Dental >> Sports Dentistry

Sports Dentistry

Sports dentistry is bit different from non - athlete dentistry. Method of treatment varies for athletes and people participating in contact sports. Injuries occurred in sports related to mouth or oral cavities are considered as sports dentistry.

Precautions for athletes to prevent injury to mouth:

1. Mouth guard: Mouth guard is a special type of prosthesis which protects teeth from injury. It covers all teeth and does not allow direct impact on teeth. Different types of mouth guard are:

• Stock Mouth guard

• Boil and Bite Mouth guard

• Custom fit mouth guard

Stock mouth guard offers least amount of protection and is available in all sport stores. The main disadvantage of these mouth guards are they don't fit properly in mouth either they are loose or too tight which can pinch gingiva and other soft tissues of mouth.

Boil and bite mouth guards are better as compared to stock mouth guards. These are also available in all sports stores. All you need is to put these mouth guards in hot water and then place mouth guard in mouth; it will itself adjust in mouth. Its better if you take help of dentist to get it fit properly.

Custom fit mouth guards are made by dentist in dental clinics. These are quite expensive, but provide better protection against injuries.

2. Do not ignore even minor injuries like fracture of the tip of tooth or gum injuries. Always consult dentist for needful treatment.

3. Do not leave fracture restorations or faulty restorations as it is. If you find any carious lesion in teeth, always get restored as early as possible.

4. Always prefer removable prosthesis rather than fixed prosthesis. After retirement from sports you can switch to fixed prosthesis.

Dental >> Health Care for Children

Dental or oral health care of children starts from the day when baby is born. Few simple steps which can contribute to healthy teeth are:

• Always wipe off gums after feeding the baby.
• Try to avoid bottle feeding as far s possible.
• Never allow baby to sleep with milk bottle in his mouth.
• Once your child starts going to play school, teach him how to brush. Brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste avoid caries.
• Teach him good oral habits. For example, rinsing after every meal and brushing twice a day.
• Avoid thumb sucking habit. Teeth start protruding outside if this continues for a long time.
• Avoid sweets and sugary snacks in between the meal, this can lead to cavities.
• Young children tend to swallow toothpaste, so take proper care and do not allow them to swallow as toothpaste contains fluoride.
• Regular dental checkups are useful to have a proper record of baby’s teeth.
• During teething always take care of dental hygiene. Tethers or gum soothers used should be properly washed and clean.

Dental >> Anxiety and Phobia

What is Dental Phobia?

Dental phobia is basically a fear from dental treatment or from injection in mouth. Many people do not make Dentist appointment only because of phobia and keep on delaying the problem until it becomes worse.

What are the symptoms of Dental anxiety?

Symptoms of Dental anxiety are as follows:

• Tingling sensation in hands and feet

• Trembling

• Nausea

• Sweating

• Tightness in chest

• Shortness of breath

• Slipping of tongue

• Difficulty in speech

What are the preventive measures to overcome Dental anxiety?

Some of the different ways to control anxiety are:

• Try to communicate with patient as much as you can and explore the reason of anxiety.

• Try to cover short treatment procedures in first visit if possible.

• Always use simple words in speech.

• Music plays very important role in controlling anxiety. Always play some soothing or soft music in Dental clinic.

• Sterilization room should not be visible from treatment room, there should be some partition in between two rooms.

Dental >> Treatment during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the phase in women life, when extensive care is taken by her family and dear ones. During this phase excessive medicines and treatments are avoided if not necessary. But, anyhow if sudden toothache starts during pregnancy then 2nd Trimester is the ideal time. Regular dental checkups during pregnancy are advisable as some women develop swollen gums or gums infection due to rise in hormone level during pregnancy.  X- Rays taken in dental treatment can be avoided till birth because they can cause negative effect on baby. General care of teeth to be taken during pregnancy is as follows:

•  Always brush twice a day to keep your teeth healthy.

•  Avoid too long dental visits.

•  Baby first teeth develop during first three months of pregnancy. Try to avoid sugary food during this period.

•  Whenever you visit Dentist, do not forget to tell that you are pregnant.

• Use dental floss, twice a day as shown in figure.

•  Teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures can be postpones until the birth.

