# Causes for removal of tooth/teeth:-
– Most common cause for tooth removal is damaged or grossly decayed tooth.
– Tooth/ teeth with abscesses & swelling.
– Most common reason for tooth removal in Adults is periodontitis.
– Tooth with fracture line & fractured teeth.
– Peaple getting orthodontic treatment/braces may require removal of teeth that are being moved into place.
– Wisdom teeth somethimes get stuck in the jaw (i.e. get impacted) may require extraction/removal.

# Procedure for tooth removal/extraction-
–> Before doing tooth extraction dentist/oral surgeon will take Medical & Dental history of patient.
–> Dentist/oral surgeon will then evaluate tooth by clinically & if requiredradiograph (X ray / IOPA) will be taken.
–> Then Dentist/Oral Surgeon will proceed with extraction (removal) of tooth if patient dosenot have any severe medically compromised codition or any other complication/contraindication.
–> Tooth extraction (removal) can be done by two ways:-
1. Simple ( Closed/Forcep) Extraction.
2. Open (Surgical) Extraction.
–> Time required for tooth extraction (removal) may vary depending upon tooth condition & extraction method.
Open (Surgical) Extraction procedure is completed by dentist in 15-30 minuites.
–> Simple extraction procedure is done by Dentist/Oral Surgeon under local anaesthesia which is given to numb the tooth & when the tooth & surrounding mucosa is anaesthetized, Dentist/Oral Surgeon will proceed with tooth extraction procedure.

Tooth extraction procedure involves removal of tooth from its bony socket which require loosening of soft tissue attachment from tooth & luxation of tooth using dental extraction instrument. Lastly removal of tooth from its bony socket is done with the help of
specific dental dental forcep. Then after careful inspection of extraction socket dentist will give guaze pack to stop bleeding & to achieve hemostais.
Postoperative/Postextraction instruction are given to the patient.

–> Postoperative instruction given to patient after a simple or closed extraction–
Following Postextraction instruction is very essential to avoid unnecessary pain or complications os infection or swelling.

# Immedediately after extraction–
* Bite on the cotton guazepack placed over extraction site for 45 minutes to 1 hour, after that remove it gently.
* Maintain contant pressure or guaze ( No talking or chewing).
* Do not spit or suck through a straw. If bleeding persists at home, place a clean guaze pad over the sockt & bite it firmly for 30 minutes.
* You can also bite on a moistereed tea bag for thirty minutes. (Tannic acid in the tea bag helps to from a clot by contracting bleeding venels).
* Some blood will ooze from the area of surgery for several hours which is normal.
* Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound with tongue etc following extraction.
* To minimize any swelling, you can place ice packs to the side of face over extraction area.
* Take prescribed pain medication as soon as possible.
* Get plenty of rest at least 8-10 hours of sleep 7 avoid vigorous excercize during first 24 hours after tooth removal.
* Do not smoke under any circumstances (atleast for 48 hrs after surgery).

– > Diet
* Use soft or liquid diet high in protein.
* Drink large amount of water & fruit juices (Do not use straw).
* Avoid hot food for a whole day after tooth removal.

# Some important points to be taken into considenration–>
* Some pain or discomfort is normal after tooth removal surgery which can be controlled by taking pain medication prescibed by your dentist / oral surgeon.
* Donot drive an automobile or work around heavy machinery under pain medication.
* Do not mix alcohol & pain medication.
* Swelling after surgery is normal body reaction, applying icepacks over the area for the first 24 hours and not longer than 20 minutes at a time, helps to control swelling.
Do not use hot fermentation (do not apply heat).

* Low grade temperature (99-100F) for 7-10 days following tooth removal is normal.

* You may experience some mild bruising in the area of surgery, which is also normal and will dissapear in 7-14 days.

* If sutures/stitches were placed in the area of tooth extracted then your dentist/oral surgeon will tell when sutures/stitches need to be removed (usually in about a week and if sutures are self-dissolving they don’t require removal).

* Contact your dentist for any doubt or severe discomfort.

But how many of us, in our busy lifestyle actually stop and think about dental health care? With the advent of innovative snacks and fast foods as well as innovation of technology such as television, computers, mobiles, internet etc , lifestyles of a person has changed drastically which is affecting physical, social and overall body health so as dental health!

