Frequently Asked Questions
Dental health is a matter of
life-long concern. Whatever your age, you can and should have a healthy
mouth, a pleasant smile and good breath. Your dental health is an important
part of your general health. Correct dental care can help you keep your
teeth for a lifetime in a proper shape. At one time or another, questions on dental health
would have cropped up in your mind. Here are
32 of the
most Frequently Asked Questions
regarding dental health.
- What are the types of teeth?
- What is a healthy tooth?
- How does tooth decay start?
- What is gum disease?
- How can tooth decay and gum disease be prevented?
- When should you consult your dentist?
- Is professional cleaning of the teeth necessary?
- What can happen if missing teeth are not replaced by artificial teeth?
- Should you use a mouthwash?
- What harm can irregular or malformed permanent teeth do?
- What is the proper age at which to begin correcting irregular teeth?
- Is thumbsucking harmful to child's dental health?
- What is the relation between nutrition and dental health?
- Should you give your child calcium tablets while teeth are forming?
- What should be done if you accidentally break or crack a tooth?
- At what age should you take your child to the dentist for first time?
- What X-ray pictures be taken of children's teeth?
- Why does tooth sensitivity occur?
- What causes tooth discoloration?
- What is dental bleaching?
- What is a crown?
- What is a bridge?
- What are Dental Implants?
- What is a composite resin?
- What is a Porcelain Laminate Veneer?
- How is a Crown different from a Veneer?
- When is a Root Canal Treatment needed?
- What are the major symptoms that calls for a R.C.T.?
- What is a wisdom tooth?
- What are the major complications caused by Wisdom Tooth?
- What are Braces?
- How long does a Braces treatment take?
1 What are
the types of teeth?
There are two types of teeth: the
primary, often called 'baby' or 'milk' teeth, and the permanent teeth. There
are 20 primary and 32 permanent teeth. In some persons, one or more of these
teeth may be absent, or there may be one or more extra, or supernumerary,
teeth.
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2 What is
a healthy tooth?
A healthy tooth is strong and clean
with solid bones and sound gums. It is free from cavities and decay.
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3
How does tooth decay start?
When food particles are left on the
teeth, especially sugary food, bacteria turn them into acid which eats way
into the Enamel*, then into the Dentine* and finally into the Pulp*. This
can be very painful. When the decay reaches the roots, the teeth may have to
be pulled out.
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4
What is gum disease?
Bacteria in Plaque can release
substance that irritate and inflame gum tissues. This condition is called
Gingivitis. When Plaque is not removed, it hardens around the gum line and
forms Tartar. The infection then spreads to the bone supporting the tooth
and eventually, the tooth may fall out. This is called Periodontal disease
or Pyorrhea. (A Periodontist like
Dr. Shalini Agarwal is
a qualified dentist to treat such cases of gum disease).
Gum diseases may also take the form of a gum boil
which results from infected pulp. As pus collects, it works its way through
the end of the root and into the jaw bone and pushes out the gum to resemble
a boil.
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5
How can tooth decay and gum disease be prevented?
Follow the 5 golden rules:
a) Eat foods enriched with vitamins
and minerals.
b) Avoid eating sweet or sticky
foods between meals.
C) Brush your teeth after every
meal.
d) Use trusted dental aids
recommended by dentists.
e) Visit the dentists once every
six months to ensure good dental health.
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6 When
should you consult your dentist?
At the appearance of any of the
following symptoms, consult your dentist immediately: toothache; bleeding
gums during brushing; persistent unpleasant breath; cavities; painful
sensations; teeth growing out of order; swollen, loose or flabby gums and
loose teeth.
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7
Is professional cleaning of the teeth necessary?
Yes, because even the most careful
and conscientious can leave some Plaque and Tartar deposits. Therefore, it
is usually necessary to have your dentist give your teeth a professional
cleaning every 6 months. Professional cleaning or scaling improves
periodontal health.
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8 What can
happen if missing teeth are not replaced by artificial teeth?
If missing are not replaced by
artificial teeth, the adjacent teeth will, over a period of time, lean into
the empty space. Food is likely to accumulate between the remaining teeth,
providing a breeding ground for decay-causing bacteria. Irregular spacing
also makes cleaning of teeth difficult and leads to formation of Tartar.
Further, the pressure caused by chewing is not properly distributed among
the remaining teeth. This uneven pressure may contribute to the destruction
of gums and bone. So removable or permanent artificial teeth that replace
the missing teeth will help you maintain your dental health.
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9 Should
you use a mouthwash?
You may use a mouthwash if you want
to freshen your breath temporarily. But do not expect
it to remove Plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Bad breath may
indicate some other bodily disorders. Do not mask these signs of trouble by
using mouthwash.
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10 What
harm can irregular or malformed permanent teeth do?
Irregular or malformed permanent
teeth can be hindrance to brushing which may lead to formation of Tartar on
the teeth, and finally, to tooth decay and gum disease. They also interfere
with chewing, good speech habits and appearance. For advice, consult your
dentist. He will recommend the necessary orthodontic treatment or a minor
surgery.
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11
What is the proper age at which to begin correcting irregular teeth?
An age of 8 years is ideal for a
child to correct his irregular teeth. The Dentist after diagnosing will
decide when the treatment
is necessary.
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12 Is
thumbsucking harmful to child's dental health?
Thumbsucking during the first year
or two of a child's life need not cause any concern. Any irregularities in
the position of teeth that is directly due to sucking habits will probably
correct itself if it corrects before the age of 5. After that however, thumb
or finger sucking may affect the position of the incoming teeth and shape of
the jaws. So, the child should be discouraged from sucking the thumbs or
fingers.
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13 What is
the relation between nutrition and dental health?