Above are list of common dental care during pregnancy. Follow thumb rule that only 2nd trimester is safe for Dental treatment.

Dental >> Home Remedies

Home remedies for Teeth whitening:

• Strawberry paste is known for its teeth whitening effect. It has enzymes, which makes teeth bright and shiny. Crush some strawberries and make paste out of it, then apply this paste on toothbrush and brush your teeth. But after brushing with strawberry paste, brush your teeth with normal toothpaste. Continuous use of strawberries makes teeth look white and bright.

• Soda bicarbonate is another whitening agent which is known for its bleaching properties. It is easily available in every kitchen; apply it on the toothbrush to remove stains. Prolonged use of soda bicarbonate makes teeth white.

• Lemon is also used for teeth whitening. Rubbing lemon peel on teeth removes stain ,but prolonged used can even makes teeth sensitive because of citric acid.

• Eating apple regularly removes yellow satins from teeth.

Home remedies for tooth ache:

• Ice pack is an excellent remedy for suppressing pain. Pack ice cube in some cotton cloth and then apply on affected tooth, it will take few minutes to calm down.

• Clove has analgesic properties. Apply clove oil or place clove near the affected tooth to reduce pain.

• Oregano has antibiotic properties. Apply oregano oil on the affected tooth to drain abscess. Hence after it will reduce pain.

• Pour few drops of vanilla extract on the tooth, in few minutes pain will reduce.

• Take pinch of turmeric powder and mix it with mustard oil, it acts as excellent remedy for toothache. This paste you can apply twice a week to reduce caries and other teeth problems.

Home remedies for Gum diseases:

• Vitamin C is effective in curing gum disease. Include oranges and Amla in your diet to get rid of Gingivitis. If condition is severe then take vitamin C tablets after the prescription of doctor.

• Gum massage with gum paints or gum oil increase the blood flow and helps in curing gum diseases.

• Warm saline rinses twice a day is effective in removing bacteria present in mouth.

Dental >> Scaling

Scaling is a procedure of cleaning teeth with specialized instruments. Most of us have misconception that scaling weakens the teeth which is incorrect. Scaling in fact removes plaque from teeth and gums and makes them healthy. Plaque deposition leads to infection and results in loosening of teeth.

Continuous tartar and plaque deposition leads to halitosis (bad smell from mouth). Many patients keep on using mouthwash and chewing mint gums to get rid of bad smell, but the actual treatment is scaling. Scaling is of two types:

• Manual

• Ultrasonic

Indications of manual scaling are:

1. In patients having pacemakers manual scaling is recommended as ultrasonic scaler can alter their heart beat

2. Apprehensive patients who are afraid of ultrasonic machine.

3. In Children below 13 years of age manual scaling is preferred.

4. In mentally retarded patients manual scaling is advisable

5. If sensitivity is present in teeth then manual scaling is good for patient

Indications of Ultrasonic scaling are:

1. In Patients with heavy calculus and tartar deposits.

2. If deep scaling is required, then ultrasonic scaler is the only option.

Post Scaling Instructions:

• Use sensitive toothpaste for 1 week after scaling as in some case sensitivity persists.

• Do warm saline rinses for 2 days to get relief from heaviness in gums.

• In case of deep scaling avoid vigorous brushing till gums come to normal.

• Use gum pain as prescribed by dentist to tighten your gums and prevent pockets formation.

• Avoid excessive intake of tea and coffee as it stains teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many times at least scaling is advisable in a year?

There is no such rule; it depends upon the oral care and habits. If patients is having bad oral hygiene or taking some medicines which stains teeth then frequent cleaning of teeth is preferable. But if patient is maintaining good oral hygiene then at least once a year he should consult dentist for scaling.

Is scaling expensive?

No, scaling is not an expensive treatment.

Is there any pain during scaling?

No, scaling does not pain and if deep scaling beneath the gums is required then dentist always anesthetize that area to make the procedure painless.

Why tea and coffee stains teeth?

Tea and coffee contains nicotine which stains teeth and makes them look brown in color. Due to excessive intake, these stains turns into hard covering on teeth known as calculus which is difficult to get remove by toothbrush. Only scaling can remove calculus and make teeth healthy.