How lifestyle affects dental health -

Lifestyle is separate factor that can influence oral health biologically.
Studies have shown that there is inverse relation between frequency of tooth brushing to dental caries. Oral hygiene habits are correlated with healthy food consumption, use of vitamines and regular physical activities among adolescents (Nutbeam et al 1989).
Relationship between general health, social factors and oral health in woman at age of retirement were analyzed in studies by P Norlen, H Ostberg and A L Bjorn. The study was performed in Malmo in 1985-86 included 165 women retiring from work. Women with high intake of energy had more decayed tooth surfaces than other women. Edentulous women and women with removable dentures consumed more coffee than those women with many remaining teeth.
Components of lifestyle like dietary habits, oral hygiene practices (such as brushing ,flossing), smoking, alcohol consumption affects dental health.
People with less active life style had more symptoms related to teeth and gums and they visit dentist less often (Peterson and Nortov 1989).

How diet affects dental health -

Frequency and type of diet always have prominent effect on dental health. Fibrous food is more beneficial than high calorie highly cooked food for keeping good oral hygiene.
Snacks in between meals have negative (inverse) relation with decay of teeth or say ‘dental caries’.
Sugar is a principal factor that cause dental caries. The sugars containing dental caries, in decreasing order of cariogenicity are Sucrose, Glucose and Fructose.
In 1967, Ernest Newburn described Sucrose as ‘the arch criminal of dental caries’. This statement was based upon studies of sugar consumption per capita which shown that high caries prevalance was associated with high sugar consumption.
Vipeholm studies (1945-55) were done on patients of Vipeholm Mental Hospital in Lund, Sweden, which shown that frequency of eating and nature of sugar-containing food influenced cariogenicity. Sticky form of sugars like Caramel and chocolates are shows more cariogenicity.
No doubt sucrose is responsible for dental caries. The easiest way to prevent caries is to eliminate sucrose from the diet, but it is very difficult because sucrose is very rich source of energy available in plenty amount and most importantly it is cheap. Majority of people enjoy eating food containing sucrose.
So there have been many attempts to identify non cariogenic sugar substitute for sucrose. Some of them are Xylitol, Sorbitol, Saccharine and Cyclamate. But due to unmatching properties with sucrose, these substitutes are not being used widely. In early 1970′s studies led by professors Kauko K Makinen and Arje Scheinin (University of Turku, Finland), first discovered positive uses of xylitol in dentistry and proved that xylitol is an important supplement in prevention of dental caries.
Intake of sugar is essential for overall health however dietary control is the most important factor in prevention of dental caries.

Thus, Balanced ‘Diet’ and Healthy ‘Lifestyle’ is the important need to raise ‘Dental Health’ status.

Keep Reading..!!!
~ magicaldentistry

So What is Gum Disease and its causes?

Gum disease (Periodontal disease) is caused mainly by bacteria from present in ‘plaque associated with gums’. These bacteria in plaque produces acids and other toxins which destroy bones and tissues surrounding and supporting teeth.
There are numerous other factors causing gum diseases such as
- Hereditary and genetic factors
- Tobacco and Gutka chewing
- Ciggarette smoking
- Excessive masticatory (chewing) forces on teeth
- Certain medictions
- Some conditions like Pregnancy and Puberty.
- Certain diseases.

There are two types of gum diseases gingivitis and periodontitis (pyorrhea).
Gum disease start with ‘redness’ and ‘inflammation’ of gums (gingiva) which is known as gingivitis. ‘Bleeding through gums’ while brushing can be observed mainly in moderate to severe gingivitis. In severe cases gums become swelled and inflammed. Gingivitis is reversible condition which can be preventable and curable.
In advance stages, gingivitis convert into periodontitis (pyorrhea) which further involves periodontal tissues and alveolar bone supporting tooth. Due to loss of periodontal structure teeth become loose and roots of the teeth can be seen. Periodontitis is irreversible condition and major reason of loss of teeth in adults. So it is better to take preventive measures to avoid it. Though in old age periodontitis is almost unavoidable but we need to take preventive measures to avoid periodontitis in early ages.

