The Benefits of Flossing Your Teeth

Overall, regular flossing contributes greatly to keeping both your mouth and body healthy. Not only does it help prevent periodontal disease, but it also reduces bad breath and keeps your teeth cleaner than brushing alone could ever do! So grab some dental floss today and make sure you are taking care of yourself inside and out! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your pearly whites! For more information about proper dental hygiene habits, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Find out how flossing your teeth can improve your oral health, including reducing plaque and gingivitis.

Flossing your teeth is an essential part of oral hygiene, but did you know that flossing isn’t just important for a healthy mouth? Flossing has many benefits for your overall health as well. Let’s take a closer look at why you should make flossing a priority if you want to maintain good health.

Flossing Your Teeth Helps Prevent Disease

When you don’t floss, plaque builds up between your teeth and near the gum line. Over time, this plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which can cause gingivitis—an inflammation of the gums—and eventually lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the tissues surrounding your teeth and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. In addition to causing tooth loss, periodontal disease has been linked to other serious health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

Flossing Your Teeth Reduces Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria in the mouth that break down food particles trapped between teeth and on the tongue. When these bacteria form plaque and tartar on your teeth, they produce sulfur compounds which cause bad breath. By regularly flossing your teeth, you can reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and prevent bad breath from occurring.

Flossing Your Teeth Keeps Your Teeth Cleaner

When you brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, it helps remove surface stains from food and drinks like coffee or tea; however, brushing alone cannot reach all surfaces of your teeth. Flossing helps remove plaque from between teeth and around the gum line where a toothbrush cannot reach; this will leave your smile sparkling clean! Click the link and see how the Canadian Dental Association shows how to floss properly: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care/flossing_brushing.asp#:~:text=Flossing%20removes%20plaque%20and%20bacteria,on%20your%20teeth%20every%20day

To Wrap Things Up…

Overall, regular flossing contributes greatly to keeping both your mouth and body healthy. Not only does it help prevent periodontal disease, but it also reduces bad breath and keeps your teeth cleaner than brushing alone could ever do! So grab some dental floss today and make sure you are taking care of yourself inside and out!

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your pearly whites!

For more information about proper dental hygiene habits, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

Sincerely

The Pacifica Dental Team

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

Learn how often to replace your toothbrush, the best way to brush your teeth, and other dental hygiene tips from Pacifica Dental.

When it comes to dental hygiene, there are a few simple steps you can take that will go a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy and free from cavities. One of the most important is replacing your toothbrush regularly. But how often should you be doing this? Let’s find out.

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends that you should replace your toothbrush (or swap your electric toothbrush head) every three to four months as long as you use it at least twice daily.

If you have an illness such as a cold or flu, it is especially important to replace your toothbrush as soon as you start feeling better to avoid re-infecting yourself with the same virus.

It’s also a good idea to replace your toothbrush after any oral surgery, such as dental implants or wisdom teeth removal, since the bristles may have come into contact with germs from inside the mouth.

Brushing Tips for Better Oral Hygiene

In addition to replacing your brush on a regular basis, proper brushing technique is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. Here are some tips from our team at Pacifica Dental for getting maximum benefit from brushing: 

  • Use gentle circular motions when brushing—too much pressure can cause gum damage and irritation over time. 
  • Brush for two minutes at least twice a day.           
  • Make sure you brush all surfaces of each tooth—especially hard-to-reach areas like molars. 
  • Don’t forget about flossing! Flossing removes plaque and food particles that cannot be removed by brushing alone; and                 
  • Ask our hygienists about using fluoride mouthwash to help reduce cavities and protect against bacteria growth in hard-to-reach areas like between teeth or below the gum line.                         

To Wrap Things Up

Taking care of your teeth is vital for promoting overall health and wellness throughout life. By following these simple steps – replacing your toothbrush regularly and using proper brushing techniques – you can keep your smile looking great for years to come!

For more information about proper dental hygiene habits, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your pearly whites!

