Complete information about Dental Sealants

Complete information about Dental sealants

Summary

Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to teeth that are at risk of decay. Although tooth decay in children has decreased, preventable decay still occurs. Combined with drinking fluoridated tap water and using a toothpaste with fluoride, sealants will virtually eliminate decay in the permanent teeth of many children. Sealants are safe and painless.

Sealants are thin (white or clear) plastic coatings that stick or bond to the surfaces of teeth. They are used to cover the chewing surface of back teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Sealants do not dissolve in saliva and are safe. They were developed in the 1960s and have been widely used since this time.

Sealants block the physical effects of early tooth decay

A combination of sealants (on teeth) and fluoride (in water or toothpaste) will virtually eliminate decay in the permanent (adult) teeth of many children.
In children:

• Fluoride in the water supply and toothpaste, and the School Dental Program, have reduced tooth decay.
• Decay is now much less common, although preventable decay still occurs.
• Most decay starts in the narrow pits and grooves on the biting surfaces of teeth in the back of the mouth. These narrow pits and grooves are too small for the bristles of toothbrushes to get in to clean.
• Bacteria from plaque living in the grooves can make acid, which may cause tooth decay.

Sealants fill up the grooves

Sealants painlessly fill and block up grooves that are too small for the toothbrush to clean.
Sealants:

• Are applied by a dentist, dental therapist or oral health therapist
• Fill and block up the small pits and grooves in the teeth to prevent decay
• Harden to form a tough layer that prevents decay occurring.
• Take a few minutes to apply to the teeth
• Are painless
• Do not require injections
• Do not require drilling.
• Can last from two to seven years, but may last up to 15 years
• Your dentist, dental therapist or oral health therapist should check sealants regularly.

Sealants are usually placed on permanent molars

The permanent molars found in the back of the mouth have the highest risk of tooth decay and benefit the most from the application of dental sealants. In most children, the first permanent molars appear about age six or seven years and the second molars about age 11 or 12 years.

How sealants are put on teeth

To apply sealants, the dental care provider will:

• Prepare teeth – clean and dry the tooth or teeth
• Apply sealant – a thin layer of plastic liquid is painted into the groove or pit, similar to how nail polish is painted onto a fingernail
• Set sealant – sealant is finally set using a special light.

Other tips for healthy teeth

Correct cleaning of your teeth and a healthy diet also helps to eliminate dental decay. Remember to:

• Clean your teeth at least twice a day after meals
• Eat a healthy diet and enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods
• Limit sugary foods and sweets especially between meals
• Drink plenty of tap water especially fluoridated water
• Have regular dental check-ups.

Where to get help

• Your dentist or oral health professional
• Your public oral health service
• Community dental clinic Tel. 1300 360 054
• The Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne, general dental enquiries Tel. (03) 9341 1000 or 1800 833 039 (from rural Victoria) Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
• Emergency Service Tel. 1300 360 054 Monday to Friday; 8.30am to 9.15pm, weekends and public holidays 9am to 9.15pm.

All children who are 12 years and under are eligible for priority public oral health services. Children receive general oral health advice as well as dental check-ups and treatment. For eligibility information, Dental Health Services Victoria Tel. 1300 360 054

Things to remember

• Sealants are applied onto teeth to protect them and prevent tooth decay.
• Sealants fill up the small grooves and pits on your teeth that are hard to clean.
• Regular cleaning of teeth, eating a healthy diet, limiting sugary foods and drinking plenty of tap water also helps to prevent tooth decay. 

Source : betterhealth

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Dental Erosion - dental erosion etiology diagnosis and prevention

Dental erosion

Summary

Dental erosion (also known as acid wear) is a common oral condition that leads to surface loss of adult and baby teeth. In its early stages, it can be difficult to detect, but as more tooth substance is lost, it is more easily detected. It is important to have regular dental check ups so that dental erosion can be detected and treated early to avoid future complex and lengthy treatment.

