Cavities: The Myths and the Facts Part – 1

Cavities are the most common of dental problems. Even with the best oral hygiene practices, cavities can happen. One of the biggest problems with dental cavity prevention is the number of myths that surround the subject. Many of them are so common and well accepted that people tend to believe in them blindly, resulting in ignoring the real causative factors or in following the wrong teeth care procedures. To help you separate fact from fiction, here are a few of the myths and facts about cavities and related issues you need to know.

Sweets and Sugary Foods are a main cause

This is only partially true. The fact is that cavities are caused by acid in the mouth. This acid is in turn, caused by the bacteria that exist there. Bacteria produce the acid by digesting carbohydrates and sugar, along with bread, potatoes, rice, fruit and vegetables, is one of these. Whenever you eat carbs, the bacteria produce acid. What is important is not the amount of carbs you eat, but the length of time your teeth are exposed to the acid. For example, if you sip sugary drinks all day long, your teeth are constantly exposed to bacteria related acids.

Acid Foods Cause Tooth Decay

Again this is partially correct. Acidic foods like lemons and oranges do not directly cause cavities. But the acids in them can erode the enamel that forms the hard outer layer of your teeth. When the enamel becomes eroded, the underlying tissue becomes exposed and is more prone to cavity formation.

Children Are More Prone To Cavities

This is a myth. Yes, children do get more cavities than adults, but this is due to their careless attitude towards dental hygiene. If children are taught to care for their teeth properly, the likelihood of their getting cavities is the same as for adults.

Medications Can Cause Cavities

Partially true. Medicines do not directly damage the teeth. But many of them cause the mouth to become dry by affecting the production of saliva. Saliva is important in fighting tooth decay because it has disinfectant qualities, neutralizes acids and helps to wash out bacteria from the teeth.  Less saliva means more chance of cavities.

Aspirin on a Tooth will stop a Toothache

Myth. Aspirin is an analgesic that works to reduce sensation of pain when ingested. Placing it on or next to a painful tooth will not help in reducing the pain. In fact, since aspirin is acidic in nature, direct contact with the teeth and gums can cause abscesses to develop.

Fillings need to be replaced regularly

Not always. An amalgam or composite filling can last a lifetime. They normally need to be replaced only if they become damaged, the tooth breaks or cavities form around them. If none of these happens there should not be any reason to replace them. It all depends on how you care for your teeth.

In the next blog we will look at more myths and facts about cavities you need to know.

The Top Reasons for Tooth Loss

Losing a tooth (or teeth) does not mean just an embarrassing gap when you smile. It has more serious implications. Your ability to chew is affected and this limits what you can eat. Poor nutrition can affect your overall health. Your face could sag and over time, you speech become impaired. There is no need to place your teeth at risk when a few simple precautions can prevent their loss.

1. Bad oral hygiene results in acid producing bacteria to form layers of plaque on your teeth. This eats away at the enamel and causes cavities. In addition it increases the risk of periodontal disease and bad breath. Ask your dentist for an oral hygiene regiment that will protect your teeth.

2. The early signs of future tooth loss are often difficult to detect or notice. Regular 6 monthly visits to your dentist for checkups will enable incipient problems to be found and treated early, before your teeth are lost.

3. A tooth cavity is not just unsightly. Over time the inner pulp of the tooth can become infected resulting in pus formation and the death of tissue. If not treated in time and a filling put in place, the tooth will be lost.

4. You know what smoking does to your body, but do you know that research shows that smokers are twice as likely to lose teeth as non-smokers?  Smoking increases the risk of gum diseases which leads to tooth loss. It also can affect the flow of blood to your gums, weakening them and making them more prone to disease.

5. Teeth that are not correctly aligned (malocclusions) can cause tooth loss. Improperly aligned teeth cannot be effectively cleaned so there is more chance of tartar developing and this can lead to a variety of tooth and gum problems. In addition, the pressure and wear on other teeth increases, affecting their life.

6. A trauma to the mouth may not result in an immediate tooth loss. But a root fracture that goes unnoticed at the time can cause infection and weakness of the tooth later on which will lead to tooth loss.

7. What you eat affects your teeth. A diet that does not contain enough calcium and other nutrients that the teeth need to stay healthy will result in their loss.

8. Not replacing a lost tooth, even if it is at the back and not visible, can cause problems to the adjoining teeth. The adjacent teeth can become displaced because of the lack of support and this leads weakness and loss of tooth.