Sincerely

The Pacifica Dental Team

How a dental check-up may save your life

How a dental check-up may save your life

Most diseases of the teeth and gums can be cured.  At the same time, there are other diseases of the body which affect oral health and can be detected in a single visit to the dentist. You will be amazed to find out that a regular dental check-up may end up saving your life.

Here are some of the diagnoses a dentist can make:

  1. Heart disease.

Tooth loss can be an important clue, according to a study by researchers at the University of Minnesota. A link between heart disease and some dental problems has been established by previous studies, but more recent ones suggest that bacteria which cause gum infection can also inflame blood vessels. Early signs of heart disease include bleeding gums, bad taste in the mouth, bad breath or abscesses. In more advanced stages, the teeth weaken and begin to fall out.

  1. High blood pressure

Without visible symptoms, hypertension often goes undetected, but can lead to strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease. Inflammation of the gums is a good indicator of hypertension. In North America, many dentists monitor the blood pressure of their patients. 

  1. Premature birth

Gum disease during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk of giving birth prematurely, as it increases the secretion of prostaglandins (the hormones that induce labor). In such cases, a simple dental check-up may reduce the risk of giving birth prematurely. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that properly treating gum disease can substantially reduce the risk of premature birth.

  1. Diabetes

Gum disease, infections, hard-to-heal ulcers, a swollen tongue or dry mouth may be indications of diabetes, diagnosed or not. Diabetics are prone to canker sores, which a dentist can often easily identify.

  1. Pregnancy

Bleeding or swollen gums may be the first signs of pregnancy. Hormonal changes in expectant mothers make their gums swell more easily, a condition known as pregnancy-induced gingivitis. Pregnant women are encouraged to go to the dentist for treatment.

  1. Eating Disorders

If you suffer from bulimia or anorexia, you can’t hide it from the dentist, because these diseases destroy the tooth enamel. Although eating disorders are most common in young women, the symptoms are sometimes seen in men as well.

  1. Avitaminosis, cirrhosis or HIV infection

A swollen tongue, an unusual sensation in the mouth or a strange taste can be caused by deficiencies of vitamin B, iron or zinc. If your tongue hurts, you may not have any concerns, but this may indicate a lack of vitamins that are quite difficult to identify. The sensation of pain can be an indication of more serious problems – liver cirrhosis or even HIV infection. Ulcers that are difficult to heal may also indicate herpes, canker sores, tuberculosis or syphilis.

  1. Vascular diseases

Dry mouth or a strange taste may be signs of anemia. Your doctor may also tell you that you have a blockage of your salivary glands or diabetes. Swollen gums may be a sign of leukemia.

  1. Oral cancer

If you detect unusual ulcers or abnormal swelling in the mouth, the dentist’s advice is to go to the doctor. There is a slim chance it could be oral cancer, a disease most often diagnosed by dentists. Oral cancer can be located on the tongue, lips, and under the tongue.

  1. Rheumatoid arthritis

Pain or immobility of the mandible (lower jaw bone) could indicate diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or some forms of lupus.

Our advice is not to wait for any signs of problems in your oral cavity and schedule regular appointments with the dentist, every 4-6 months. Remember that nothing is more important than your health and wellbeing!

We’re waiting for you in our office 😊

Dental sensitivity

Dental sensitivity

Tooth / dental sensitivity occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth – the dentin – becomes exposed. This leads to discomfort, often triggered by hot, cold, sweet or sour food and drinks, or by breathing in cold air. Pain can be sharp, sudden and shoot deep into tooth nerve endings. The team here at Pacifica Dental can help 😊

Numerous factors can cause tooth sensitivity, including:

  • aggressive brushing
  • gingival recession and tooth root exposure
  • gum disease
  • cavities
  • cracked teeth
  • acidic food and drink
  • gastric reflux
  • fractured prosthetics
  • teeth grinding
  • pulpitis
  • long-term use of some mouthwashes
  • tooth whitening products or toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide
  • xerostomia
  • chewing tobacco
  • bulimia

If you suffer from dental sensitivity, a thorough checkup with a dentist is a must. After looking at any indicators in your medical history, the doctor will consider the intensity of the pain, when discomfort occurs and any stimuli that contribute to the increase or decrease in pain intensity.

