offers a metal-free alternative, which can give the strength of a bonded crown and the appearance of a porcelain crown. Therefore it is suitable for use in all areas of the mouth.

Glass: these crowns look very natural and are used on both front and back teeth.

Gold alloy crowns: gold is one of the oldest filling materials. Today it is used with other metal alloys to increase its strength, which makes it a very hardwearing restoration. These crowns are silver or gold in colour.

When root canal filling is involved before crowning a tooth it maybe necessary to insert a post before placing the crown. The post provides support and helps the crown to be fixed in place. The post is placed into the root canal and cemented in position. Until the crown is ready, a temporary crown is fitted on the tooth until the next visit.

For crown fitting usually two visits are needed: preparation of the tooth, impression, shade taking and fitting the temporary crown, on the second visit to fit the permanent crown.

Cleaning crowns

Crowns need to be looked after to be long-term solutions. The length of time until they can be used depends on how well it is looked after. When not thoroughly cleaned decay can start where the edge of the crown joins the tooth. It is important to keep this area as clean as possible to prevent decay affecting the crown.

How to take care of your dental crowns?

Dental crowns require the same regular and consistent home and professional dental care, as your natural teeth to prevent decay at the tooth-dental crown junction. To provide optimum longevity for your restorations, please follow the home care tips below:

1. Brush after eating and before bedtime around the crown with a soft toothbrush, especially where the crown meets the gum line. At the gum line harmful bacteria can be harbored to cause decay and gum disease.
2. Floss at least once to twice a day. Use the proxy brush or floss threader to remove plaque under and around these areas to maintain good oral hygiene. Buildup of food debris and plaque on your teeth and gums can become infected.
3. Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes
4. Be careful about chewing toffees, gum, grainy rolls and tough food in this area
5. See your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings

How to take care of your dental bridges?

Practice good dental hygiene:

Clean the dental bridge everyday and prevent tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease
Clean under the false tooth every day
Keep the remaining teeth healthy as these serve as the foundation for the dental bridge

Brushing and flossing:

Brush twice and floss daily
To floss use a bridge floss threader which is a flexible piece of plastic with a loop at one end to thread the floss.
Thread one end of a 14 to 18 inches piece of dental floss through the loop, making sure to leave one side about half as long as the other
Insert the end of the flosser without the hole in between the bridge and the gumline.
Hold onto the longer piece of floss, gently bring it up and pull the pointed end all the way through.
Floss using both your hands, moving the floss back and forth under the bridge
Floss the bridge completely from its one end to the other

Diet and eating habits:

Eat soft foods or food cut into small pieces until you get accustomed to the dental bridge
Eat a balanced and nutritious diet for good general and dental health

Dental erosion

Dental erosion is the loss of enamel caused by acid attack. Erosion usually shows up as hollows in the teeth and a general wearing away of the tooth surface and biting edges. This can expose the dentine underneath, which is a darker, yellower colour than the enamel. Because the dentine is sensitive your teeth can also be more sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.
Dental hygienist

Dental hygienists play an important role in dental health care and are mainly concerned with gum health, showing people how to take care of their teeth at home. The hygienist's main role in the dental practice is to clean the teeth for the patient. It is most of the cases called scaling and polishing. Their other most important role is to show the patient the best ways to keep their teeth free of plaque. They also give advise on diet and preventive dental care. Scaling and polishing is usually pain-free. If a patient feels discomfort the hygienist can use anaesthetic creams or gives local anaesthetic.

Your hygienist will have shown you how to remove plaque with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You will also have been shown how to clean between your teeth with floss, tape or little brushes.

There are many oral care products now available including specialist toothpastes, powered toothbrushes and mouthwashes. Your hygienist will recommend those that are best for you.

We recommend you follow three simple steps to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

- brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- cut down on how often you have sugary snacks and drinks
- visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium metal rod which is placed into the jawbone. It is used to support one or more false teeth. In practice, both the false teeth and their supporting rod are known as 'dental implants'.

Are dental implants safe and how long will they last?

Dental implants are a well-established, tried-and-tested treatment. Over 95 % of modern dental implants should last for many years with the right care.

I have some of my own teeth. Can I still have dental implants?

