DENTAL CARE Presentation by: Dr. Piponsuhu-Nasiru Rafiat (Dental Unit, Randle General Hospital) 6th May, 2012

The function of teeth in the mouth: Aesthetics Mastication/chewing INTRODUCTION WHAT IS DENTAL CARE? Dental care is the maintenance of healthy teeth and supporting tissues. The function of teeth in the mouth: Aesthetics Mastication/chewing Phonation/speech Maintenance of the dental arch and facial structure

The Structure Tooth And Supporting Tissue

The tooth is divided into two parts: The crown The root The crown of the tooth has an outer very hard enamel, middle hard but porous dentine and the inner pulp tissue which contains blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves

The middle layer dentine The pulp tissue. The root has a bony hard cementum The middle layer dentine The pulp tissue. The tooth in good health is covered and supported by the periodontium and alveolar bone.

In healthy state, the periodontium consist of a pale pink stippled, well defined knife-edged scalloped outlined gingivae (gum) which does not bleed on gentle probing with periodontal probe or while brushing the teeth.

Unclean teeth result in holes (cavity) and gum diseases. This is caused by plaque accumulation around the teeth and subsequent gum irritation. What is Dental Plaque? This is a sticky combination of bacteria and food debris. These are usually found on the molar fissures ( grinding surface), gingival crevice (inner surface of edge of the gum) and surfaces between adjacent teeth.

PLAQUE FORMATION: After the teeth are cleaned, mucopolysaccharide coating (pellicle) is deposited almost immediately around the teeth. After eating, plaque begin to accumulate on the teeth within 20 minutes, if the plaque is not removed thoroughly after about 72 hours the plaque starts hardening into calculus or tartar.

When present, calculus is commonly found on the inner surface of the lower front teeth near the opening of the salivary gland duct and on the cheek surface of the upper molar teeth near the opening of the parotid duct.

Plaque accumulation on the teeth could result in a number of problems, such as: Teeth decay Gingivitis - Swollen, Inflamed, bleeding gums. Periodontitis - Destruction of ligaments and bone that support the teeth, often causing tooth mobility and subsequent tooth loss.

Bad breath. Abscesses. Pain and inability to use teeth with subsequent poor nutritional intake which impairs general health. Also severe bactereamias(dissemination of bacteria through the blood) due to acute or chronic dental infection may contribute to brain abscesses, endocarditis, unexplained fever etc.

Why Is Basic Dental Care Important? Prevents tooth decay. Prevent gum (periodontal) disease. Shortens time with the dentist and dental hygienist and makes trip more pleasant. Saves money, reduces need for filling and other dental procedures. Helps prevent bad breath.

How Do We Care For Our Teeth? Brushing and flossing our teeth regularly. This is achieved by brushing twice a day i.e. in the morning and before bed. And floss once a day. This removes the plaque. Visiting our dentist/dental hygienist for regular check ups and cleanings.

How Do We Care For Our Teeth? Eating a mouth healthy diet i.e. food high in whole grains, vegetables and fruits and dairy products. 4. Avoid food that contains a lot of sugar. Sugar helps plaque grow.

How Do We Care For Our Teeth? Use of toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. Sometimes, a mouthwash which contains fluoride might be recommended by your dentist. A toothpaste endorsed by NDA. Avoid chewing tobacco and drinking excessive tea as it can cause discoloration of the teeth.

How Do We Care For Our Teeth? 7. Avoid using tobacco products, which can cause gum disease and oral cancer. Exposure to tobacco smoke also may cause gum disease as well as other health problems. 8. Practice tongue cleaning: you can use tongue cleaner or a soft bristle toothbrush, slowly in a back to front direction.

How Do We Care For Our Teeth? Avoid touching the mouth after touching other materials such as keyboards, tops of shelves, shoes and clothes. You should use a soft ended toothpick to remove the debris and food particles that might be stuck between the teeth. Never use a pin that can pierce the gum which can cause bleeding or inflammation.

Dental Care Of A Child Patient Proper dental care begins even before a baby’s first tooth appears. This can be achieved by running a damp washcloth over the baby’s gum following feeding to prevent buildup of damaging bacteria. Once the child has a few teeth showing, they can be brushed with a soft child’s tooth brush or rub them with gauze at the end of the day. Avoid putting baby to sleep with a bottle in his or her mouth. Take your child to a pediatrics dentist for checkup

Professional Aspect Of Dental Care This is mainly preventive measures given by the dentist or dental health providers. They are fragmented into three basic: Primary Prevention: This is aimed at educating patient to develop good hygiene oral attitude and controlling some environmental factors such as smoking and nutrition that could predispose to developing teeth and gum problem.

Professional Aspect Of Dental Care 2. Secondary Prevention: The measure is directed to those who have already developed dental disease in which disease process can be stopped or reversed.

Professional Aspect Of Dental Care 3. High Risk Prevention: Measure is directed at both prevention and therapeutic approach. People that fall into this category have underlining diseases that predisposes them to periodontal diseases or dental caries. E.g. diabetic mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, juvenile periodontitis, patients undergoing radiation therapy or poor nutrition.

Conclusion: Tooth brushing and other mechanical cleaning procedures are considered to be the most reliable means of controlling plaque provided cleaning is sufficiently and thoroughly performed at regular intervals. Success of personal oral hygiene measure depends on (a) Tooth brushing technique (b) Toothbrush design (c) Inter dental cleaning agents (d) Frequency of cleaning

Aisha has reported that, “the prayer before which the miswak is used is seventy times more excellent than that before which it is not used.” Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “make miswak a must, do not be headless as there are twenty four benefits in miswak, the greatest benefit is that Allah (SWT), becomes pleased, there is increase in wealth, it freshens the breath, it strengthens the gums, it relieves headaches, it relieves toothache and due to the light from the face and teeth the angels shake hands.”

Thank you for listening!