Dental >> Tooth Whitening

Smile is the outlook of inner beauty. Bright smile comes from Shinning and brighter teeth. Everyone nowadays is crazy about teeth whitening also known as bleaching and why not its simple as well. Teeth turns yellow due to many reasons such as

• Smoking

• Tobacco chewing

• Harsh brushing technique

• Age

• Bad oral hygiene

• Tetracycline staining

Due to above mentioned reasons, deposits keep on accumulating on our teeth and make them look yellow. Then comes the reason of Teeth Whitening which oxidizes the organic deposits present on teeth and makes them look brighter. Tetracycline staining can be removed to less extent but not fully.

Contraindications of Teeth Whitening:

• Sensitive teeth

• Receding gums ( when gums are not upto their normal level)

• Heavy tartar deposition

• Carious teeth

• Fractured restorations(fillings)

• Allergic to hydrogen peroxide

 Teeth whitening is of two types:

1. Home based Teeth Whitening:  This type of teeth whitening should never be done without expert advice.

Procedure:

Advantages:

• Home based technique is cheaper

• Level of whitening depends on your choice

• You can choose time according to your convenience

• It's safe as you gums and oral tissues does not get exposed to rays

Disadvantages:

• Uneven whitening is noticed, if tray does not fully adapt on teeth

• Makes Teeth sensitive to some extent

2. Laser Teeth whitening: This type of teeth whitening is done under the doctor's supervision. It can be completed in single visit.

Procedure:

Advantages:

• It saves time

• Teeth becomes white and bright without your efforts

Disadvantages:

• It is very costly

• Special blue colored used can be harmful for oral tissues

• Makes teeth sensitive to some extent

• Level of whitening is not under our control

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a tooth whitening permanent if done once?

Tooth whitening is not a permanent procedure to keep your teeth bright. Excessive intake of tea and coffee, smoking and poor oral hygiene can make them again look yellow. You have to apply gels or visit dentist after regular intervals.

Is there any cheap method apart from home based and laser Teeth Whitening?

You can apply hydrogen peroxide or soda bicarbonate which is easily available in every kitchen. Make paste of soda bicarbonate with water and apply for 2 to 3 minutes. If you are using hydrogen peroxide , then dilute it and apply on teeth.

Why Teeth whitening is so expensive?

Teeth whitening is in demand nowadays, only laser teeth whitening is expensive. Some cheap methods are also available in market.

Is Teeth whitening safe?

Answer to this question varies on the interest and priority of a patient who is undergoing the whitening treatment.

Dental >> Dentures

What are Dentures?

Dentures are the artificial prosthesis which is the substitute of missing teeth.  Dentures take support of surrounding soft tissues and teeth to stabilize in oral cavity.

How many types of dentures are there?

There are two types of dentures:

• Partial dentures

• Complete dentures

What are partial Dentures?

When some teeth are present and few are missing then Partial denture is fabricated.

How many types of partial dentures are present?

Partial dentures are of two types:

• Removable partial denture(RPD)

• Fixed Partial Denture(FPD)

What are the advantages of Removable partial denture?

1. Removable partial denture can be easily removed by patient and can easily be cleaned.

2. It is less expensive

3. Removable partial dentures are fully tooth supported and helps in normal chewing.

What are the disadvantages of Removable partial denture?

1. Since removable partial denture are fully tooth supported, sometimes cause injury to tooth supported gums.

2. If patient does not maintain proper oral hygiene, RPD can be harmful for other remaining natural teeth.

3. Due to removing RPD again and again it sometimes becomes loose.

What are the advantages of fixed partial denture?

1. These dentures are attached to natural teeth, roots or implants and cannot be removed by patient.

2. FPD has high retention as compared to removable partial denture.

3. Patient feels FPD like his natural teeth. Hence less compliance factor.

What are the disadvantages of FPD?

1. It is expensive procedure.

2. More time consuming and regular checkups are advisable.

3. If patient’s supportive teeth are not strong enough to bear forces offered by FPD, then it has poor prognosis.

4. If RCT of supportive teeth fails and patient come back with pain in supporting tooth then whole FPD has to be removed and placed again.

5. If FPD is not fixed properly or some space is left while fitting then food lodgment continues and results in bad smell from mouth.