Treatment

In building a treatment plan, the dentist will first consider the various causes that may be triggering tooth sensitivity.

If, for example, aggressive or incorrect brushing is considered to be the cause, the dentist will likely recommend the use of a soft toothbrush and special toothpaste, as well as proper brushing techniques and regular professional hygiene appointments.

Forms of treatment will vary, from topical products to surgery, depending on the cause. Here ae a few options that may be recommended by your dentist:

Attention to diet

Patients with dental sensitivity are advised to pay special attention to their diet. According to specialists, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, alcohol, and other highly acidic food and drink can dissolve small amounts of enamel over time. Using a straw and drinking water after consumption may help to balance the acid levels in your mouth. A checkup to ensure it is nothing more serious is advised.

Desensitizing toothpaste

Toothpaste specially designed to desensitize teeth can sometimes help relieve dental sensitivity. According to studies, these toothpastes contain potassium salts that have a positive effect on reducing tooth sensitivity. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using gentle stokes, twice daily.

Fluoride

The dentist may recommend an application of fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain. Fluoride treatment is often incorporated into hygiene appointments, which are recommended 3- 4 times a year to maintain good oral hygiene.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment is another option for patients with dental sensitivity. Low output power lasers produce an analgesic effect related to depressed nerve transmission, thereby reducing the pain. Ask your hygienist about laser treatment for you.

Surgical gum grafting

Receding gums results in the root surfaces of your teeth becoming exposed, leading to possible decay and sensitivity. A gum graft is designed to cover the exposed roots and thereby remove the chance of any sensitivity developing or worsening.

Root Canal

If there is severe pain, the dentist may recommend a root canal. This treatment addresses problems in the dental pulp deep in the core of the tooth. Some sensitivity needs to have this kind of significant treatment, once other options have proved ineffective.

Working as a team with the experts here at Pacifica Dental, we will identify the cause of your dental sensitivity and recommend the treatment method that most suits your needs. If you want to really enjoy an ice cream or a hot tea, schedule an appointment @PacificaDental.

What are clear signs indicating it’s time for a visit to the dentist?

What are clear signs indicating it’s time for a visit to the dentist?

If you don’t normally plan regular dental check-ups for prevention, then your body will make sure you know when it has a problem. Your body will give you signs, letting you know that you should book a visit to your dentist as soon as possible. Some conditions can occur before you feel any symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms appear when the problem is already serious.

Here are some of the warnings you should pay attention to:

  1. Bad breath

Bad breath (halitosis) can affect your relationships and social life. In addition to the fact that it is unpleasant for those around you, it can be a sign that you suffer from gingivitis or gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. The chronic inflammation that causes halitosis may lead to total tooth loss. If bad breath persists, make an appointment with your dentist to detect the cause of the problem.

  1. Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Tell your doctor if you have difficulty chewing or swallowing. The dentist will help you determine why. This is not a healthy situation, so the sooner you treat the condition, the more likely it can be cured.

  1. Dental pain

Dental pain can indicate a serious underlying condition. Despite the fact that it is uncomfortable, we often wait a few days to see if the pain passes. Our advice is to go to the dentist, even if the pain subsides. The cause of the discomfort needs to be diagnosed and properly treated.

  1. Swollen or bleeding gums

If your gums are swollen or bleeding during brushing, it may be another sign that you have gingivitis. Inflammation of the gums occurs due to bacterial plaque that builds up at the base of the gums. If left untreated, as in the case of bad breath, it can lead to periodontitis.

  1. White spots on the teeth

White spots on the teeth are often the first indication of cavities. Acid produced by bacteria in the oral cavity dissolves tooth enamel, which can lead to decay. Regular visits to the dentist will identify and treat cavities in the early stages, before the onset of any complications.