Tooth Loss Is Not Inevitable

Yes, teeth and gums do weaken with age and as you get older, the chances of losing some or even all of your teeth increase. However, it is not inevitable. With proper care your teeth can last your lifetime. Regular visits to your dentist play an important role in this. Even those who do go for regular dental checkups tend to ignore problems that arise when a visit to the dentist is not due. This is how small issues become major ones and lead to tooth loss. When in doubt, consult your dentist. It’s the best way to keep a happy smile on your face.

Lasers and Dentistry – What You Need To Know

Mention lasers and most people think of a Star Wars type of device that blows up things. The fact is that lasers are all round us, performing tasks we take for granted. From reading the disc in your DVD player to aligning the wheels of your car, lasers are everywhere. One of the most important uses of lasers is in medicine. Having your dentist aim a laser into your mouth may seem frightening, but it is safe and a very effective form of treatment. That’s why it is FDA approved.

How a Dental Laser Works

A laser is basically a form of energy delivered via a beam of light. In dental and surgical procedures it works to cut or vaporize the tissue it comes into contact with. It is cleaner, safer and more precise that traditional cutting tools like scalpels. It also acts as a heat sources which works to enhance the efficacy of tooth whitening agents to provide for whiter and shinier teeth. Lasers also help to make filling stronger and more durable by curing the filling material more effectively. New applications and uses for dental lasers are being constantly developed.

The Common Uses of Dental Lasers

The use of dental lasers is expanding constantly. Among the most common uses today are:

• Reducing the discomfort of cold sores and cankers in the mouth.
• Treating root canal infection.
• Improving the teeth whitening process.
• Treating gum disease and removing inflamed or infected gum tissue.
•  Reshaping gum tissue and bone during crown lengthening procedures.
• Removing excess muscle and tissue that impedes proper jaw movement.
• Removing excess tissue growth that some medications may cause.
• Performing biopsies.

The Benefits of Laser Treatments

There are many advantages in using lasers. These include:

• A reduction in (or complete avoidance of) the amount of drilling that may be required.
• A reduction in the use of anesthesia.
• Greater precision in application as compared to traditional cutting procedures.
• A reduction in the amount of bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing the chances of infection.
•  Reduced bleeding.
• The possibility of preserving healthier tooth during cavity treatments.
•  Faster post procedure healing.
• Reduced discomfort both during the procedure and in the healing process.
• Of course, there are also limitations on where and how dental lasers can be used. Your dentist will be able to advise you about why a laser may not be the appropriate treatment for your dental problem.

If you are wondering if a laser is the best way to treat your dental condition, talk to a dentist who is trained and experienced. He will be able to tell you about the pros and cons of laser use and the kind of results you can expect. Remember, there is nothing to fear. A laser is just a very efficient tool at a dentist’s disposal.

Understanding a Root Canal Procedure

We’ve all heard the jokes and seen the cartoons about terrified patients waiting for a root canal to be done. This may have been true decades ago, but modern technologies and medicine have made it as pain free as getting a filling. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding means that there are still a lot of misconceptions about the procedure. Here’s what you need to know.

Why is a Root Canal Required?

The tooth is made up of the hard outer enamel layer, a second hard layer called dentin and soft tissue at the core. This tissue contains nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels. This is what helps the teeth to develop during the growth stage. When the gets pulp damaged, it may become inflamed due to infection, and be extremely painful, often to the extent of being incapacitating. There could be many possible causes for this inflammation including decay of the outer layers, cracks or chips in the tooth, faulty crowns and repeated dental procedures. Trauma to a tooth, even if there are no visible signs of damage, can also damage the pulp. This inflammation must be treated quickly. Not only does it cause great pain, it can also lead to an abscess forming.

What does a Root Canal involve?

When a root canal procedure is done, the damaged pulp is carefully removed from the inside of the tooth. The empty space is then carefully disinfected and completely cleaned before being sealed with a special filling material. The final stage is restoring the tooth with a filling or crown to protect it from future damage. Once the process is completed, the treated tooth functions like any other. In a fully developed adult tooth the pulp is not essential because the tooth will continue to be nourished by the surrounding tissue.