Yes. You can have any number of teeth replaced with dental implants - from one single tooth to a complete set.

Can dental implants always be used to replace missing teeth?

It depends on the state of the bone in your jaw. Your dentist will arrange for a number of special tests to find out the amount of bone still there. If there is not enough, or if it isn't healthy enough, it may not be possible to place dental implants without grafting bone into the area first.

Do dental implants hurt?

Placing the dental implants needs a small operation. This can be done using a simple local anaesthetic, and sometimes with sedation if you are very nervous. Sometimes the dentist needs to use a general anaesthetic for complex cases. You will not feel any pain at the time, but you may feel some discomfort during the week after the surgery. This is usually due to having stitches, and the normal healing process.

How dental implant treatment take?

Your dentist will be able to give you a rough timetable before the treatment starts. Usually the permanent teeth are fitted 4 to 8 months after the dental implants are put in, but many dental implant systems now allow the time to be as short as 3 months. Some teeth can now even be fitted at the same time as the dental implants (known as immediate dental implants) but you should check with your dentist to see whether these are suitable for you.

What about aftercare of dental implants?

Your dentist may give you some pain relief after the surgery, or check whether you have them at home to take over the next few days if you need them. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics. Do not smoke, exercise or drive for the rest of the day. Do not rinse the area and only eat soft foods. However, it is important that you keep your mouth clean by brushing but do not poke the dental implant's site. You can use a chlorhexidine mouthwash every day during the first week after surgery (you can get these from supermarkets and chemists).

What happens next?

The implants need to osseointegrate with the bone after they have been put in. This takes at least 3 months in the lower jaw and 6 months in the upper jaw.

Sometimes the dental implants may be stable enough when they are fitted for the artificial teeth to be attached much sooner than this.

If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced, you may have a temporary denture in the meantime. If you have complete dentures, then you can keep wearing these throughout the healing period once they have been modified after the surgery. A healing cap will usually be placed into the dental implant site to protect the area during healing.

Are the teeth difficult to clean?

No. But after care is important if you are going to have a long-lasting, successful dental implant. Your dentist should give you detailed advice on how to look after your dental implants. Cleaning around the teeth attached to the dental implants is no more difficult than cleaning natural teeth. However, there may be areas that are difficult to reach and you'll be shown methods to help you. You may need to visit your hygienist more often but your dentist will be able to talk to you about this.

Do the dental implants show?

Your dentist will make sure that the dental implants won't show during all normal movements of the mouth and lips. You will need to be able to see them, so that you can clean them properly.

Do I have a dental implant for each missing tooth?

No, unless you're only having a single tooth replaced. Normally, four to ten dental implants are used to replace all the teeth in one jaw, as each implant can usually support 1,5 teeth. For a few missing teeth, two or three dental implants may be used.

What if I have an accident?

Implants and the teeth they support can be damaged by an accident in the same way that natural teeth can. It is therefore important that you wear a professionally made mouthguard if you play sports that involve contact or moving objects. If there is damage, the teeth can be dismantled from the dental implant and replaced. However, if the titanium rod is damaged beyond repair, this part may be safely left in the jaw if it is too difficult to remove. Another dental implant may be placed alongside it to replace the damaged dental implant.

What happens if the dental implant does not bond with the bone?

This happens very rarely. If the implant becomes loose during the healing period or just after, then it is easily removed and healing takes place in the normal way. Once the jaw has healed, another implant can be placed there. Or, the dentist can make a bridge, using the implanted false teeth that have 'taken'.

Dentists

All practising dentists must be registered with the General Dental Council. This is a statutory body, which protects the patient by ensuring that all practising dentists are properly trained.

All qualified dentists will have the letters BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) or LDS (Licentiate in Dental Surgery) after their name. The letters LDS are awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons, whilst the letters BDS are awarded by individual universities. Any dentist qualifying from Leeds Dental Hospital will have the letters BchD after their name. A dentist who has qualified overseas, will possibly have the letters DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) which is the equivalent of the letters BDS. These are the main qualifications required in order to practice dentistry.