What are the steps to be taken care of after placing partial denture in mouth?

• Patient should maintain proper oral hygiene.

• Regular flossing is advisable.

• Patient should not bite hard from artificial teeth.

• Regular follow up checkups are recommended.

• Always put RPD in water after removing from mouth.

• Do not wash RPD with bleaching agent or detergent. Special cleansing agents are available to wash RPD.

What is complete denture?

When all the teeth are missing (edentulous) then complete denture is fabricated. Below are images of maxillary complete denture and mandibular complete denture. They vary in shape according to the shape of oral cavity.

How many teeth are present in complete denture?

Normally 28 teeth are present in Complete Denture, but sometimes we have to miss second premolar in case of small jaw size.

How much time is required to fabricate complete denture?

At least 1 week time is optimum for complete denture

Why dentist ask to carry old photo while adjusting teeth in Denture?

After having a look of old photograph Dentist gets an idea of the shape and setting of teeth. To minimize the patient compliance and to have a natural look old photograph is mandatory.

Can patient start immediately eating with complete denture?

First patient should start with liquids and then with soft food and then finally with normal daily routine food items. Surrounding soft tissues and tongue takes time to adjust with new thing in mouth. May be for few days patient find some speech problem as well. Once you oral cavity get use to denture then everything gets fine.

Can patient brush complete denture?

Yes, patient should daily brush the teeth of denture in a same way like his natural teeth. After every meal cleaning is mandatory. Special cleaning tablets are available which are used to remove satins from the denture.

Dental >> Root Canal Treatment (RCT)

Root canal treatment is a method to clean roots by gaining access from the tooth with the help of Dental instruments and specific equipments. When the carious lesion reaches pulp (where all blood vessels are present), then the only option left is RCT. Sometimes carious lesion even extend from root to apex (where root ends), then extraction is advisable as RCT will have poor prognosis in this case.

Time taken or sittings involved during RCT depends upon the extent of infection in tooth. 

Steps involved in RCT are as follows:

Gaining Access to Root canals: Access from the surface of the tooth(crown) is gained with the help of Drilling instrument . Normally there are 3 canals in molars, 2 canals in premolars and 1 canal in Incisors and canine. Number of root canals can vary in tooth from person to person, it is never fixed.

Cleaning and Shaping of Root canals: Once the access is gained, then with the help of instrument known as files as shown in figure, Canals are cleaned. To avoid friction and proper cleaning disinfectant solution known as sodium hypochlorite is used. It removes all the debris and infection from the canals and makes them sterile. It usually takes 2 sittings, but if infection is less than it can be completed in 1 sitting also. After the thorough cleaning, temporary filling is placed in tooth and patient is asked to come after 2 days.

Filling of Root canals: Once the canals are cleaned, and then canals are properly dried with the help of paper points and filled. Canals are filled tightly with Gutta percha points (GP points). After filling of root canals, Permanent filling is placed in tooth; normally permanent filling does not last long. Always Crown is mandatory after RCT as tooth becomes weak from inside. To avoid further fracture of tooth, crown is mandatory.

Some frequently asked questions regarding RCT: 

Is RCT Painful ?

No, RCT  is not painful. Before starting the procedure dentist always anaesthetize the tooth to make it convenient for patient and as well as for Doctor.

Is RCT Safe ?

Yes, RCT is safe. When carious lesion reaches deep inside the tooth then RCT is only option to save the toth.

How many sittings are normally involved in RCT ?

If tooth is not infected then RCT can even be completed in single sitting. But, if infection is more then it normally takes 3 sittings and even more depends on the extent of infection.

Can Pregnant Women Undergo RCT ?

No, It is not at all recommended. RCT should be postponed until the birth of baby.

Is Crown Mandatory after RCT ?

Yes, Crown is mandatory after RCT to make tooth stronger and last longer. Without crown tooth can fracture anytime and after fracture, Extraction is the only option.

Does Pain Exists After RCT ?

If through cleaning and infection is removed during procedure then pain vanishes. But, if cleaning and filling of root canal is not done properly by the Dentist then surely patient will complain of pain again and again.

How Many X-Rays Are Involved In RCT ?