After the treatment there may be some soreness in the affected area and in the jaw. This normally lasts for just a few days. Medication is prescribed to control any discomfort. Most patients are able to return to work within a few hours of the treatment. It depends a lot on the type of anesthesia used and your overall physical condition.

What are the Benefits?

A root canal procedure does not just stop the pain and abscess formation. It also:

• Allows for efficient chewing of food.
• Enables normal biting force and sensation to be retained.
• Prevents any excess wear or strain on the adjoining teeth that could leads to other dental problems.
• Keeps the natural appearance of the tooth.
• Gives you a natural smile.

The major benefit of root canal treatment is that you will be able to retain your natural tooth. If a damaged tooth is extracted, there are possible side effects like the adjoining teeth shifting which could result in those teeth needing treatment, bite problems and so on. Although modern tooth replacements are very good, they can never take the place of your natural teeth.

With proper care and regular preventive dental checkups, teeth that have received root canal treatment can last as long as other teeth and ongoing dental work is rarely required. If your dentist tells you that you need to have a root canal done, there is nothing to worry about or pain to be afraid of.

The Basics of Oral Hygiene

We all know the importance of oral hygiene. We begin and end our day with brushing and flossing our teeth. So why do so many of us find, on our visits to the dentist, that we have cavities developing, gum problems and other issues which we should not have to face? The answer is not in what we do but how we do it.  Brushing and flossing is such an automatic action that we never think about what we are doing and because of this, we fall into bad habits. You may not think you need tips on how to do something you have been doing all your life. Maybe you’re right, but what’s the harm in looking at what the American Dental Associations says about the right way to clean your teeth? A few small changes in the way you brush and floss could be the difference between a cavity and a bright smile.

How to Brush

•  Place your toothbrush against the gums at a 45 degree angle.
•  Brush gently – too much pressure can wear away the enamel.
•  Use a gentle sideways motion with small strokes..
•  Your front teeth have 2 surfaces (front and back) and the rear ones have a 3^rd – the chewing surface. Ensure you brush all the surfaces.
•  Clean the inner sides of your front teeth with the tip of the brush using a vertical movement.
• Your tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria. Brush it to remove the germs and make your breath fresher.

How to Floss

• Break off an 18 inch length of floss.
• Wind it around the middle fingers of each hand and use your thumbs and forefingers to hold it tight.
• Slide the floss between your teeth with a gentle rubbing motion.
•  When you reach the gum line bend the floss around one tooth and slide it into the space between the tooth and gum move it back and forth.
•  Move back to the contact area between the teeth and slide it up and down.
•  Now curve the floss around the next tooth and repeat the action of cleaning the space between the tooth and gum.
•  Repeat this for all your teeth.
• Always hold the floss firmly against your teeth and use smooth even movements.

The Materials You Need

Not all tooth brushes are created equal. Unless otherwise advised by your dentist, use a soft bristled brush. The head of the brush should be of a shape and size that makes it easy to reach even the difficult areas at the back of your mouth. Antimicrobial toothpaste that contains fluoride is best for protecting your teeth from decaying. In addition to brushing and flossing, you should also use a mouth rinse. An antimicrobial rinse will help to reduce bacteria and plaque and help to prevent gum disease and gingivitis.

These are only general guidelines. If your dentist has advised something different, follow that advice. And if you think this is all too much trouble, think about the last time you had a toothache and you will realize how important it really is.

By the way, when did you last visit your dentist?

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

Caring for your children’s teeth and teaching them the basics of oral hygiene at an early age will go a long way in ensuring that dental problems in later years are minimized. While your dentist is the best person to tell you what you need to do, here are a few general basics that you can adopt. 

• Brush the teeth twice a day with an American Dental Association (ADA) accepted fluoride toothpaste. Take care that the child does not swallow the toothpaste. Use a soft bristled brush and start brushing with the inner surfaces of the teeth, where plaque typically accumulates. Use a back and forth motion. Next brush the outer surfaces of the teeth, angling the brush along the gum line. Once again, use a back and forth motion. Then go on to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. The next step is to use the tip of the brush to clean behind the front teeth at the top and bottom. Finally, brush the tongue – this is where a lot of germs collect.


• Flossing is very important as it removes the plaque and food particles that brushing cannot. You can start flossing your children’s teeth when they are 4. By the age of 8 they should be able to floss on their own.