The dentist may also have other letters after their name, which indicate a postgraduate qualification. The MFGDP(UK) and the MGDS give an indication that they have studied general dental practice beyond the basic qualification level, the MGDS being the senior qualification. However, it is important to remember that you should choose a dentist with whom you feel comfortable with and can trust to work with you to maintain good oral and dental health.

Denture

Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth. Unlike dental implants and dental bridges, which are more or less permanently affixed to the bone, dentures are prosthetic teeth attached to a supporting structure. Dentures can be removed at night, for cleaning, or whenever desired. The most affordable dentures are those made with traditional plastic prosthetic teeth, but even more expensive porcelain cosmetic dentures usually cost less than implants.

Overdenture

An overdenture is a type of denture that is secured by precision dental attachments. The attachments are placed in tooth roots or dental implants which have been placed specifically for the overdenture attachment. Types of overdentures include bar joint dentures and telescopic dentures.

If you lose most or all of your lower teeth there is nothing to hold a denture down while you chew. An overdenture fastens a denture to the jawbone much in the way natural teeth are anchored. The adjacent teeth may be altered with locking devices or connecting bars to ensure the denture fits properly. These bar joints support the dentures better than individual implants though implants are still required to support the bars. Generally the more implants the stronger the bar and bars on the upper arch always require more implants than bars on the lower arch due to the lesser bone density in the upper jaw.

When patients have compromised bone density due to age or oral disease a telescopic denture a type of overdenture system is probably the best option. The procedure consists of a double crown system "the telescopic" and involves fitting inner metal crowns and outer crowns on the remaining natural teeth to create a natural looking removable overdenture. Though this is a reliable denture system that ensures even bite stress distribution the procedure is extremely complicated and requires root canal therapy for each remaining natural tooth and the insertion of a metal post to ensure the root is strong enough.
Some of the benefits of overdentures include the prevention of bone loss (dental implants actually strengthen the surrounding bone structure) esthetic appeal improved speech (when compared with other types of dentures) proper jaw alignment and improved chewing efficiency.

Denture cleaning

How to take care of your denture(s) / overdenture(s)?
Below are some handy ideas when cleaning your dentures/overdentures:
1. Use only a soft bristle toothbrush or a toothbrush made specifically for cleaning dentures.
2. Use only toothpaste made for dentures. Regular toothpaste is too abrasive and will damage your dentures.
3. Before you start brushing your dentures, thoroughly rinse them under cool or warm water (when removable). A complete rinsing will ensure that you washed away all food debris.
4. Brush your dentures over the teeth and across the teeth-just like you would if you were brushing your natural teeth. You need to make sure that you cleaned every tooth. Rinse your dentures thoroughly after you're done brushing.

Removable denture(s)
You should give you mouth a break from your dentures at least eight hours a day. This will help your gums and bones stay healthy. Keep your dentures moist by soaking them overnight in a denture solution or in a sealed container that's moistened with cotton balls or gauze pads.

Fixed denture(s)*
Those dentures that cannot be lifted with the tongue can stay in the mouth for the night.

Overdenture(s)
The overdenture should be cleaned not only on the surfaces but under the bar as well, with an interdental brush. The overdenture should be kept in for the night and should only be cleaned thoroughly twice a day.
*fixed dentures are a kind of dentures that have some sort of an attachment
1. Brush your gums and tongue to keep them healthy and to wash away odor-causing bacteria.
2. Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash throughout the day and at night before bed to keep your mouth feeling fresh and by rinsing food particles away after mealtimes.
3. Don't forget to visit your dentist on a regular basis to check the health of your mouth, the cleanliness of your dentures, and how the dentures are fitting in your mouth.

Diet

Healthy diet is important for oral health. Eating sugary, acidy food can react with the bacteria in plaque and produce the harmful acids. Acidic foods and drinks can really be harmful to the teeth. The acid erodes the enamel, making the tooth sensitive and unslightly. Food rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh can help prevent gum disease. Still water and milk or diluted sugar-free squashes are the best to drink.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in many foods and in all drinking water. The amount of Fluoride in the water varies from area to area. Fluoride can greatly help dental health by strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay. It also reduces the amount of acid that the bacteria on your teeth produce. Children who have fluoride when their teeth are developing tend to have shallower grooves in their teeth so plaque can be more easily removed. Plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. The addition of fluoride to water has been researched for over 50 years and water fluoridation has been proven to reduce decay by 40-60%.