Preventive Measures -

Though type of gum diseases caused due to hereditary and genetic factors, old age etc are almost unavoidable but taking some preventive measure we can prevent almost all other gum diseases.
Those preventive measure includes -
- Regular brushing and flossing of teeth to remove plaque from teeth which helps to minimise chances of gum disease to occur.
- If tartar (calculus) is present in teeth then the only way to remove it is to visit your dentist office and get teeth cleaned professionally by dentist.
- Regular dental check up is very essential.

Treatment of gum diseases may include oral prophylaxis, medication such as oral rinses and medicated gels or may require periodontal surgery in advance stages.

So keep Gums healthy and Stay away from gum diseases..
.
Keep Reading..!!!

As we know tooth decay is bacterial process which cause mainly due to accumulation of food debris and tartar (plaque, calculus) on surface of tooth. So it is necessary to keep your teeth clean and prevent accumulation of food on surfaces of teeth. By maintaining good oral hygiene habits and proper eating habits anyone can prevent tooth decay.
So here are some basic things and oral hygiene methods to follow which helps preventing tooth decay.

1. Brushing and flossing your teeth -
Brushing your teeth by using proper brushing techniue twice a day using toothpaste containing fluoride helps to clean food debris accumulated on tooth surface.
Flossing everyday is best way to remove food debris in between our teeth.

2. Using mouthrinse -
Using antimicrobial mouthries prescribed by dentist for specific time period can help to reduce plaque accumulated on surfaces of teeth.
Daily use of warm gargle is best practice which is proven advantageous medically for various conditions.
Water gargles after every meal helps to prevent food lodgement on teeth.

3. Eating Habits -
Eating habits have an effect on tooth decay and plays very importaet role in process of tooth decay.
Sticky food and food containing large amount of sugars such as chocolates, cakes, jelleys, soft drinks need control and limiting intake of such type of food minimises chances of tooth decay. Sticky food remain glued to tooth surface and helps plaque to grow.
Fibrous food such as green vegetables, carrots, roots, etc should be included in every meal. Fibres are natural cleansers of teeth they helps to maintain teeth clean. So prefer fibrous food over highly cooked food which definitely help to reduce caries incidence. Consult you dietician for having diet chart and take balanced diet.

4. Visit your dentist -
Regular check up and treatment is helpful in for preventing tooth decay. Some cavities in teeth especially cavities between two teeth i.e. proximal caries are not visible to naked eyes or with diagnostic hand instruements, in such situation you might need radiograph/Xray of teeth.
Dentists may place sealants on chewing surfaces of teeth which act as shield against bacterial process of tooth decay, this sealant placement is done mostly in children in the area of deep fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth which are difficult to clean.

These are some basic method to follow to avoid cavities in teeth.

So what actually tooth decay is?

Tooth decay is the process of destruction and demineralization of tooth by acids produced by bacteria which are present in food debris or tartar accumulated on tooth surface.
In scientific language cavities in teeth are known as ‘Dental Caries’.
Before going to process of tooth decay we need to know about tooth anatomy. Tooth can be divided into two parts, the upper white portion which we is visible in mouth is ‘Crown’ portion of tooth and the portion which is covered by gums (gingiva) and present in alveolar bone (bone supporting tooth) is known as ‘Root’.

Crown is composed of tooth enamel, dentin and pulp.
Enamel is the outermost covering which is the hardest substance in our body. It gives whiteness and translucency to our teeth and also protect tooth from constant wear and tear of teeth while chewing, brushing etc.
Tooth Pulp is innermost structure in tooth which is made up of blood vessels and nerves which provide nutrition and senses to our tooth, whereas dentin is present in between enamel and pulp.

Dental Caries (tooth decay) is bacterial process. Not all bacteria present in oral flora are pathogenic . There are specific bacteria which cause tooth decay. Pathogenic Bacteria present in food debris, plaque accumulated on tooth surface uses sugars from foods and drinks along with saliva to thrive and multiply. They also require nutrition present in tooth pulp and start destruction of organic matter and demineralisation of inorganic matter (calcium, phosphate etc) present in enamel and dentin of tooth with the help of acids produced by them. With this process of slow and continual destruction of tooth structure bacteria slowly advance towards pulp. This process of destruction of tooth by bacteria forms cavity in tooth, we call it as tooth decay.
Clinically tooth decay can be observed as black spot or cavity in tooth. The process of decay start with opaque patch or black pin-point spot on tooth surface and if ignored and treatment not taken, it may end up with gross decay of tooth structure. Tooth pulp contains nerves for sensory functions so when tooth decay involves pulp one may experience very severe pain. Tooth decay may be associated with abscess and swelling of area involved which might be due to pulpal infection and collection of pus.

