Caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. While dental caries might not endanger your life, it may negatively impact your quality of life.
When your teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. These deposits combine with the bacteria that normally reside in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque form acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, often resulting in tooth decay.
Gum Disease
Gum or periodontal disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage. Fortunately, gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of disease (gingivitis) can bleed easily and become red and swollen.
One of our primary goals as pediatric dentists is to help children acquire excellent daily home oral hygiene habits. As adolescence begins, our children already know what to do to keep their gums healthy. The prevention of periodontal disease is especially important in our teen-aged orthodontic patients population.
Canker Sores
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.
Orthodontic Problems
A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited or may be acquired. Causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions.
