Tooth and gum diseases are among the most important health problems in our country and in the world. However, since it does not directly threaten life, it is not given due importance.
The mouth is the entrance to the digestive tract. Negativity in the mouth leads to deterioration of dental health and negative effects on digestion. The food we take by mouth is chewed and mixed with saliva to make it ready for swallowing and digestion. The mouth helps to talk at the same time. Your tongue, which is the taste organ; They also have very important side functions such as chewing, swallowing and speaking.
In addition to their duties of breaking down and grinding food, teeth have important effects on speech and our appearance. It becomes difficult for people with missing teeth to make some sounds, and they also have difficulty chewing and/or biting. During the development of teeth, the first milk teeth to appear are then replaced by permanent teeth.
The two most important diseases in oral and dental health are tooth decay and gum inflammation. Gum diseases can sometimes have a progressive effect on the jaw bone where the tooth socket is located. deterioration of dental health can also affect other organs in the body. Teeth can become the focus of constant infection, negatively affecting almost all systems, and the heart, kidneys, joints, etc. It can be a source of infections that can cause serious health problems in the structures.
The absence of any structural and functional disorders in the mouth and teeth and the fact that the mouth and teeth can fully perform their duties indicate the existence of "oral and dental health".
1. Tooth Decay
There are three main factors in the formation of tooth decay: A sensitive tooth surface, food residues suitable for microorganisms, and the presence of microorganisms that will cause their breakdown and acid formation. Among the foods that cause tooth decay most, carbohydrates, roughly speaking, sugary foods.
If teeth are brushed regularly and care is taken, microbes cannot harm them. Tooth decay is a disease that destroys the structure of the tooth by creating cavities in the tooth and does not heal on its own. If the teeth are not cleaned well, food residues and microbes accumulate on them. rikir. Bacteria in the mouth use the sugary substances in food residues, turning it into a transparent, sticky substance and allowing it to stick to the teeth. These deposits are called plaque. These plaques also make it easier for bacteria to adhere to the teeth. The acid contained in sugary substances used to sweeten foods can damage teeth, but bacteria themselves can also create acid. Acid causes tooth enamel to dissolve. Thus, microbes entering through the melting areas can easily reach the underlying soft tissue.
Acid creates small holes on the tooth enamel, which is the protective layer of the tooth. These holes gradually expand and become small cavities. After the tooth enamel dissolves, decay progresses rapidly, creating a wide and deep cavity in the underlying layer. As tooth decay progresses into the tooth pulp, teeth begin to ache. If the decay progresses further, pus begins to form and accumulate in the tooth pulp area and in the jawbone. This is called a dental abscess. If it is not treated by the dentist at the beginning, more difficult, complex and expensive treatments may be required for the decayed tooth. Dental plaque is one of the important causes of disease of the gums. Brushing your teeth after meals and removing food residues using dental floss prevents tooth decay and the formation and progression of gum diseases.
Just because your teeth do not hurt does not mean they are healthy. For toothache to occur, tooth decay must be very advanced. In order to detect tooth decay at a treatable stage, it is necessary to go to the dentist and have the teeth examined at least twice a year, without waiting for pain to occur. When necessary, dentists can also identify invisible cavities by taking films of the teeth.
Early recognition of tooth decay can prevent or at least delay the loss of teeth. This provides important contributions both in terms of health, social and economic aspects. It reduces the need to wear dentures in the mouth. Nothing can replace our own natural teeth. Early loss of permanent teeth causes nutritional problems. Oral and dental care is of great importance in ensuring that natural teeth last a long time.
The fluoride we ingest with water is also very important for dental health. The rate of tooth decay increases significantly in settlements where there is a lack of fluoride in their water. For this reason, the recommendations of health institutions regarding fluoride should be followed.
2. Gum Diseases
The part of the tooth that is visible outside the gum is covered with a hard layer called tooth enamel. There is a softer structure underneath. In the innermost part is the pulp of the tooth. There are plenty of vessels and nerves here. The tooth body narrows where it enters the gum and the bone beneath it. This part is called the neck part of the tooth. The part that remains within the jawbone is called the root part of the tooth. The tooth root is tightly connected to the jawbone in the tooth socket with special tissue extensions. Gum diseases and tooth decay can cause bad breath. When there is bad breath, the cause should be investigated.
Gum diseases are among the most important dental health problems. It is closely related to poor oral hygiene. Gums bleed easily from the beginning. A dentist examination is mandatory in case of bleeding gums. Inflammation of the gums, tooth sockets and floor of the mouth is generally known as gum disease. Plaques on the teeth are the most important reason for this. Untreated gingivitis can cause inflammation and damage to the jawbone. Tooth decay, gum diseases, sinusitis, tonsillitis, respiratory system diseases, digestive problems, and lack of oral care can cause bad breath. This situation also affects social relations. Some metabolic diseases can also cause peculiar odors in the mouth.
3. Developmental Disorders of Teeth
Tooth irregularities that cause closing disorders in the mouth facilitate tooth decay and lead to earlier tooth loss. Irregular teeth can cause the relationship between the lower and upper jaw to deteriorate. They create difficulty in chewing and cleaning and cause bad breath.
The most important reason for irregular teeth may be the premature loss of milk teeth. As a result, the permanent teeth that emerge may be placed on top of each other. Irregular teeth cause speech disorders and visual impairments. It may cause respiratory disorders.
Smoking causes discoloration of teeth. Smokers' teeth become brownish. Teeth that have lost their vitality appear gray in color. Some medications used incorrectly in children can also cause discoloration of teeth. Excessive amounts of fluoride can cause yellowing of teeth. Antibiotics, etc. used during pregnancy and infancy. Some medications can cause permanent color changes in teeth. For this reason, medication should not be used without a doctor's recommendation.
4. How to Protect Oral and Dental Health?
Early diagnosis is very important in terms of protecting dental diseases and dental health. For this reason, it is recommended to be examined by a dentist at least twice a year.
To prevent tooth decay, there should be sufficient fluoride in water, regular brushing of teeth, using dental floss, avoiding excessively sweet and sugary foods as much as possible, and brushing teeth after eating them. Going for dentist check-ups are basic practices. Tooth brushing and regular dentist check-ups are also important in preventing gum diseases.
If there are developmental disorders in the teeth, necessary treatment should be provided at an early stage by applying to units specialized in special branches of dentistry.
Excessively acidic and sugary foods increase the effect of microorganisms. . Teeth should not be mixed with hard objects, such as hazelnuts, walnuts, etc. Shelled foods should not be broken with teeth. These cause tooth enamel to crack and increase the effect of bacteria. The protective effect of tooth enamel disappears.
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