Most toothpastes now contain fluoride, and most people get their fluoride this way. Fluoride toothpaste is very effective in preventing tooth decay. The amount of fluoride in toothpaste is usually enough to lessen the level of decay. In areas where the water supply is fluoridated, fluoride toothpaste gives extra protection. All children up to three years old, should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million). After three years old, they should use a toothpaste that contains 1350ppm-1500ppm. Parents should supervise their children's tooth brushing, and use only a pea-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste until they are about 7 years old.

Gum disease

Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning.
Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out. In fact, more teeth are lost through periodontal disease than through tooth decay.

The first sign of gum disease is blood on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.

When you have the sign of gum disease you need to visit your dentist to clear the problem as soon as possible. Your dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly to remove the scale. You'll also be shown how to remove plaque successfully yourself, cleaning all surfaces of your teeth thoroughly and effectively. This may take a number of sessions with the dentist or hygienist.

Inlay or onlay

Inlays/onlays can be used in most areas of the mouth. An inlay/onlay is small and within the biting surface of the tooth. The dentist usually takes an impression of the prepared cavity and send it to the laboratory to make the inlay/onlay. In the meantime a temporary filling will be placed in the cavity. After the inlay/onlay has been made, the dentist will fix it in place with dental cement. This type of filling is more expensive.

Your dentist can now use digital technology (called CAD/CAM) to design and prepare perfectly fitted porcelain inlays in just one or two visits. Porcelain inlays can also be made in a laboratory but this will need at least two visits to your dentist. Porcelain can be hard wearing and long lasting and also has the benefit of being able to be coloured to match your natural tooth. Again, this type of filling can be quite expensive.

Jaw problems
If your teeth don't fit together properly, you can have problems not only in your teeth themselves, but also the gums, the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) or the muscles that move your jaw. These problems are called 'occlusal' problems.

Teeth
Teeth that are out of line, heavily worn or constantly breaking, fillings that fracture or crowns that work loose may all be signs of occlusal problems. Your teeth may also be tender to bite on or may ache constantly.

Gums
Loose teeth or receding gums can be made worse by an incorrect bite.

TMJ
Clicking, grinding or pain in your jaw joints, ringing or buzzing in your ears and difficulty in opening or closing your mouth could all be due to your teeth not meeting each other properly.

Muscles
If your jaw is in the wrong position, the muscles that move the jaw have to work a lot harder and can get tired. This leads to muscle spasm. The main symptoms are continual headaches or migraine, especially first thing in the morning; pain behind your eyes; sinus pain and pains in your neck and shoulders. Sometimes even back muscles are involved.

Many people have imperfect occlusion and missing teeth, yet never have symptoms because they adjust to their problems. Occasionally, in times of increased stress and tension, the symptoms may appear and then go away immediately. Or, your teeth and gums may be affected straight away and instead of headaches, you may suffer:

flattened, worn teeth
broken teeth, fillings and crowns
loose teeth
continual sensitivity of your teeth to temperature change
toothache with no apparent cause.

If you think you have any of these problems, ask your dentist. You may find that you clench or grind your teeth, although most people who do aren't aware of it. Sometimes can be caused by anxiety, but generally most people clench their teeth when they are concentrating on a task - housework, gardening, car mechanics, typing and so on.

You may wake up in the morning with a stiff jaw or tenderness when you bite together. This could be due to clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep. Most people who grind their teeth do it while they are asleep and may not know they are doing it.

If you suffer from severe headaches, or neck and shoulder pain, you may not have linked this with possible jaw problems. Or you may keep having pain or discomfort on the side of your face around your ears or jaw joints or difficulty in moving your jaw. These are all symptoms of TMJ problems.

If you are missing some teeth at the back of your mouth, this may lead to an unbalanced bite, which can cause uneven pressure on your teeth.

Together, all these symptoms are called 'TMJ syndrome'.
Depending on the problems you are having, it can be possible to spot the signs of an occlusal problem by your dentist. Various muscles may be sore when tested, or the broken and worn areas of your teeth will show you are grinding your teeth - a common sign of an incorrect bite.

