Prevention is for everyone

Many people who are filling and/or decay-free often become relaxed about the hygiene of their mouths. ìI donít spend much time with my teeth and I donít have any decay,î is a common statement made by such people.

While having no decay is fantastic, decay is not the only indicator of a healthy mouth.

There are many germs (bacteria) in our mouth, with the majority of them being very beneficial to our immune system, digestion and taste. Three distinct adverse actions occur from the germs in our mouth - dental decay, gingivitis and gum disease (periodontal disease). Being decay-free doesnít prevent you from having gingivitis or gum disease and vice versa.

It is often people who are decay-free that have gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue) and gum disease (periodontal disease) because they have not maintained regular dental visits. One of the first signs of these gum problems is bleeding gums when you brush your teeth or even when eating.

Your dentist can help set up a programme tailored to meet all your dental needs. This will involve professional teeth cleaning on a regular basis performed by your dentist or a dental hygienist, and practical oral hygiene advice, information and instruction that will assist you in preventing gum problems. Establishing the proper techniques in tooth brushing and flossing are equally as important in the prevention of gum infections and diseases as it is in preventing tooth decay. Work with your dental professionals to ensure your technique is correct.

Our tooth structure can also undergo a destruction called erosion, which occurs in the absence of germs. It is literally the melting away of your teeth due to acid. The source of this acid comes from the food we eat and our gastric juices (stomach). Many people may have experienced the condition called reflux, which is the reverse flow of stomach acid through the oesophagus into the throat and mouth. This is the same action that happens when we vomit, but to a much smaller degree.

The acidity of the food and drinks we consume play a significant role in erosion, especially if we have a dry mouth condition. As an example, orange juice, apple juice and wine are nearly 10,000 times more acidic than neutral tap water, and some soft drinks are 100,000 times more acidic.

Our saliva plays a very important protective and reparative role for our teeth. It has the ability to neutralise (buffer) the acid in our mouths and to harden (remineralise) the minerals of our teeth when acid has softened them.

The simple way to assist the saliva function is by rinsing with water, bicarbonate soda and water, or by chewing some sugarless gum after consuming any acid. Your dental professionals can also assist you in identifying oral health products on the market that boost the action of saliva, particularly if you have a condition known as xerostoma (dry mouth).

Remember, it is very important NOT to brush immediately after consuming any acidic foods or beverages, as we will simply brush away the softened minerals therefore aiding the erosion process. Erosion will result in our teeth shrinking in their size and shape.

Ask your dentist if you need more information.