Dental erosion is the erosion of the surface of your teeth, including the tooth enamel, due to acids you eat or drink, or acids coming up from your stomach. These acids can dissolve the crystals that make up your teeth, which leads to tooth surface loss. Additionally, these acids can soften the tooth surface, making it easier for them to be worn away by abrasion or tooth grinding (acid wear).

Stomach acids can erode teeth

The stomach contains many strong acids that are used to digest food. Vomiting and reflux can cause these stomach acids to enter your mouth. Examples include bulimia, reflux (sometimes this can be occurring without you knowing), or morning sickness. The stomach acids are very strong and can cause substantial damage to the teeth.

Dietary sources of acid

It is surprising how many things that we eat and drink are acidic. One of the reasons for this is that acidic things taste nice. A number of common foods or drinks contain high levels of acid, including:

• soft drinks (sugar-free and sugar-containing)
• sports drinks
• energy drinks
• citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges)
• lemon-flavoured drinks or teas
• most fruit juices
• most cordials
• vitamin waters
• vitamin C tablets
• vinegar
• wine
• pre-mixed alcoholic drinks.

If you check the ingredient list of foods and drinks, you can see if food acids have been added. The ingredients are listed in order of their amount in the food, with the most being listed first, therefore the closer to the start of the list, the more acid the product will have in it. In particular, watch out for food acids 330 (citric acid) and 331 (sodium citrate), as citric acid is especially bad for teeth. For further information speak to your dental professional.

Symptoms of dental erosion

One sign of dental erosion is the loss of the surface of the tooth leading to a smooth, shiny appearance. Dental erosion can also make any exposed tooth root (dentine) sensitive to hot and cold. Signs of dental erosion on the back teeth include the formation of depressions on the biting surface of the teeth. Fillings may start to become more prominent if the surrounding tooth surface is dissolving away due to erosion.

Complications of dental erosion

Dental erosion, if untreated, can lead to the progressive loss of the surface of the tooth. The loss of tooth structure can require complex and lengthy treatment involving fillings, veneers, crowns and potentially root canal treatment. When the signs of dental erosion are detected, it is very important to determine the cause and modify it.

Prevention of tooth erosion

Dental erosion can be prevented by limiting contact of acids with the teeth. Some tips include:

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Drink fluoridated water rather than soft drink or juice.
• Eat fruit rather than drinking its juice.
• Reduce how often you eat or drink acidic things.
• Use a straw if you are drinking something acidic.
• Seek medical treatment for management of reflux or vomiting.
• Do not chew vitamin C tablets.
• Using sugar-free chewing gum after meals can promote saliva flow. Saliva is very important for protecting your teeth from erosion.

Following exposure to strong acids, you can help to neutralise the acid by:

• rinsing your mouth with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mouth rinse (1 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in a glass of water)
• consuming dairy products
• rinsing with water or a fluoride mouth rinse.

Tips to minimise tooth wear include:

• Use a soft-bristled tooth brush with a fluoridated toothpaste.
• Do not use abrasive toothpastes (some whitening toothpastes are more abrasive).
• Wear a splint if you grind your teeth at night.

Saliva can help reduce dental erosion

Saliva is a powerful natural defense against erosion. Saliva can wash acids out of your mouth into the stomach, it can neutralise acid, and it can repair the early stages of tooth softening by repairing tooth mineral. However, it cannot restore the lost tooth surface. A reduced flow of saliva (dry mouth) can increase your risk of dental erosion.

Stay well hydrated, as this improves your saliva. Remember that dehydration can reduce the amount of saliva you make, so drink lots of fluoridated water.

If you have a constant dry mouth, you may be at increased risk of dental erosion and you should consult your dental professional to identify the cause.

Causes of reduced saliva

Causes of reduced saliva may include:

• Medications – some medicines and drugs can affect your salivary glands and reduce the amount of saliva that they can make, leading to a dry mouth.
• Dehydration – working in a dry environment and not rehydrating often enough can lead to a decrease in saliva production. Also, excessive intake of caffeine found in coffee, tea, chocolate and cola drinks can reduce fluid levels in the body and reduce saliva.
• Some specific diseases or conditions affect the saliva glands. An example is Sjogren's syndrome.