Normally one X-Ray before starting the procedure and one at the end of the procedure. It depends upon the Dentist, as he is a better judge of the condition involved during the procedure.

Do All Carious Tooth Need RCT ?

No, only the tooth in which carious lesion extends deep inside the pulp need RCT. Otherwise, fillings can be done to save the tooth.

Why Root Canal Treated Tooth Is Known As Dead Tooth ?

In Root canal procedure, Pulp(where blood supply of tooth is present) is removed and canals are cleaned properly. Main indication of RCT is when carious lesion reaches pulp and infects that area, then to relieve patient from pain it is removed. Tooth will no doubt remain in its position only the difference comes is it becomes non - sensitive, for this reason it is known as dead tooth.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth is always related to knowledge, our grandparents often says that when wisdom tooth comes it means that now the person has become wise. This is how it is related to wisdom and knowledge. No such studies and facts are present to prove this saying, apart from the fact that everyone knows this story. Wisdom tooth usually comes till the age of 17 years. Its eruption is the most painful phase of teething in one’s life. If jaw size is big and enough space is present to erupt then it is not painful otherwise it results in swelling and even need small surgery. In some cases wisdom tooth comes on its appropriate place, but in some case it erupts in different angulations as shown in figure.
	Mesial Impaction:- Impaction is the word given to condition when sufficient space is not available for the eruption of tooth as shown in figure .Wisdom tooth is hitting second molar and even causing gum infection in surrounding area. In this case small surgery is required in which dentist has to give incision to extract wisdom tooth. After surgery sutures are placed to promote proper healing.
	Distal Impaction: - In this case when tooth is placed distally, extraction has to be done very carefully. Little negligence can prove to make task difficult.
	Vertical Impaction: - In this, tooth is placed vertically and space is not available for its eruption. During the extraction of vertically placed wisdom tooth dentist has to remove even bone.
	Horizontal Impaction: - Extraction of horizontal impaction tooth is quite difficult as second molar lies close to wisdom tooth. Sometimes during extraction , second molar gets affected unintentionally.
Some precautionary measures after wisdom tooth extraction are as follows:- Do not remove the cotton swab for at least half an hour. Do not smoke after extraction for at least 3 days. Do not miss any of the medication prescribed by the Doctor. Do not use straw to sip drinks. Do not spit frequently; try to swallow for at least 1 day. Do not stretch your cheeks or prick finger in lesion. Do not use vigorous brushing till the sutures are removed. Take fluid diet for at least 2 days. Do warm saline rinses twice daily for 3 days. Keep mouth clean, use mouthwash so that plaque does not deposit on teeth.

Dental >> Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy is defined as a sudden paralysis on one side of face. It is common in individuals residing in cold countries.

Common causes:

• Inflammation of facial nerve
• Infection in oral cavity
• Hereditary
• TMJ disorder
• Tumors
• Autoimmune disease
• Smoking
• Ear infection
• Facial trauma
• Cold or flu

Symptoms:

•  Dry eye
•  Corner of the mouth droop
•  Frequency of tears decreases
•  Patient is not able to speak and smile properly
•  Numbness or weakness on one side of mouth
•  Patient is not able to close eye and mouth properly.

Treatment:

In many cases Bell’s palsy get resolved in few weeks. Massage of facial muscle, eye drops and the treatment of underlying cause can treat Bell's palsy. Eyes should be covered as eye is not closing properly so to prevent the chances of infection in open eye is more.

Diabetes and Dental Hygiene

What are the dental problems Diabetic patient experiences ?

• Decrease in salivary flow.

• Burning mouth or tongue.

• Dry mouth also may develop, causing an increased incidence of decay.

• Gum recession has been found to occur more frequently and more extensively in moderate-and poorly-controlled diabetic patients because plaque responds differently, creating more harmful proteins in the gums.

• Diabetics tend to lose collagen, a protein that supports gums, skin, tendon cartilage, and bone, in their gum tissue thus hastening periodontal destruction.

• The diabetics had more plaque on their teeth and experienced more bleeding of their gums when being examined.

The first signs are red, sore, and bleeding gums. This can lead to periodontitis, which is an infection in the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in place. Pockets form between the teeth, which fill with germs and pus. If not treated and the infection gets worse, your gums may pull away from your teeth, making the teeth look very long, and your teeth will loosen.

