Dentists are doctors who specialize in treating the mouth and its surrounding tissues. They also help identify systemic diseases and illnesses that sometimes show up first in the oral cavity. The terms dentist and dentistry are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Understanding the difference is critical for anyone who cares about their oral health.
Tooth decay is a painful and progressive disease that starts with black, brown or white stains on any surface of a tooth. It can also cause sensitivity, pain or even a hole in the tooth.
Dental Hygiene
A dental hygienist is a preventive healthcare professional that graduates from an accredited program at a college or university and is licensed by the state. They can work in hospitals, private practices, dentist’s offices, and other locations.
They clean teeth and perform x-rays and exams to identify tooth decay, gum disease and other problems. They instruct patients on oral hygiene and preventative care to reduce the risk of these health problems.
A dental hygienist may also apply fluoride to help reduce tooth decay. If you are at a high risk for cavities or have already had one, ask your dentist about using a fluoride mouth rinse at home. They will recommend a brand that is right for you. Also, drinking tap water with fluoride increases your protection against tooth decay.
Preventing Cavities
In addition to brushing teeth, flossing and avoiding sugary snacks and drinks, it is important to drink fluoridated water, and see your dentist regularly. The earlier a cavity is detected, the sooner it can be repaired.
When bacteria in the mouth eat sugar, it creates acid that can damage the outer layer of the tooth called enamel. Over time, this process can lead to a hole in the tooth (cavity). The tooth can’t repair itself once the enamel is damaged, and so a dental filling is required.
Preventing cavities is easy for most people by following a good oral hygiene routine, limiting sugary foods and drinks, using fluoride toothpaste, eating nutritious snacks, and drinking plenty of water. Taking medications or suffering from certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of developing cavities, as these may reduce saliva flow and make it harder to remove plaque.
Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that affects the gum tissues, bones, and fibers that hold teeth in place. It begins with swollen, red, and bleeding gums, and, if not treated, can destroy the bone and tissue that supports your teeth, leading to tooth loss. Gum disease is reversible if it is caught and treated early.
Regular dental cleanings are the best way to prevent gum disease. Your dentist will remove bacterial plaque and tartar that your toothbrush or floss cannot reach. Also, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a disease caused by bacteria that convert sugars in foods into acids that attack and destroy tooth enamel. It’s a preventable disease, and the earliest stages of tooth decay are reversible. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss between your teeth daily and rinse with mouthwash that contains fluoride.
Tooth decay most often affects the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars). These teeth have a lot of grooves, pits and crannies that collect food particles and are harder to clean than your front teeth. Ask your dentist about sealants, a plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surface of molars to protect them from decay.
Watch for signs of tooth decay, such as sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks, persistent bad breath or a noticeable hole in a tooth. If you see any of these symptoms, visit your dentist right away.
Preventing Bad Breath
Although bad breath is usually caused by food debris and plaque, it can also be a sign of underlying problems such as sinuses, acid reflux, diabetes or liver and kidney disease. In these cases, oral hygiene practices, avoiding foods that cause halitosis, using mouth rinse and taking medications that are prescribed may help.
Brushing teeth for two minutes twice a day and flossing at least once removes trapped food and prevents bad breath. In addition, drinking at least six to eight glasses of water each day keeps the body hydrated and reduces bad breath. And, seeing a dentist for an oral exam and professional dental cleaning at least twice a year can help find and treat issues that cause halitosis. The Penn Dental Medicine team can help you with these prevention strategies and treatment options for halitosis.