Oral Hygiene

Teeth cleaning is the removal of dental plaque and tartar from teeth in order to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Severe gum disease causes at least one-third of adult tooth loss.

Generally, dentists recommend that teeth be cleaned professionally at least twice per year. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling, tooth polishing, and, if too much tartar has built up, debridement. This is usually followed by a fluoride treatment for children and adults.

Between cleanings by a dental hygienist, good oral hygiene is essential for preventing tartar build-up which causes the problems mentioned above. This is done by carefully and frequently brushing with a toothbrush and the use of dental floss to prevent accumulation of plaque on the teethx

DENTAL X-RAYS

Dental X-rays are pictures of the teeth, bones, and surrounding soft tissues to screen for and help identify problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. X-ray pictures can show cavities, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination. Dental X-rays may also be done as follow-up after dental treatments.

ORAL CANCER

Oral cancer is any cancerous tissue growth located in the mouth. It may arise as a primary lesion originating in any of the oral tissues, by metastasis from a distant site of origin, or by extension from a neighboring anatomic structure, such as the nasal cavity or the maxillary sinus. Oral cancers may originate in any of the tissues of the mouth, and may be of types. Oral or mouth cancer most commonly involves the tissue of the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the floor of the mouth, cheek lining, gingiva (gums), or palate (roof of the mouth). Most oral cancers look very similar under the microscope and are called squamous cell carcinoma. These are malignant and tend to spread rapidly.

ON GUM DISEASE & PERIODONTAL DISEASE 

Over time, levels of more dangerous types of bacteria build up within tartar. Mean and vengeful, these bacteria produce toxins that irritate and inflame the gums. This condition is known as gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease - a condition where bacteria and their toxins invade not only the gums, but also the bones and the structures supporting your teeth. This damages the bones of the jaw and causes teeth to fall out.

Surprisingly, this bacterial invasion is not the only thing that damages gum tissue. Your body's own immune system ends up contributing to the destruction of your gums.

Normally, your body produces chemicals called cytokines and collagenases that fight off bacterial infection. This is designed only for short term infections.

If the infection is long-standing, like that associated with gum disease, these chemicals start to turn against your very own body, furthering damaging gums, connective tissue, and the bones holding your teeth in place.