Assess Your Oral Disease Risk
Three diseases negatively affect our teeth - decay (cavities)
, periodontal (gum) disease, and occlusal (bite) disease. Most of us are acquainted with the signs, symptoms, and treatment of the first two diseases, but may not fully understand bite disease. Your dentist in Grosse Pointe can offer you a new way to assess your risk of developing tooth decay, periodontal disease and bite disease with a simple form that is available for download via their website. By completing the survey, your dentist can better understand your day-to-day lifestyle and how any of these three diseases can be present.
Tooth Decay
Although it has declined among young children as a group, tooth decay can still be a problem for individual children, and even teens and adults. Tooth decay is a destruction of the tooth enamel, which occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, pop, raisins, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids can destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.
In order to prevent tooth decay, it is important to follow these important tips:
*Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
*Clean between your teeth with floss at least once a day
*Eat nutritious and well-balanced meals with limited snacking
*Visit your dentist in Grosse Pointe, MI for professional cleanings and examinations
Gum Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, and is classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. However, if gingivitis is not treated it can lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis.
You may not always have visible warning signs if you have periodontal disease, which is why it is important to maintain regular visits with your Grosse Pointe dentist. Some factors that can increase your risk for developing periodontal disease include:
*Tobacco smoking or chewing
*Systemic diseases such as diabetes
*Some types of medication
*Bridges that do not fit properly
*Crooked teeth
*Fillings that have become defective
*Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives
Oral Bite Disease
As you chew, your upper and lower teeth come together, pushing against the skull. If you suffer from an uneven bite, missing teeth, or improperly aligned teeth, your muscles work harder to bring your teeth together, which causes you increased strain. If you clench or grind your teeth, the strain increases even more.
Bite disease is when there is a conflict between the muscles that control the jaw joint and the muscles that control chewing. The role of the muscles that control the jaw joint is to keep that joint in its socket, while the purpose of the muscles that control chewing is to get your teeth together during chewing so that you can properly eat. When joint muscles, chewing muscles, and teeth are not in harmony, destructive forces result in the breakdown of the mouth, headaches, and/or neck and shoulder pain.
It is important to visit your Grosse Pointe dentist regularly for routine checkups and cleanings. Your dentist will be the first to notice any signs that could lead to tooth decay, periodontal disease and bite diseases. Keep your mouth healthy and happy - visit your dentist today.
by: Gen Wright
Maintain Diligent Oral Hygiene To Prevent Tooth Loss 8 Sure Natural Cures For Eczema Attention High Heel Wearers - Protect Your Feet From The Painful Bunion Bump! Protect Your Feet From The Painful Bunion Bump With Proper Preventive Measures S111g Syma Review How To Increase Construction Machinery Crusher 8 Surefire Ways To Get Rid Of Eczema Fast Eczema - How To Get Rid Of It How To Ensure Safty Phosphate Rock Processing Protecting Japanese Cars - What You Need To Learn About Know All About The Essential Make Up Brushes The Importance Of Galleries Plus This Is Membership In Large Scale Photos Taken On This Thing