If your dentist suspects that your problems are due to an incorrect bite, he or she may help to improve the problem by supplying a temporary soft nightguard or hard plastic appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth. This appliance needs to be measured and fitted very accurately so that when you bite on it, all your teeth meet at exactly the same time in a position where your muscles are relaxed. You may have to wear this all the time or, just at night. If the appliance relieves your symptoms then your bite may need to be corrected permanently.

Tooth Adjustment (equilibration)
Your teeth may need to be carefully adjusted to meet evenly. Changing the direction and position of the slopes that guide your teeth together can often help to reposition the jaw.

Replacement of teeth
The temporo-mandibular joint needs equal support from both sides of both jaws. The chewing action is designed to work properly only when all your teeth are present and in the correct position. Missing teeth may need to be replaced either with a partial denture or bridgework.

Replacement is not usually done until a diagnosis has been confirmed by using an appliance and this has fully relieved the symptoms. Relief in some patients is instant: in others it can take a long time.

Medication
Some drugs can help in certain cases, but this is usually only temporary. Hormone replacement therapy may also help some women.

Diet and Exercise
As with any joint pain, it can help to put less stress on the joint. So a soft diet can be helpful, as can Corrective exercises and external heat. Physiotherapy exercises can often help, and your dentist may be able to show some of these to you.

Relaxation
Counselling and relaxation therapy may help in some cases. These techniques help the patient to become more aware of stressful situations and to control tension.

Mouth cancer

Mouth cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. Anyone can be affected by mouth cancer, whether they have own teeth or not. Mouth cancers are more common at people over 40, particularly men. People can die from mouth cancer if it is not diagnosed early enough.

Mouth cancer can be caused by smoking tobacco or drinking too much alcohol. Alkohol increases the risk of mouth cancer, and if tobacco and alcohol are consumed together the risk is even higher. Over-exposure to sunlight can also increase the risk of cancer on the lips.

The signs of mounth cancer are:
- painless mouth ulcer that does not heal normally
- white or red patch in the mouth
Important to visit the dentist if these sympthoms do not disappear within three weeks. Mouth cancer can often be spotted in its early stages by your dentist during a thorough mouth examination. If mouth cancer is recognised early, then the chances of a cure are good.

Mouthguard

A mouthguard is a specially made, rubber-like cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage. Mouthguards are needed to be worn when playing sport that involves physical contact or moving objects. A mouthguard will protect against breaking or dislocating jaw.
Mouthguards can be made by the dentist, which will fit exactly and protect your teeth and gums.

Oral Hygiene

The health of the mouth can affect general health. Infections int he mouth can cause problems elsewhere in the body. To maintain oral hygiene is a very important duty in everybody's life as it can cause serious problems, such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, premature and low-birth-weight babies, respiratory (lung) diseases.
When people have gum disease, the bacteria from the mouth can get into the blood streat. It can affect the heart, blood vessels and clots are more likely to form. This can lead to heart attack.

People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than people without diabetes. If you are idabetic you heal more slowly so it is very important to tell the dentist you have diabetes as more visits are required to clear the problem.
Pregnant women has to be really careful with gum disease as it is more likely to have a baby that is premature and with a low birth weight.

Gum disease bacteria can also cause bacterial chest infection in a long term. This can result in pneumonia or can worsen existing condition.

The signs of symthoms of gum disease:
-    inflammation of the gums (red, swollen, bleeds easily)
-    unpleasant taste in the mouth
-    bad breath
-    regular mouth infections

To prevent gum disease you need to visit your dentist regularly to have scale and polishing and brush your teeth min. 2 times a day to remove plaque from your teeth.

Partial dentures

This is a plate with a number of false teeth on it. It may be all plastic or a mixture of metal and plastic. Both types may have clips (clasps), to help keep the denture in place in the mouth. Depending on where they are, some of these clips may show when you smile or open your mouth.