Calcium and phosphorous are
necessary for hardening of the tooth structures during the years of the
teeth are being formed. A balanced diet throughout life is adequate for
dental health.
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14 Should
you give your child calcium tablets while teeth are forming?
According to most authorities, the
best source of calcium is the daily diet. If a child eats a balanced diet
and drinks an adequate amount of milk, he will obtain all the calcium and
phosphorous he needs. Ask your dentist or doctor for any dietary supplement
if necessary.
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15 What
should be done if you accidentally break or crack a tooth?
You should visit your dentist
immediately. The dentist will probably take and x-ray examination and then
place medicated cement over the sensitive part of the fractured tooth. Or,
he may smoothen the rough edges of the break. If it is a serious fracture,
he may place a band or a crown over the tooth to protect it. If the tooth is
knocked out, try and rinse it in water and try and place it in the socket
from where it has detached, in case that does not fit well, wrap it in a wet cloth or place it
in milk. Then visit the dentist as early as possible. In many cases it is
possible to re-attach the tooth to the jaw so that it functions normally.
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16 At what
age should you take your child to the dentist for first time?
Your child's first visit to the
dentist should be when he is between 2 and 3 years of age. However, if a
child younger than 2 has a cavity, or his teeth are injured in an accident,
he should of course, be taken to a dentist for examination and the necessary
treatment.
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17 Should
X-ray pictures be taken of children's teeth?
Yes, if the dentist considers it
necessary for a detailed examination.
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18 Why
does tooth sensitivity occur?
a) Wrong/aggressive brushing can
wear down the enamel causing sensitivity.
b) Receding gums can expose the
roots of the teeth, causing pain.
c) After layers of Tartar are
scrapped off by the dentist, teeth could become sensitive to cold air.
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19 What
causes tooth discoloration?
Teeth can discolor due to variety
of reasons:
a) The commonest discoloration is
due to smoking or tobacco.
b) Food and beverages such as tea,
coffee, colas and red wine can be the culprit.
c) Age can cause a natural
darkening of teeth.
d) Certain medications such as
tetracycline, taken at very young age.
e) Increase exposure to fluoridated
water.
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20 What is
dental bleaching?
Dental bleaching is a procedure
where by certain bleaching agents are applied to the teeth in order to
remove external and internal stains thus leaving the teeth several shades
lighter.
[before]
[after]
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21 What is
a crown?
A crown is a cap that covers the
entire tooth to restore it to proper function and aesthetics. It can be made
of acrylic, metal or ceramic. To fit a crown the tooth needs to be shaped.
Crowns are either cemented or bonded onto the tooth.
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22 What is
a bridge?
A bridge replaces one or more
missing teeth. The teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are crowned and an
artificial tooth bridges the gap. Depending on the position and number of
the missing teeth, the number of supporting teeth will vary.
 [a bridge]
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23 What
are Dental Implants?
A Dental Implant is an artificial
fixture, usually made of titanium, which is placed surgically into the jaw
bone to substitute for a missing tooth and its root.
[figure shows a single tooth implant]
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24 What is
a composite resin?
A composite resin is a
tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide).
Composites are not only used to restore decayed areas, but are also used for
cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of teeth or
reshaping disfigured teeth.
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25 What is
a Porcelain Laminate Veneer?
Porcelain Laminate Veneers are
coating crafted out of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of a
tooth. These veneers greatly enhance the look of your smile with as little
discomfort as possible. These veneers are made to suit the patient's
individual needs and are indistinguishable from natural teeth.
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26 How is
a Crown different from a Veneer?
A Crown, often called a "cap"
covers the entire tooth, unlike a Veneer which covers only the front surface
of a tooth. A Crown requires more shaping of a tooth structure and is often
used to strengthen a weak or broken tooth. Crowns are extremely durable,
aesthetic and are commonly used in the front and the back of the mouth.
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27 When is
a Root Canal Treatment needed?
A Root Canal Treatment is needed
when a tooth's nerve and associated blood vessels are irreversibly damaged
either by trauma to the tooth or because of the tooth cavity. This results
in infection that may lead to an abscess at the base of the tooth.
   
[stage wise photographs of a R.C.T. treatement ]
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28 What
are the major symptoms that calls for a R.C.T.?
Following symptoms if persists
calls for a Root Canal Treatment:
a) Throbbing pain in the tooth.
b) Swelling in the jaw.
c) The tooth may be painful to chew
on.
d) Pain on consuming hot and/or
cold foods.
e) Teeth are severely worn out.
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29 What is
a wisdom tooth?
Wisdom tooth is the last tooth to
come in-and the ones last needed for good oral health. In most cases
they may do more harm than good.
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30 What
are the major complications caused by Wisdom Tooth?
The major complications caused by
the Wisdom Tooth may involve:
a) infection in the wisdom tooth or
the adjacent tooth.
b) Pain over the angle of the jaw.
c) Headache and other facial pains.
d) Inability to open mouth
properly.
e) Inflamed or swollen gums over
the affected area.
f) Pressure on adjacent teeth
leading to crowding.
(An oral surgeon like Dr.Arvind Agrawal is a qualified dentist to do wisdom Molar surgeries)
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31
What are Braces?
Braces are the most efficient and
accurate way of moving irregular teeth into normal and required form
and shape. Braces (bands,
brackets and wires) are usually made of stainless steel although clear
brackets are available, usually at extra cost. Fitting the braces usually
involves two visits. Braces remain on the teeth for the entire duration of
treatment.
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32 How
long does a Braces treatment take?
Orthodontic
treatment usually takes 18 - 24 months. Some cases may be finished earlier
and others may take longer to complete. The total treatment time depends on
the severity of the original malocclusion, the type of treatment carried
out, and the co-operation of the patient.
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