  1. Teeth sensitivity

If left untreated, decay can advance to the center of the tooth, reaching the nerve. Once this happens, the tooth will be sensitive to air and hot or cold drinks. This sensitivity is a sign that you may have an advanced cavity. The faster you get treatment, the easier it will be to avoid other problems.

  1. Dry mouth

Dry mouth can occur for simple reasons such as aging or the administration of certain drugs. However, dry mouth can also be a sign of the presence of bacteria or disease in the oral cavity. It’s best not to ignore it. Schedule a visit to the dentist to find out why.

  1. Headache

Have you ever thought that oral problems can cause headaches? In fact, they are closely linked. If you often wake up with a headache in the morning, you may suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep). A dentist can detect the problem, and may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth, at the same time relieving the morning headaches.

In summary, early intervention will reduce the chance of diseases and further complications. It will also save you from other potentially expensive treatments in the future. At Pacifica Dental, we have experienced specialists and a modern clinic waiting for you. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment to discuss your oral health.

Custom timing for dental check-ups at Pacifica Dental

Custom timing for dental check-ups at Pacifica Dental

There are two main scenarios for going to the dentist: when you want to or when you need to. The second option is less desirable, because, most times, it involves dental pain or discomfort. The ideal option is to have dental check-ups regularly, according to a custom plan built together with your doctor, depending on your needs. At Pacifica Dental, we create such plans for our patients.

Some people think that, in order to have healthy teeth, going to the dentist once a year will suffice. In our opinion, this is not usually enough for most people. As you well know, every person is unique, with specific body types, habits, and health conditions. These factors influence our oral health, which in turn impacts our general health.

For example, permanent teeth are very vulnerable to cavities as soon as they come in, so in children aged six to eight, dental check-ups are recommended at shorter intervals. In adolescence, the teeth are less vulnerable until the wisdom teeth appear, on average around twenty years old. As people age, the rate of dental decay, tooth loss, mouth infections, and gum disease increases. It is also common to find that our teeth will start to move. Our oral health, and hence our general health, varies at different stages of life.

We are aware that smoking is a habit that can lead to various health problems. Not only does it increase the likelihood of bad breath, canker sores and even cancer, but it also strengthens the bacteria in the mouth, making them more resistant. The mouth is already one of the dirtiest parts of the body, and cigarette smoke will encourage the growth of bacteria, which in turn can lead to cavities and gum disease. Smokers are recommended to visit the dentist more often than non-smokers.

Stomach conditions, such as acid reflux, can often have a negative impact on our oral health. If the acidity reaches our mouth, it results in not only bad breath but can also cause cavities at the base of the gums. These cavities can be easily treated if they are found at an early stage. If not discovered right away, they can reach the tooth root or even expand to neighboring teeth, possibly becoming painful and making the treatment process a bit more complicated.

Other factors, such as frequently drinking coffee, red wine or eating sweets, will influence how often your dentist recommends you schedule a visit. To maintain excellent oral hygiene, it is often suggested that patients have professional cleanings 3-4 times a year and follow a personalized hygiene plan.

In conclusion, exactly how long you wait between visits with your dentist depends on the assessment you and your doctor will make. Schedule an appointment with Pacifica Dental and start taking better care of your oral health!

Professional teeth whitening – looking good, feeling great

Professional teeth whitening – looking good, feeling great

It has been demonstrated that a bright smile influences perceptions and can affect social relationships. It’s no wonder that some statistics show that over 80% of people would like to have whiter teeth. Professional teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic services in the world because it helps us to look good and feel great.

Professional teeth whitening is the simplest and most comfortable way to regain the shine of your teeth in a single visit to the dentist’s office. At Pacifica Dental, we use the latest technology and top-quality materials to bring out the beauty of a dazzling smile.

What are the causes that lead to a change in tooth colour?