Plastic partial dentures are less expensive to make. But unless they are designed very carefully they can damage the teeth they fit against. Metal partial dentures are usually from an alloy of cobalt and chromium and they are much stronger. They are lighter to wear and can be supported by the remaining teeth. Although the base is metal, they have gum-coloured plastic and natural-looking teeth fixed to them. They are more expensive than the plastic ones.

Pit and fissure sealants

Sealants are a safe and painless way or protecting your teeth from decay. A sealant is a protective plastic coating, which is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.

Sealants are only applied to the back teeth - the molars and premolars. These are the teeth that have pits and fissures on their biting surfaces. Your dentist will tell you which teeth should be sealed after they have examined them, and checked whether the fissures are deep enough for sealing to help. Some teeth naturally form with deep grooves which will need to be sealed, others with shallow ones which will not need sealing.
Sealants usually last for many years, but your dentist will want to check them regularly to make sure that the seal is still intact. They can wear over time, and sometimes the dentist needs to add or replace some sealant to be sure that no decay can start underneath them.

Plaque

Plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat food containing sugar and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attach tooth enamel. The stickness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with teeht. After constant acid attack, the tooth enamel breaks down forming a hole or a cavity. If plaque hardens it forms into calculus (tartar). The calculus forms near the gumline causing gum disease. If the gum disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed and healthy teeth becomes loose and fall out.

It is important to visit the dentist regularly to remove calculus. The plaque can be looked after by home care, brushing teeth min. 2 times a day.

Preventive care

Preventive dentistry is the procedure helping to maintain healthy mouth and to keep your teeth. The two major causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease. The better we prevent or deal with these two problems, the more chance people have of keeping their teeth for life.

The joint efforts of the dentist, the hygienist and the patient, can help to prevent the need for treatment, and so avoid the traditional pattern of fillings and extractions.

A course of treatment may be recommended to get your mouth into good condition, and a maintenance plan will be worked out to help you keep it that way.
Your dentist will first assess your teeth and gums, and discuss with you any treatment that you need. The main aim is to help you get your mouth really healthy, to try and prevent any dental problems returning. In a healthy mouth it is unlikely that decay or gum disease will continue to be a problem.

- The hygienist or dentist will thoroughly 'scale and polish' your teeth.
- The dentist or hygienist will show you the best methods of brushing and flossing to remove the bacterial 'plaque' which forms constantly on your teeth and gums. When you eat or drink something sugary, the plaque turns the sugar into acid, which will cause tooth decay.

Plaque will also cause gum inflammation if it is not regularly and thoroughly removed. The hard tartar (calculus) which builds up on the teeth also starts off as plaque.
- You will be told which oral care products are the best ones for you to use.
- The hygienist will probably discuss diet and any habits such as smoking and drinking with you.
- Your dentist will also make sure that all your fillings are in good repair and there are no rough edges to make cleaning difficult.

Sedation

Some people are so frightened of the dentist that they will not go for dental treatment. They can overcome their fears with relaxation or sedation.
Your dentist may recommend an intravenous or IV sedation. This is given by injection either in the back of your hand or in your arm. The dose will depend on the amount of treatment needed and the length of ti mit will take to complete.
When IV sedation is used during the surgery you become drowsy and unaware of any treatment, but you still be able to cooperate with the dentist (you need to communicate to open your mouth, turn your head etc.). The effect of sedation take some time to wear off and the dentist will tell you how long the drugs will take to clear from your body. You won't be able to drink alcohol, drive or work mashinery during this time.

Sensitive Teeth

Having sensitive teeth can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to having severe discomfort that can continue for several hours. It can also be an early warning sign of more serious dental problems. Many people suffer from sensitive teeth and it can start at any time. It is more common in people aged between 20 and 40, although it can affect people in their early teens and when they are over 70. Women are more likely to be affected than men.

The causes of teeth sensitivity are:

toothbrush abrasion - brushing too hard and brushing from side to side, instead of circularly.
dental erosion - loss of tooth enamel caused by acidy food or drinks.
gum recession - when the gum naturally recedes the root can expose and it can be sensitive.
gum disease - the build-up or plaque or tartar can cause the gum to recede and can even destroy the bony support of the tooth. Pockets can form int he gums around the tooth, making the area difficult to keep clean and make it sensitive.
tooth grinding - clenching and grinding the teeth together, this can cause the enamel of the teeth to be worn away.
cracked tooth or filling - broken tooth. Extreme temperatures, especially cold, may cause discomfort.
tooth bleaching - some patients have sensitivity for a short time during or after having their teeth bleached.