Treatment for dental erosion

The lost surface of the tooth may need to be replaced with filling materials or crowns. Therefore, it is important to visit your dental professional regularly so that they can identify it early, determine the cause, and then work with you to develop strategies to prevent further dental erosion and tooth wear.

Where to get help

• Your dentist or oral health professional
• Your public oral health service
• Community dental clinic Tel. 1300 360 054
• The Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne,
  - General dental enquiries Tel. (03) 9341 1000 or 1800 833 039 (from rural Victoria) Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.
  - Emergency Service Tel. 1300 360 054 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 9.15pm, weekends and public holidays 9 am to 9.15 pm
• Australian Dental Association Tel. (03) 8825 4600

Things to remember

• Dental erosion is the dissolution of the surface of your teeth due to acids you eat or drink or acids coming up from your stomach.
• Saliva can wash acids out of your mouth into your stomach, it can neutralise acid and it can repair the early stages of tooth softening by repairing tooth mineral.
• Visit your dentist regularly to ensure early detection of erosion and thereby prevent further tooth surface loss. 

Source : betterhealth

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Protect Your Teeth - Fluoride (Dental Care)

Protect Your Teeth  -  Fluoride (Dental Care)

Summary

Fluoride is a mineral found in food, water, plants and toothpaste. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water helps protect teeth against decay.

Fluoride is a mineral found in food, water, plants and toothpaste. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water helps to protect teeth against decay. Water fluoridation is recommended by leading national and international health organisations.

Fluoride is a natural substance

Fluoride is not a medication. It is a mineral found naturally in rock, air, soil, plants and water. All fresh and sea water contains some fluoride.

Many foods and drinks naturally contain fluoride. It is also added to:

• Drinking water, where fluoride is added to the local water supply
• Fluoride toothpastes, gels and mouth rinses
• Fluoride products painted on the teeth by a dental professional.

Water fluoridation helps protect teeth against decay

Tooth decay occurs when acid attacks the surface of the tooth. Fluoride helps repair any damage before it becomes serious. A constant low-level supply of fluoride is best for this. Fluoride in your drinking water is like a constant ‘repair kit’ for your teeth.

Dental decay affects the community in many ways, including pain, suffering and cost.

Benefits of water fluoridation

Fluoride is helpful because it:

• Helps protect against tooth decay in children and adults
• Repairs weak spots that could become cavities (holes in teeth) on the surface of the tooth
• Reduces the amount of money people need to spend on dental treatment
• Saves the community money and time (away from work and school)
• Reduces discomfort and pain caused by tooth decay
• Provides a benefit to all people, especially individuals from low socioeconomic communities, who have less access to other forms of fluoride treatments.

Adult and baby teeth need protection from decay

Fluoride can help to protect young and old teeth because it:

• Helps protect against surface decay in older adults
• Helps protect against tooth decay in children
• Helps prevent early loss of baby teeth due to decay. Baby teeth are important because they help to guide the adult teeth developing underneath into the right place. Losing baby teeth early may result in the need for orthodontic treatment
• Helps prevent painful and costly dental complications like tooth abscess or other permanent tooth damage.

Other ways to help protect your teeth

Even if your water is fluoridated, it is important that you look after your teeth by:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly
• Having regular dental check-ups
• Using a toothpaste with fluoride in it.

Protecting your children’s teeth

Children’s teeth need particular protection as they develop. Suggestions include:

• Brushing teeth without toothpaste until the age of 18 months
• Introducing a low-fluoride toothpaste when a child is approximately 18 months old. Choose a low-fluoride toothpaste designed especially for children
• Using a child-size toothbrush with soft bristles
• Using only a pea-size amount of toothpaste, smeared over the toothbrush
• Encouraging children to spit out toothpaste, not swallow it. Don’t rinse
• Supervising children when they brush their teeth until you are sure they can do it well
• Continuing to use low fluoride toothpaste for children until they are six years old
• Don’t use fluoride supplements in the form of drops or tablets to be chewed or swallowed. They can affect the development of your child’s adult teeth.