• Talk to your dentist about the use of dental sealants. These are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of a child’s permanent back teeth. This is where cavities commonly develop. The sealant forms an effective barrier against this. It is not a painful process and causes the child no discomfort. It is usually completed in one sitting.


•  Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that combines with tooth enamel to give it added strength and is an important ingredient in tooth health. Many municipal water supplies contain added fluoride and if this is the case, your child should be consuming enough of it. If you are not sure, call your water district and ask them. If the water does not contain fluoride or if the quantity added is inadequate, consult your dentist about the need for using fluoride drops or mouthwash to ensure your child is getting enough.


• What your child eats contribute a great deal to the health of the teeth and gums. Besides the required amounts of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, the diet should include lots of calcium and phosphorous. The starches and sugars that many snack foods contain are among the biggest enemies of strong teeth as they combine with any plaque that may be present to create acids. These acids eat away at the tooth enamel and lead to the development of cavities. Controlling your child’s intake of snacks and junk food will go a long way to ensuring healthy teeth.


• If your child suffers any mouth injury contact your dentist as soon as possible. Once the injury has been examined and any damage assessed, the appropriate treatment can be given. The sooner this is done the better.

Helping your children care for their teeth is not enough, no matter how good they are at it. If adults can so easily overlook or ignore dental issues until the problem becomes serious, think how much easier it is for children to do so. Regular visits to the dentist for checkups or when a problem is suspected will go a long way in ensuring that your children have strong and healthy teeth and gums. The fact that the parents place so much importance on oral health will impress upon them, at a young age, that it is something they cannot afford to ignore.

Caring For Baby Teeth

Just because baby teeth are temporary and will be replaced by adult teeth does not mean that they do not need care and attention. A child with healthy baby teeth will normally have healthy adult teeth. A child is born with teeth – they are hidden in the gums. The first tooth will appear between 6 to 12 months and the rest will usually appear over the next 2 years. A few basic precautions will help to keep your baby’s teeth healthy.

Babies Do Not Have a Sweet Tooth

Children are not born with a craving for sweets. They enjoy foods and fruit juices that do not contain sugar. If you are buying baby foods, look for those that are without sugar. Sugary foods are bad for the teeth. The sugar that is given to a baby should be as part of a meal, not as a snack between meals. This results in the sugar remaining on the teeth and causing decay. Your pediatrician will be able to advise you on the right foods for your baby, including those that promote the growth of strong teeth.

A Bottle Is Only For Feeding

Do not give a baby sweet drinks from a feeding bottle. This can easily become habit forming and once the teeth start appearing the sugar will coat and damage them. Also do not allow the baby to get into the habit of sleeping with the bottle – it is for feeding and should not be used as a pacifier. A baby will generally be able to use a cup after 6 months and can be weaned away from the bottle after a year. Drinking water after eating will work to flush away the food particles trapped in the gums and between the teeth.

A Soother Is Not Essential 

Not all babies need a soother – if the child does not want one, there is no need to offer it. If a soother or pacifier is to be used, it should be an orthodontic type that is designed not to affect the mouth and teeth development. Wean the baby off the soother as soon as possible – long term use can affect the growth of the teeth. Dipping a soother into a sweet liquid to encourage the baby to use it is a mistake as it will increase the sugar intake and the chances of tooth decay.

Teething Discomfort Is To Be Expected

Sore gums, restlessness and irritability are normal side effects of the discomfort of teething. At times, this can lead to a slight upset stomach. However, teething does not normally result in significant sickness. If the baby show signs of anything more than minor discomfort of the mouth, teeth or gums, consult a dentist to check if there are any other issues that need to be dealt with.

Thumb Sucking Is Normal

Most children stop sucking their thumbs at around 4 years. If the child continues to do this after this age or if the sucking is very hard, it can pull the teeth out of alignment and cause problems that will need to be treated in later years. Thumb sucking makes a child feel secure and comfortable. Giving him or her other enjoyable things to do can take the mind off this habit and over time cause the child to lose interest in it.

If your child has any dental problems or suffers a mouth or tooth related injury, it’s important to have it examined and treated by a dentist as soon as possible. Many minor problems and injuries will heal themselves with time. But since a child cannot articulate accurately the pain or discomfort that is being felt, having a specialist examine the problem and decide if any treatment is required will avoid the possibility of a minor issue being exacerbated and becoming something major. The development of healthy adult teeth depends upon the child having healthy baby teeth.