In this way process of decay start and proceed. There are some methods and good habits following which we can prevent tooth decay. In next article we will see ‘ How to prevent tooth decay ‘.

5. Toothache (tooth pain and Fractured teeth) -
Toothache is pain in tooth which may be due to various reasons like tooth decay, tooth sensitivity or fractured teeth etc.
You can consult your dentist and know about underlying cause. Most of the times radiographs (Xray) of tooth/teeth is necessary to detect the cause of tooth pain.

6. Oral sores (oral ulcers) -
Oral sores/ulcers commonly known as mouth ulcers are sometimes painful and bothersome which cause discomfort.
Most common among them are oral apthous ulcer (Canker Sores). Some other types are blisters, cold sores, thrush etc.
There are many reasons for occurence of canker sores such as stress, local trauma, nutritional deficiency etc. Their treatment depend upon underlying cause and severity. However minor apthous ulcers (canker sores) can be treated by warm saline gargles, application of medicaments as prescribed by dentist.

7. Unesthetic appearance -
Some patient complains about unesthetic or unattractive appearance of teeth such as irregular teeth, forwardly placed teeth, spacing in teeth, discolored or yellowish teeth. Unesthetic appearance results in unattractive smile which in turn may lower a persons self-esteem.
Luckily, due to advancement in dentistry and dental treatment anyone can have beautiful smile with the help of Cosmetic Dental Treatment. Cosmetic Dental Treatment include straightening of irregular teeth, bleaching of teeth, dental veneers etc.

8. Tooth Attrition and Tooth erosion -
Attrition of tooth is the loss of tooth structure by mechanical forces from opposing teeth, it occure due to constant wear and tear of teeth whereas tooth erosion is loss of tooth structure caused by acids attacking the tooth enamel.
The most common cause of attrition is Bruxism, characteristic feature of attrition of tooth is developement of facet, facets are characterised by flat surface with circumscribed and well defined border.
Tooth Erosion can cause mild dental problem from tooth discoloration and sensitivity to more severe dental problems like indentation of teeth or cracked teeth.

So these are some Oral (Dental) health related problems apart from these there are so many problems, condition and diseases such as dental fluorosis, oral cancer etc which we will see in next articles.

Keep Reading…!!!

In this article we are going to read about common oral or say dental health problems which we experience in our day to day life.

1. Bad breath (Halitosis) -
Bad breath is also known as Halitosis which is the most common oraodental health issue and can be embarrassing.
some common oral (dental) causes which lead to bad breath/Halitosis are gum diseases, accumulation of tartar and food debris on teeth, tooth cavities, dry mouth, accumulation of bacteria on tongue and so on. Other systemic conditions like gastrointestinal disturbances may also lead to Halitosis.
Halitosis can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene and by treating the root cause for condition.

2. Gum diseases (Periodontal diseases) -
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is the infection in gums and periodontium (i.e. tissues that surrounds and support teeth).
Two major stages of gum disease are Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Initially gum disease start as gingivitis which is inflammation of gums (gingiva) which if persists later on progress and involves alveolar bone (bone supporting teeth) is know as periodontitis which is an irreversible condition.
Studies have shown that periodontitis is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.
Gum diseases can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkup and treatment.

3. tooth decay (cavities in teeth) -
Tooth Decay or say Cavities in teeth is very common and major oral/dental health problem.
Tooth decay is decomposition and demineralisation of tooth by acids produced by bacterias with the help of food debris and plaque accumulated on teeth surface.
Tooth decay is know as ‘Dental Caries’ in scientific term.
Tooth decay (dental caries) is also preventable. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check ups and also by avoiding snacks in between meal and intake of drinks which are high in sugar.

4. Sensitivity in teeth -
Sensitivity in teeth is pain or discomfort in teeth from cold water, ice cream, hot drinks, sweets or even with brushing or flossing.
You can get good treatment for tooth sensitivity from your dentist.