Few people have a completely white smile naturally. With age, teeth are subject to external factors that lead to yellowing or staining:

  • foods and beverages, such as berries, wine and coffee
  • habits such as smoking
  • plaque and tartar build up
  • long term treatments with antibiotics
  • dental trauma – cracks in the enamel that favour the formation of stains on the surface of the tooth.

Stains can be removed with a professional dental whitening session in the dentist’s office. One session takes about 2 hours, depending on the treatment chosen. The effects can last up to 2 years, depending on the maintenance habits of the patient. Teeth whitening can be repeated without affecting the health of the teeth in 2 or 3 years. Before the procedure, the teeth must be clean and healthy, so we recommend a professional polishing and scaling.

The winter season is the perfect time to treat yourself to a professional whitening treatment. Your teeth will shine and you will smile confidently over the holidays.

Book your appointment with a Pacifica Dental specialist and enjoy the brightest smile you’ve ever had!

Autumn: the best season to start a dental treatment

Autumn: the best season to start a dental treatment

We’re leaving the hot summer days, busy vacations and long weekends behind, making room for the many new opportunities that autumn brings every year. With this change in season comes adjustments to our schedule and our routine, so why not our dental care as well? If you feel as though you would like to improve your oral health, now is the best time to act.

Most dental treatments require more then one visit to the dentist’s office. In summer-time, it might be challenging to accommodate those visits into your schedule, considering children’s holidays, summer camps, family or doctors’ vacations. In October, people are often back to school and work and our more predictable schedules allow us to set up appointments in advance.

The weather is also more moderate these days, making it easier for us to avoid hot or cold beverages and food. Some dental treatments can cause sensitivity in the teeth and gums for a few days, so it is important to be careful what we eat and drink. For example, after a root canal treatment or an extraction, it is recommended to eat only soft foods, and drink beverages that are warm (not hot or cold) for anywhere from 5-10 days.

Holiday season countdown

Now that autumn has arrived, many people start preparing for the wonderful winter holiday season. Winter celebrations are coming up soon, and we all want to look and feel amazing by then. Dental pain, and cracked or missing teeth will prevent you from fully enjoying the festive meals and showing a big bright smile in the family pictures.

At Pacifica Dental, thanks to the state-of-the-art CEREC technology, we offer complete reconstruction of your tooth in a single visit, however extra visits may be required in order to get the perfect results.

If you’re planning on replacing one or more missing teeth, it is best to make an appointment sooner rather than later, as dental implant treatment takes several months and requires 3 to 5 visits.

On average, the dental veneer process from consultation to final placement takes approximately 3 weeks, with the recovery period lasting about a week. You can expect at least 2 visits to the office for veneers.

For treating gaps, under and over bites, crowding and other spacing issues, the Invisalign aligners are the perfect solution. Unlike traditional, metallic brackets, you do not have food restrictions or extra hygiene rules, and they are removable. Treatment usually takes between 8 months and 2 years to complete.

Start thinking about your needs and schedule your next appointment with your favorite dentist in Victoria, @Pacifica Dental

Dental hygiene services at Pacifica Dental

Dental hygiene services at Pacifica Dental

Dental hygiene is essential in order to maintain healthy and beautiful teeth. Lack of dental hygiene or poor oral hygiene can cause complications such as cavities or periodontal disease. These conditions may lead to infections, tooth loss, bone atrophy and more serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic and renal issues, respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and preterm birth.

Bacterial plaque and dental tartar are the main causes of periodontal disease. There are many cases in which the patient has what appear to be near perfect teeth, but can have hidden problems as a result of this relentless disease that acts slowly, without obvious symptoms or pain to attract attention. Unfortunately, when the first signs of periodontal disease appear (such as inflammation, bleeding gums, or dental mobility), the disease is already established.  In fact, the stage of evolution is advanced. The most effective approach in prevention, as well as early detection and the establishment of a quick and effective treatment plan, is to schedule regular check-ups at the dentist.

It is recommended that professional hygiene be scheduled regularly every 3-6 months. and specifically performed before starting any dental treatment, especially surgical procedures.