If your drinking water is not fluoridated, seek professional dental advice about the use of fluoride toothpaste for children. A dental professional may advise more frequent use of fluoride toothpaste, commencement of toothpaste at a younger age or earlier commencement of use of standard toothpaste.

Dental fluorosis

Too much fluoride at an early age can cause a child’s adult teeth (which form underneath their baby teeth) to stain. This is called dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis looks like fine, pearly-white mottling, flecking or lines on the surface of the teeth; it is usually very hard to see. It cannot develop after teeth are fully formed and does not affect the function of the teeth. Dental fluorosis can occur in areas with or without water fluoridation.

By following the toothpaste guidelines above, the chance of dental fluorosis occurring can be minimised.

If fluoride is not the cause of staining of the teeth, it is not called dental fluorosis. Mottling of the teeth may be caused by other things including

• Injury to the teeth
• Certain medications
• Childhood infections.

Water quality and fluoride

Water fluoridation does not noticeably change your water. Some facts about fluoride and the quality of your water are:

• Adding fluoride to the water does not change the taste or smell of your drinking water, as fluoride has no taste or smell.
• Your local water authority will be able to tell you if your supply has fluoride added to it.
• All Australian capital cities have fluoride added to the water.
• Boiling the water does not significantly change the levels of fluoride added.
• Most home water filters do not remove fluoride, with the exception of reverse osmosis systems.

Safety and water fluoridation

Water fluoridation is supported by leading Australian and international health, medical and dental organisations due to the following:

• The latest evidence confirms that water fluoridation is a safe and effective way to help protect teeth against decay.
• There is no evidence that fluoride in water fluoridation programs affects bone development or causes hip fractures or cancer.
• Fluoride is added to water in carefully controlled amounts. The total amount of fluoride in the water is monitored on a regular basis.
• Only very small amounts are used.

Water fluoridation is recommended

Many leading local, national and international health organisations endorse water fluoridation, including:

• World Health Organization
• Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council
• Public Health Association of Australia
• Australian Medical Association
• Australian Dental Association
• FDI World Dental Federation
• Australian Institute of Environmental Health
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
• Cancer Council Victoria
• Diabetes Australia Victoria Tel. 1300 136 588
• Arthritis Australia
• Osteoporosis Australia
• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

Where to get help

• Water Fluoridation Information Line, Department of Health Tel. 1800 651 723
• Your dental professional
• Your local water authority

Things to remember

• Fluoride helps protect everyone’s teeth from decay.
• Use the correct fluoride toothpaste for children.

Source : betterhealth

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10 Tips To Protect Your Teeth and Look after Your Teeth

Protect Your Teeth

10 Tips To Protect Your Teeth and Look after Your Teeth

Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Here are some tips to help you look after your teeth.




Tips : 

1. Brush at least twice a day. The best time to brush teeth is after meals. Choose a toothbrush with a small head for better access to back teeth. Soft bristles are kinder on your gums.
2. Use fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride helps to harden tooth enamel and reduces your risk of decay.
3. Brush thoroughly. Tooth brushing should take between two and three minutes.
4. Floss your teeth daily. Use a slow and gentle sawing motion.
5. Limit acidic drinks like soft drinks, cordials and fruit juices. Food acids soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, causing holes (cavities or caries). In severe cases, teeth may be ‘eaten’ right down to the gum.
6. Limit sugary foods. Bacteria in dental plaque change sugars into acids.
7. Protect your teeth from injury. Wear a mouthguard or full-face helmet when playing sports.
8. Try to save a knocked out tooth. If possible, hold the tooth back in place while you seek immediate dental advice. If this is not possible, wrap the tooth in plastic or place it in milk and seek dental advice immediately.
9. Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food. If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth.
10. See your dentist for regular check-ups. You should also visit your dentist if you have a dental problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums. 

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