In part two ‘ common oral and dental health problems ‘ we will discuss about some other common oral (dental) problems like Toothache and fractured teeth, Oral Sore (oral ulcers), unesthetic or unattractive teeth appearance and tooth attrition and tooth erosion.

Keep Reading…!!!

Many people visit dental clinic when they have severe tooth pain. Pain in tooth or Toothache is the most common chief complaint by the dental patients.

Toothache usually described as pain in teeth, pain in jaws. Pain may be very severe or it may be mild. Sometime there is throbbing type of pain and sometimes it is lancinating or piercing type of pain.
Tooth pain may be acute unbearable type or chronic mild to sharp type. The pain may be aggrevated by chewing or by drinking cold or hot.

Most common causes of toothache are related to cavities in tooth, dentin exposed tooth, cracked tooth, swelling in the gums, gum diseases, temporo-mandibular joint diseases, spasms of masticatory or chewing muscles.

A thorough dental/oral check up, history of pain and type of pain can help to determine the cause of pain in tooth/toothache.
Dental X-rays play an important role in diagnosis and exact cause of toothache. Intraoral X-rays are essential diagnostic aids.

1. Brushing your teeth regularly -
Brushing your teeth by using ‘proper brushing techniue’ twice a day using toothpaste containing fluoride helps to clean plaque and food debris accumulated on tooth surface.
Brushing twice a day is is recommonded but thorough cleaning once daily in the morning is also sufficient. Remember it is not important ‘how many times you brush teeth’ or ‘how long you brush your teeth’, what important is ‘how cleanly you brush your teeth’.
Clean brushing never mean that you need to brush very hard giving lot of pressure against tooth surfaces. You need to give gentle strokes while brushing your teeth. Usually ‘soft’ to ‘medium’ type of brush is recommonded for brushing but you need to consult your dentist for ‘type of brush you need’.
Improper brushing technique may injure or damage your teeth. There are some guidelines to know ‘How to Brush teeth’ properly.

2. Flossing your teeth -
Flossing everyday is best way to remove plaque in between teeth, which is very difficult to remove by toothbrush. Floss may come as waxed or unwaxed/plain thread. It is necessary to know ‘How to floss’ properly.

3. Use of mouthrinse -
Using antimicrobial mouthrinses prescribed by dentist for specific time period can help to reduce plaque accumulated on surfaces of teeth.
Daily use of warm gargle is best practice which is proven advantageous medically for various conditions.
Water gargles after every meal helps to prevent food lodgement on teeth.

4. Eating Habits -
Eating habits have an effect on tooth decay and plays very importaet role in process of tooth decay.
Sticky food and food containing large amount of sugars such as chocolates, cakes, jelleys, soft drinks need to be controlled. Limiting intake of such type of food minimises chances of tooth decay. Sticky food remain glued to tooth surface and helps plaque to grow.
Fibrous food such as green vegetables, carrots, roots, etc should be included in every meal. Fibres are natural cleansers of teeth they helps to maintain teeth clean. So prefer fibrous food over highly cooked food which definitely help to reduce caries incidence. Consult you dietician for having diet chart and take balanced diet.

5. Visit your dentist for regular check up and follow-up -
Regular check up and treatment is helpful in for preventing tooth decay or most of the oral diseases. Dental check-up for every 6 months is recommended. And after dental treatment follow-up is essential.

Plaque is biofilm which is soft, sticky, colorless to plain yellow deposit which forming continually on our tooth surfaces and gums. Plaque provide hub for continuous accumulation and growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Plaque can be controlled by regular brushing and flossing of teeth and maintaining proper dietary habits.

During initial phases of formation of plaque, plaque is soft however it starts to harden within 48 hours and in about 10 days it become dental calculus which is also known as tartar.

Tartar (calculus) is formed by continual accumulation of minerals from saliva on plaque over teeth. Being rough tartar (calculus) provides ideal medium for further formation of plaque. Once deposited tartar(calculus) can’t be cleaned or removed by brushing or flossing so one has to visit dentist for cleaning of teeth professionally.

Hence, it is necessary to keep you teeth ‘plaque-free’ because plaque is the root cause for majority of dental diseases.