Good oral hygiene can be achieved and maintained in 2 ways:

  • Personal, individual oral hygiene, performed daily, both in the morning and in the evening, at home, by the patient;
  • Professional dental hygiene, performed at least every 6 months (or every 3-4 months for people who have implants, prosthetics, gum recession or other dental concerns) in the dental office, by specialized personnel using specific technology.

Professional dental hygiene includes the following services:

  • Root planing, ultrasonic scaling and hand scaling, which remove tartar deposits;
  • Polishing, which removes the small pieces of tartar left after descaling;
  • Fluoride, which protects the teeth.

What are scaling and root planing?


Scaling and root planing are essential procedures for the health of the teeth and gums that are performed in the dental office and which remove the deposits of tartar from the tooth surface. Although we brush our teeth daily, sometimes it is not enough to keep them perfectly clean. Depending on the food we consume, bacterial plaque is deposited on both the teeth and gums. Over time, it can mineralize, forming hard deposits, known as tartar deposits or dental calculus.

Scaling removes these deposits both above and below the gum line. Root planing specifically targets the teeth roots, smoothing them and removing any plaque build up.

With today’s advanced technology, the scaling procedure is done not only by hand, but also by an ultrasonic device. This device, used with water, cleans the teeth with ease and efficiency. An additional benefit is that ultrasound is able to effectively sanitize the wisdom teeth, which can be difficult to keep clean.

After scaling and root planing, patients may feel a slight tenderness in the teeth and gums for 2-3 days.

Teeth polishing is both healthy and cosmetic. It helps remove plaque and deters bacteria from adhering to the teeth. It is a gentle, pain-free procedure.

Positive polishing aspects:

  • Provides teeth with a beautiful aesthetic look;
  • Smooths tooth surface, so less plaque accumulates;
  • Produces the pleasant feeling of smooth teeth;
  • Helps improve effectiveness of orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride treatment


The last step of the cleaning process is a fluoride treatment. This treatment is used as a protectant for the teeth which helps fight against cavities for several months.

Fluoride varnish is painted onto the teeth with a small brush. The varnish will adhere to the teeth when in contact with saliva, so you can eat and drink immediately afterwards. The tooth surface will feel sticky- this will wear off gradually. It is recommended to leave the varnish on until brushing at the end of the day for maximum benefit.

At the end of the dental hygiene procedures, the hygienist will recommend which oral hygiene products to use daily at home – toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash and so on – depending on your specific needs.

Do not hesitate to contact us and book a professional cleaning session with your favorite hygienist here at Pacifica Dental!

Oral health – one of our New Year resolutions

Oral health – one of our New Year resolutions

Oral health contributes both to the general health of the body and maintaining an emotional balance. Poor oral hygiene can cause cavities, gum disease and has also been associated with heart diseases, cancer and diabetes.

Maintaining good oral health should be one of your constant new year resolutions and a commitment for a lifetime. If you conscientiously apply good oral hygiene practices (such as proper brushing of the mouth, flossing and limiting sugar), you will avoid costly dental procedures and long-term health problems.

What you need to know about oral health

Cavities and gum disease are very common. According to the World Health Organization:

  • between 60 and 90% of schoolchildren have at least one cavity;
  • almost 100% of adults have at least one cavity;
  • between 15 and 20% of adults aged between 35 and 44 years suffer from severe gum disease;
  • about 30% of people around the world, between the ages of 65 and 74, no longer have natural teeth;
  • in most countries, out of every 100,000 people, there are between 1 and 10 cases of oral cancer.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can maintain your oral health. For example, oral conditions can be prevented by:

  • brushing the oral cavity at least twice a day, using a fluoride paste;
  • flossing at least once a day;
  • limiting sugar;
  • eating fruits and vegetables;
  • avoiding tobacco;
  • fluoridated water consumption;
  • regular visits to the dentist.

Most frequent symptoms of dental problems

We recommend not to postpone the visit to the dentist until the onset of symptoms. Two consultations a year are enough to detect a problem in the oral cavity, before symptoms appear.