There are many brands of toothpaste on the market made to help ease the pain of sensitive teeth. The toothpaste should be used twice a day to brush your teeth. It can also be rubbed onto the sensitive areas. These toothpastes can take anything from a few days to several weeks to take effect. Your dentist should be able to advise you on which type of toothpaste would be best for you.

What to do:
1. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Use small circular movements with a soft- to medium-bristled brush. Try to avoid brushing your teeth from side to side.
2. Change your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner if it becomes worn.
3. Have sugary foods, and fizzy and acidic drinks less often. Try to have them only at mealtimes.
4. If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about the possibility of having a mouthguard made to wear at night.
5. If you are thinking about having your teeth bleached, discuss sensitivity with your dentist before starting treatment.
6. Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

Tooth decay

The first sign of damages unhealthy diet causes to the teeth is tooth decay. Decay happens when sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque. These acids attack the teeth and destroy the enamel. After it happens many times the tooth enamel may break down, forming a hole or cavity into the dentine.

It is important that you brush twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. The best times are before breakfast and last thing at night before you go to bed.

Eating and drinking naturally weakens the enamel on your teeth, and brushing straight afterwards can cause tiny particles of enamel to be brushed away. It is best not to brush your teeth until at least one hour after eating.

It is especially important to brush before bed. This is because the flow of saliva, which is the mouth's own cleaning system, slows down during the night and this leaves the mouth more at risk from decay.

Chewing gum makes your mouth produce more saliva, which helps to cancel out the acid in your mouth after eating or drinking. It has been proven that using sugar-free chewing gum after meals can prevent tooth decay. However, it is important to use only sugar-free gum, as ordinary chewing gum contains sugar and therefore may damage your teeth.

Tooth jewellery

Tooth jewellery involves sticking small accessories onto the teeth. They should be fitted by a dentist, who can easily remove them if necessary. It is important to keep the area around the jewel clean as plaque can easily build-up around it and you will be more likely to get tooth decay.

Tooth whitening

Tooth bleaching, also known as tooth whitening, is a common procedure in general dentistry but most especially in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Many people consider white teeth to be an attractive feature of a smile.

A child's deciduous teeth are generally whiter than the adult teeth that follow. As a person ages the adult teeth often increase in value, that is to say, they become darker. This darkening is due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth, as the enamel becomes less porous. Teeth can also become stained by bacterial pigments, foodstuffs and tobacco.

As white teeth are subconsciously associated with youth, they have become desirable. This has been made more apparent with the spread of American culture worldwide, where an especially white smile is coined a "Hollywood smile". The procedure to bleach teeth uses oxidising agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lighten the shade of the tooth. The oxidising agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and oxidises interprismatic stain deposits; over a period of time, the dentine layer, lying underneath the enamel, is also bleached.

There are two main methods of bleaching. The first involves applying a high concentration of oxidising agent for a short period of time, which is the so-called office bleach. This produces quick results but risks chemical burns to the soft tissues. Therefore, most in-office bleaching procedures use a light-cured protective layer that is carefully painted on the gums and papilla (the tips of the gums between the teeth). The bleaching agent is either carbamide peroxide, which breaks down in the mouth to form hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide itself. The bleaching gel typically contains up to 35% hydrogen peroxide equivalent.

The alternative method involves using a thin mouth guard or strip to hold a low concentration of oxidising agent next to the teeth for as long as several hours a day for a period of 5 to 14 days. This is known as take-home or over-the-counter bleaching. This is a slower process but has fewer risks to the soft tissues. The bleaching agent is typically less than 10% hydrogen peroxide equivalent.

A typical course of bleaching can produce dramatic improvements in the cosmetic appearance of most stained teeth; however, some stains do not respond to bleaching. Tetracycline staining may require prolonged bleaching, as it takes longer for the bleach to reach the dentine layer. White-spot decalcifications may also be highlighted and become more noticeable.

