Useful Information On Dental Disease

Useful Information On Dental Disease
Many systemic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, AIDS, and
Sjogren's syndrome, and certain medical treatments have oral health
implications. Beyond their impact on general health, oral cancers and
their treatments can also leave patients with eating, speaking and
swallowing difficulties. In addition, many drugs cause oral health
problems, such as gum overgrowth associated with long-term phenytoin
use or xerostomia that results from many over-the-counter and
prescription medications.

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is disintegration of a
tooth due to bacterial action. Some of these bacteria form a sticky
material called plaque on the surface of the teeth. When you put sugar
in your mouth, the bacteria in the plaque turn it into acids. These
acids are powerful enough to dissolve the hard enamel that covers your
teeth. That's how cavities get started. If you don't eat much sugar,
the bacteria can't produce as much of the acid that eats away enamel.
The acid may also irritate the gums and cause gingivitis.

Tooth decay may be prevented by a correct diet and good dental
hygiene. The teeth should be cleaned thoroughly with a toothbrush after
every meal. Dental floss should also be used daily to remove plaque and
food from between the teeth.

Almost 30 years after the conclusion of the Grand Rapids
fluoridation study, fluoride continues to be dental science's main
weapon in the battle against tooth decay. Today, just about every
toothpaste on the market contains fluoride as its active ingredient;
water fluoridation projects currently benefit over 200 million
Americans, and 13 million school children now participate in
school-based fluoride mouth rinse programs. As the figures indicate,
McKay, Dean, and the others helped to transform dentistry into a
prevention-oriented profession.

If the water where you live does not have enough fluoride, your
doctor may prescribe fluoride supplements (fluoride drops or pills).
You would give these drops or pills every day, starting when your child
is about 6 months old. Only give as much as the directions say to use,
because too much fluoride can cause spots on your child's teeth.
Children should take these drops or pills until they are 12 to 16 years
old (or until you move to an area with fluoride in the water).

Holistic Dentists promote healthy lifestyle changes and tend toward
the use of vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
nutrients. The following combinations are those recommended:-

Vitamins :- A, B Complex, C, D

Minerals :- Vegetal Silica, Calcium, Magnesium, Calcium Fluoride 6X, Zinc

Food Supplements :- Rutin + Bioflavonoids, Co Enzyme Q10

Herbs :- Golden Seal

The
nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional supplements
that may help the condition. Please do remember however that
nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and in
no way replaces medical treatment.