If you experience one or more of the following signs that may indicate oral health problems, make an appointment with your dentist in Victoria, as soon as possible:

  • ulcers or wounds of the oral cavity that do not heal in a week or two;
  • bleeding or swelling of the gums after brushing or flossing;
  • bad breath;
  • sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures;
  • toothache;
  • moving teeth;
  • retracted gums;
  • pain in chewing;
  • swelling of the face;
  • noise when opening/closing the mouth (during the chewing process);
  • cracked or broken teeth;
  • dryness of the oral cavity.

If the symptoms you experience are accompanied by fever and swelling in the face or throat, we recommend that you immediately call a dentist.

Causes of the most common diseases of the oral cavity

The oral cavity collects all kinds of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Some of them are part of the flora of the oral cavity. In small quantities, they are generally harmless. But a high-sugar diet creates conditions in which acid-producing bacteria can multiply uncontrollably. This acid dissolves tooth enamel and causes cavities.

Bacteria near the gums grow into a sticky mass called plaque. If it is not removed by brushing and flossing, plaque builds up, hardens and migrates along the length of the teeth. This can lead to inflammation of the gums and can cause a condition known as gingivitis.

The inflammation causes the gums to begin to retract, gradually moving away from the teeth. This process creates pockets that can collect pus. Here we are talking about an advanced stage of gum disease, which is called periodontitis or periodontal disease.

There are a number of factors that contribute to gingivitis and periodontitis, such as:

  • smoking;
  • insufficient and/or incorrect tooth brushing;
  • a high-sugar diet;
  • diabetes;
  • use of drugs that reduce the amount of saliva in the oral cavity;
  • family history or genetic background;
  • certain infections, such as HIV or AIDS;
  • hormonal changes that take place in women’s bodies;
  • gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn;
  • frequent vomiting due to acid.

Most common dental conditions

Even if you take proper care of your oral cavity, you will experience, at least once in your life, an oral health problem.

Cavities

They are areas of the tooth that have been permanently damaged. These occur when bacteria, food and acid cover the teeth and form plaque. The acid on the surface of the teeth will begin to degrade the enamel and dentin and may even reach the connective tissue.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and usually occurs as a result of a large amount of plaque on the surface of the teeth. This is due to poor oral hygiene. Most often, people with gingivitis notice that their gums become inflamed and bleed during brushing and flossing. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious infection.

Periodontitis

As periodontitis progresses, the infection can spread to the jaw and bones. The condition can also cause an inflammatory response throughout the body.

Teeth with cracks or fractures

A tooth can crack or break as a result of an accident, during chewing or when we grit our teeth. Cracked or broken teeth can be very painful and dangerous, so it is recommended to consult a dentist as soon as you notice such a problem.

Dental sensitivity

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, you will feel pain or discomfort when eating hot and cold food or drinks. This condition can be temporary, caused by a canal filling or the application of a filling, or caused by factors such as gum disease, cracked or broken teeth, withdrawn gums etc. Dental sensitivity can also be permanent, especially in people with thin enamel.

Oral cancer

The dentist is usually the first specialist to recognize oral cancer. The use of tobacco products poses the greatest risk of developing this type of cancer.

The link between oral health and general health

It seems that good oral health can help maintain optimal overall health. Inflammation and bacteria in the oral cavity can be associated with:

  • heart disease;
  • endocarditis or inflammation of the heart lining;
  • premature birth;
  • low birth weight.

Treatment of dental diseases

Impeccable oral hygiene includes two annual visits to the dentist, during which the doctor will perform a professional cleaning and, if there are dental problems, will recommend the right procedure. Therefore, the most common dental treatments include:

Maintaining optimal oral health

Oral health does not only affect the oral cavity. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to problems with self-esteem, pronunciation and nutrition. Comfort and quality of life will therefore be affected. It is good to know that many oral conditions develop without symptoms. Therefore, regular visits to the dentist are the best way to detect a problem before it gets worse.