Recently, efforts have been made to accelerate the bleaching process by the use of light. Studies have shown varying results as to the efficacy of light-activated bleaching.

Toothbrushes

Adults should choose a small or medium size tooth brush with soft to medium multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles. The head should be small enough to reach all parts of the mouth: especially the back of the mouth where it can be difficult to reach.

Children need to use smaller brushes but with the same type of filaments.

People with sensitive teeth should use softer bristled brushes.

Electric toothbrushes are also great solutions. They have rotation or vibrating heads, which provides a large amount of cleaning action with very little movement needed from the user. Tests have proved that certain electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque. They can also be better of children as they can use it easier than normal ones.

Veneer

Veneers are thin slices of porcelain. These are precisely made to fit over the visible surface of front teeth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Veneers are ideal way of treating discoloured or unsightly teeth, closing gaps between front teeth or repairing chips and cracks.

A small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth, usually the same thickness as the veneer will be. An impression is taken by the dentist and sent to a dental technician for the veneer to be made in the laboratory. The veneer is then bonded to the tooth to form a strong and natural-looking repair. Sometimes a natural colour 'composite' material is used instead of porcelain. Composite veneers can be completed in one visit and involve bonding tooth-coloured filling material to the front of the tooth. Although these veneers are slightly more prone to staining and have a shorter life, they are easily replaced.

White filling

For over 150 years standard fillings have been made out of a silver-grey material called 'amalgam'. This is still one of the strongest and longest-lasting materials available for fillings. However, amalgam fillings are not aesthetic and there are some concerns about possible health risks.
White fillings are now popular alternatives to amalgam fillings. This new dental material mean it is much easier to find a perfect match for the shade of a particular tooth. In most cases, it is quite impossible to see that the tooth even has a filling. Sometimes white filling material can be used to cover unsightly marks on the teeth, in similar way to veneers.

Wisdom teeth

Adults can have up to 32 teeth. The wisdom teeth are the last to come through, right at the back. They usually appear when you are between 17 and 25. Although sometimes they appear many years later. Wisdom teeth might not appear at all, when there is not enough room for them to come out. Wisdom teeth can be very painful when coming out or appearing near the gum but in some cases it is not causing any problems.

Impacted wisdom tooth is the wisdom tooth that had not enough room to come out, it is at an angle against the tooth in front of it.

If a wisdom tooth is causing discomfort a mouthwash of medium hot water with a teespoon of salt will help to reduce gum soreness and inflammation. This should be repeated several times a day. Pain-relieving tablets or aspirin can also be useful in a short term but your dentist should be visited it the pain doesn't relieve for a long term. Your dentist will take an X-ray to see the position of the root and whether the tooth has to be extracted or not. Wisdom tooth is usually extracted if the root is causing problems or not in a useful position.

X-rays

Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your dentist will be able to see from an x-ray (radiograph) whether you have any decay under the enamel, any possible infections in the roots, or any bone loss around the tooth.

X-rays can help the dentist to see in between your teeth or under the edge of your fillings. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save both time and money.

In children, x-rays can be used to show where the second teeth are and when they will come through. This also applies to adults when the wisdom teeth start to come through.
If you are a new patient, unless you have had dental x-rays very recently, the dentist will probably suggest having x-rays. This helps them assess the condition of your mouth and to check for any hidden problems. After that, x-rays are usually recommended every 6 to 24 months depending on the person, their history of decay, age and the condition of their mouth.

There are various types of x-ray. Some show one or two teeth and their roots while others can take pictures of several teeth at once. The most common x-rays are small ones, which are taken regularly to keep a check on the condition of the teeth and gums. These show a few teeth at a time, but include the roots and surrounding areas. There are large x-rays that show the whole mouth, including all the teeth and the bone structure that supports the teeth. These are called panoramic X-rays. There are also medium-sized X-rays, which show either one jaw at a time, or else one side of the face. There are also electronic imaging systems in use today. These use electronic probes instead of X-ray films and the picture is transmitted directly onto a screen.

Based on a text by dentalhealth.org.uk

Budapest treatments

Home

| Dentistry abroad | Implantology | Dental treatments | Dental implant crown | Tooth whitening |