What is the best time to receive dental care?

• If your blood sugar is not under control, talk with both your dentist and physician about receiving elective dental care.

• Dental procedures should be as short and as stress free as possible.

• Make morning appointments because blood glucose levels tend to be under better control at this time of day.

• If you have a scheduled appointment, eat and take your medications as directed.

• Test your blood sugar level and take your blood pressure and bring these results with you to our office.

• Be prepared to update your health/dental history at each visit so we can provide you with the best possible care for your condition.

• See your doctor before scheduling treatment for periodontal disease. Have your doctor send your dentist records on your overall medical condition BEFORE treatment starts.

• Postpone non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is not in good control. However, abscesses should be treated right away.

• See your dentist on a regular basis, every 3 to 4 months, for exams and cleanings. Keep him informed of your health status and if you have any problems controlling your blood sugar.

• Know that healing time will take longer due to your diabetic condition.

• Follow your individualized meal plan and learn more about meal planning and diabetes for better blood sugar control.

Oral Cancer

What is oral cancer?

Excessive cell growth results in enlarged mass known as tumor. There are no strict boundaries of tumor, it slowly and slowly extends to surrounding healthy tissues and make them infected. Oral cancer generally invades throat, head and neck. Generally all oral cancers begin in squamous cells, therefore known as squamous cell carcinomas.

What are the causes of Oral Cancer?

Excessive smoking: Cigarettes contains tar which is harmful for the system of human being. If you practically smoke cigarette on white clean surface it will turn that surface yellow. Slowly and slowly tar keeps on depositing in our lungs and makes them even difficult to work. Excessive smoking results in limited mouth opening because of bands formation in cheek area. Eventually this condition turns into carcinoma formation.

Tobacco chewing: Tobacco chewers are in habit of keeping tobacco in between the cheeks or below tongue which makes that area infected. Heavy deposition of tobacco and prolonged habit is the main cause of oral cancer.

Excessive exposure to sunlight: Excessive exposure to sunlight causes cancers of oral cavity. Normally lower lip gets infected. Before going in sunlight always carry umbrella or apply sunscreen.

Exposure to X-Rays: High duration and prolonged exposure to x - rays can cause oral cancer.

Hereditary: Hereditary is one of the major factor in causing oral cancer. Inherited genes makes cells more sensitive to exposure to sunlight, x - rays and eventually result in cancer.

Sharp Tooth: Sharp tooth which keeps on irritating the tongue, if left neglected can turn into cancer in a period of time.

What are the prevention measures of oral cancer?

• Limit the frequency of smoking and slowly and slowly stop completely. It is not at all healthy habit for oral cavity and body system as well.
• If you are sensitive to exposure of x - rays, its patient duty to priory inform the dentist so that Dentist will treat accordingly.
• If you are going in scorching heat then always carry sunscreen, apply lipstick or lip balm which has SPF in it.
• Regular follow up checkups are recommended to treat condition in early stages.

What are the methods of treatment?

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery

Plaque and Gingivitis

What is plaque?

Plaque is a sticky white colored layer which forms on the tooth surface. This layer is rich in bacteria which gets stick on teeth and slowly starts eroding the upper layer of teeth (Enamel).

When it get form on our teeth?

When you eat any sweets or drink any soft drinks with sugar, the bacteria release acids that attack your tooth enamel. Plaque formation starts after every food intake.

Should we brush after every meal?

Yes, brushing is advisable after every meal to get rid of plaque.

Does Plaque gives rise to caries?

Yes, continuous attack of bacteria makes the tooth surface look yellow and slowly it turns to black which is an initiation of caries. Some caries are superficial which does not progress if proper brushing is done.

Is brushing the only solution to remove plaque?

Apart from brushing following are the other methods:

  • Regular flossing

  • Mouthwash rinses

Does plaque formation also lead to bad breath?

Yes, plaque formation leads to bad breath.

What are the consequences of plaque formation? 

What is gingivitis?

Inflammation of gum tissue is known as Gingivitis.

What are the causes of Gingivitis?

Major causes of gingivitis are:

• Plaque deposition on teeth: It is one of the major causes of gum bleeding and inflammation, if proper brushing and flossing is done then plaque does not proceed to Gingivitis.

