Dr. Sasikala

The first checkup for your child should start as soon as he/she gets the first tooth. Remember it's parents responsibility to take care of their child's teeth to save them from necessary pain.Also don't not get your child's tooth extracted as it serves as a guide for the permanent teeth to come in proper position.

Your teeth are the most underappreciated part of your body. If you don’t give them proper care, there is a very good chance that you will develop severe dental problems, the most common being tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused when the bacteria that are present in your mouth churn out more acid than is necessary, gradually eroding the teeth. The acids bore a hole in the tooth, causing cavity.

You might be suffering from tooth decay if you experience:

1. Teeth discoloration
2. Cavities
3. Pain
4. Tooth infection
5. Tooth loss

Causes of tooth decay

Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria that reside in your mouth start producing excessive acids which eventually erode the tooth.

How does it happen?

Your teeth have three protective layers: an outer layer called enamel, middle layer called dentin and an inner layer called pulp. The bacteria in the mouth along with acid and broken down food particles attack the tooth and erode it layer by layer. Tooth decay worsens as each layer is eroded.

Here are some common causes behind tooth decay:

1. Poor oral hygiene i.e. not brushing or flossing your teeth regularly
2. Eating foods that help bacteria grow, such as sugary foods and foods rich in carbohydrates
3. Dry mouth refers to very little saliva in your mouth. Saliva helps countering the effects of the acids
4. Smoking 
5. Diabetes

How to prevent tooth decay

Most cases of tooth decay can be prevented by a healthy oral hygiene regime and having a balanced diet. Here are some steps you can take to prevent tooth decay:

1. Regularly brush your teeth. Brush your teeth after each meal and especially before you go to sleep. Using a fluoride-rich toothpaste will help keep tooth decay at bay.
2. The space between your teeth is where food particles get lodged. Keep them clean by flossing regularly.
3. Make balanced diet a part of your life. Avoid food high on sugar or carbohydrates. Also, avoid eating too much sticky food, as it is more likely to cling to your teeth than anything else.
4. Mouthwash regularly using a solution rich in fluoride. Fluoride has antiseptic properties that help kill the bacteria,
5. Lastly, visit your dentist regularly for checkups

Tooth decay is one of the most common lifestyle-based problems. The right combination of dental hygiene and a balanced diet goes a long way in preventing it. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a dentist.

Many adults suffer from Periodontal disease, which may result in slight swelling of the gums or something more severe as grave damage to the bone and tissue, which holds on to the teeth. After the onset of Periodontal disease, dental care is essential as it will determine the progress of the condition. 

What are some of the causes of Periodontal disease?
1. Smoking is one of the main causes of gum diseases. Moreover, it also reduces chances of effective treatment.
2. Hormonal changes in women make the gums increasingly sensitive; as a result they become more susceptible to the onset of gingivitis.
3. Diabetic patients are more likely to develop infection of the gums.
4. The ongoing treatment for serious medical conditions like AIDs and cancer can also cause Periodontal Disease.
5. Genetics also plays an essential role in the onset of gums diseases. 

What are the symptoms of Periodontal disease?
1. Persistent foul breath 
2. Red inflamed gums 
3. Tender gums with some amount of bleeding 
4. A sensation of pain while chewing food 
5. Loose teeth
6. Teeth sensitivity 

In case these symptoms are experienced, a dentist should be immediately consulted.

How is Periodontal disease treated?
1. The most effective way of treating Periodontal disease, is by controlling the progression of the condition. The type of treatment generally depends on the extent of the disease. 
2. Generally the doctor begins treatment by cleaning out the plaque, through a process called scaling and root planing. Scaling gets rid of the tartar from the gums and root planing removes rough spots from the root of the tooth, where bacteria generally accumulate and breed. Sometimes, a laser is also used for the same. 
3. After the cleaning is done, certain medicines are recommended and the doctor recommends strict oral care. 
4. If the diseases continue to worsen, a surgical treatment may be recommended. 
5. Some surgical treatments include flap surgery and bone and tissue grafts.