When we talk about the word ‘contagious’, most people tend to think about the ‘flu. Seldom do we realise that tooth decay and gum disease can bring on a host of oral health problems not only for us but for those in the family as well.
The Dirty Truth About Tooth Decay
To put it simply, if bacteria is present in the mouth, it will eat away at the teeth. If left untreated this could result in a cavity and cause pain, infection and even loss of a tooth. Normally it is the combination of food and bacteria that causes decay as plaque forms on the gums and the teeth. When you eat or drink something sweet, the bacteria feed off these sugars and create acids. Over time your tooth enamel breaks down and this is the start of tooth decay and poor oral health.
Normally as parents we are considered the first line of defence when it comes to our children. However, unknowingly we can actually pass along tooth decay. By drinking from the same cup or brushing with the same toothbrush, bacteria can transfer from one person to another. Often it is mum’s bacteria that are passed to the child and hence if mum has lots of fillings we need to be very vigilant as this can happen with the child.
Tooth decay in children causes pain and fever, it can also disrupt school and education. Speech and eating habits are also affected along with mum and dads sleep. Regular examinations can help prevent all of this and often remove the need for expensive dental treatment.
The Dangers of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease which is commonly called gum disease happens when the bone and the tissues that support the teeth get infected. When there is a build up of plaque, the bacteria contained inside it produce toxins that damage and irritate the gums. Apart from flossing and brushing every day, it is important to visit your dentist for regular teeth cleaning sessions above and below the gum margins. If your gums bleed, look discolored, are red or swollen or if you suffer from bad breath, then these are warning signs that you may have gum disease. Unfortunately untreated gum disease is the most common reason adults lose teeth and end up with dentures or false teeth.
By adopting a healthy dental care routine you will safeguard your family from unnecessary dental treatment and save yourself a lot of expense.
Having graduated with first class honors in the Medical Sciences and again with honors in Dentistry, Dr Simon Franks has worked from high end cosmetic practices in Brisbane to a specialist dental practice in Central Queensland. He is the founding dentist of Bite Dental Studios in Queen St Mall Brisbane, which is renowned for delivering the highest quality dental care to the ‘friends of the practice’.
Delivering all facets of dental care, Simon is a thorough and gentle dentist who prides himself on the quality of the materials used including dental fillings in his treatments and the 5 year guarantee on all his crowns, bridges, veneers and implants
http://www.bitedental.com.au