• Pregnancy: In pregnancy most common condition is gingivitis also known as pregnancy gingivitis. Due to hormonal changes and frequent vomiting, nausea gums swell and becomes red. Dental checkup during pregnancy is advisable, though treatment can be delayed till child birth.

• Diabetes: In diabetic patients Gum bleeding is very common as their immune system becomes weak and not capable to fight against bacteria causing disease.

How can you prevent Gingivitis?

Steps to prevent Gingivitis are:

• Regular flossing

• Brushing twice a day

• Mouthwash rinses twice a day

• Regular dental checkups and cleaning of teethe.

What is the treatment of Gingivitis?

Gingivitis can be treated by

• Deep Scaling beneath the gums is done to clean underlying calculus and plaque.

• Curettage: Curettage is the process in which soft tissue lining is removed to eliminate diseased tissue as shown in the video.

Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis

Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) is an oral infection that is characterized by necrosis of gingiva. Ulcers of oral mucosa also occur in patients with severe nutritional deficiencies.

Clinical manifestations of ANUG:

• Sudden pain, tenderness, profuse salivation, a peculiar metallic taste and spontaneous bleeding from the gingival tissues.

• Patient commonly experiences loss of sense of taste.

• Ulcers develop most commonly on the interdental papillae and the marginal gingivae.

Treatment:

At the initial visit the gingivae should be debrided with both irrigation and periodontal curettage. The extent of debridement depends on the soreness of the gingivae. Antibiotics are usually not necessary for routine cases of ANUG. These cases can be successfully treated by debridement, irrigation and curettage.

Oral Habits and Damage to Teeth

Chewing Habits:

Bad chewing habits can lead to severe damage of oral structure. Some people are in habit of chewing hard objects as well from teeth. Tailors are in habit of keeping needle in between the front teeth which makes indentations on the incisal surface of teeth. It results in sensitivity and recession of teeth.

Grinding:

Many of us are in habit of grinding teeth during night or day when excited and nervous. Continuos grinding of teeth erode enamel and expose the inner layer of teeth which results in sensitivity.

Using Teeth as scissors:

Youngsters use their teeth to open cold drink bottles and beer bottles. This results in direct pressure on periodontal structures of teeth and causes sensitivity. Some people cut labels of clothes with teeth instead of scissors.

Brushing for longer time:

Brushing for longer time leads to erosion of enamel and sensitivity. Brushing technique varies according to oral health of individual.

Avoiding Dental caries:

Some people avoid dental appointments due to dental fear and phobia which makes dental health worse. Small black spot on teeth can result in deep caries if avoided for longer time.

Different Types of Toothpaste

Nowadays, Different types of toothpastes are available in market and it becomes really confusing to choose which toothpaste is good for oral health and which is not. Most of us randomly buy without even giving a second thought. Kids are fond of advertisements which they daily see on Television. At last parents are left with no choice except, end up in buying toothpaste without knowing the side effects.

Common types of Toothpaste:

Fluoridated Toothpaste:  Fluoride is the most important ingredient for teeth. But, those who are already staying in fluoridated areas should not use fluoridated toothpaste as this can make their teeth look yellow. Always look for ingredients before buying toothpaste. In case of kids, optimal level of fluoride is recommended, so always be cautious before using fluoridated toothpaste.

Whitening Toothpaste:  Regular use of whitening toothpaste tends to give you a brighter smile but sometimes it can be harmful as well for your teeth. Whitening toothpastes contains abrasives which slowly and slowly removes upper layer of teeth (Enamel) and expose the inner layer (Dentin). So, consult your Dentist before buying Whitening Toothpaste.

Gel Toothpaste: Some toothpaste contains gel which gives long lasting freshness.

Herbal Toothpaste: Herbal toothpaste is one of the good options, as it contains all natural ingredients which are helpful for teeth and retains the strength.

Sensitive Toothpaste: After cleaning of teeth (scaling) patients often complain of sensitivity in teeth or sometimes sensitivity occurs in couple of teeth. In that case sensitive toothpaste is prescribed.

Always make it a point to consult a dentist and know your toothpaste type so that you do not end up in buying toothpaste which is not meant for you.