Cavities are a concern that we’re all aware of. They’re the result of acid and bacteria carving holes in our enamel and dentin. What you may not be aware of is that a classification method exists that your dentist uses to describe them. These terms permit your dentist to describe your cavities directly and straightforwardly accurately. They also guide your dentists in choosing appropriate treatment methods. It will also tell them how urgent those treatments are. We will take steps to unlock the dental notation code and help you understand how dentists classify cavities.
The system used by your dentist is referred to as the GV Black classification system. This system is given the name of the man who originally developed it. He was born in 1836 and practiced dentistry for much of his life. He finally passed away in 1915, having provided significant contributions to the science of dentistry. Perhaps the most significant is the dental cavity classification system that bears his name.
This system is built on the back of various classes that are used in describing your cavities. Let’s explore some of the dental terms used in this system:
Understanding these terms will help in learning about the following classes:
Along with describing where they can be found, a set of terms describes their severity.
Combining the above terms creates a description that accurately indicates the location and severity of your cavity.
Those who’d like to become better informed about the development of cavities can speak to their dentist. Why not arrange your next bi-annual visit and show up with a list of questions?
Finding a little blood on your toothbrush every so often isn’t unusual. When it starts to happen, every time you brush, you may have something to cause worry. While bleeding can be the result of overly aggressive brushing or flossing, it should be infrequent. Once the frequency starts to pick up, it’s time to speak to your dentist. Bleeding gums are a frequently encountered symptom of gingivitis and periodontitis. While you may need to change your toothbrush, it pays to check with a professional.
Periodontal disease is a catch-all term for the two types of gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are caused by one of the hundreds of species of bacteria that live in our mouths. Many of these bacteria are helpful; some are merely harmless. One, in particular, poses a severe threat to our oral health. That one is streptococcus mutans, and it is responsible for tooth decay and periodontal disease. A significant factor in these conditions is the acid it secretes after eating sugar.
The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. With this condition, our gums are irritated and sensitive, both the result of bacteria. Mutans haven’t gotten into the gums at this point. Instead, it lives on the outside of the gums, causing inflammation. Once the bacteria manages to establish itself in the gums themselves, trouble begins. At this stage, the condition changes to periodontitis, and your oral health is in danger. Without the help of your dentist, there’s no practical way to reverse periodontitis.
Common symptoms of periodontitis include:
Any of these symptoms are a cause for worry. When they start to appear in multiples, swift action is needed. Reach out to your dentist to get the help that you need.
Speaking to your dentist is the first important step to getting help with periodontal disease. They’ll discuss your circumstances and present you with appropriate options. One of two solutions is likely to be presented:
The most important tool you have in preventing gum disease is maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. This process includes brushing at least twice daily, flossing, and giving a rinse with mouthwash. You may also want to include fluoride supplements to help strengthen your teeth.
Finding a little blood on your toothbrush every so often isn’t unusual. When it starts to happen, every time you brush, you may have something to cause worry. While bleeding can be the result of overly aggressive brushing or flossing, it should be infrequent. Once the frequency starts to pick up, it’s time to speak to your dentist. Bleeding gums are a frequently encountered symptom of gingivitis and periodontitis. While you may need to change your toothbrush, it pays to check with a professional.
Periodontal disease is a catch-all term for the two types of gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are caused by one of the hundreds of species of bacteria that live in our mouths. Many of these bacteria are helpful; some are merely harmless. One, in particular, poses a severe threat to our oral health. That one is streptococcus mutans, and it is responsible for tooth decay and periodontal disease. A significant factor in these conditions is the acid it secretes after eating sugar.
The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. With this condition, our gums are irritated and sensitive, both the result of bacteria. Mutans haven’t gotten into the gums at this point. Instead, it lives on the outside of the gums, causing inflammation. Once the bacteria manages to establish itself in the gums themselves, trouble begins. At this stage, the condition changes to periodontitis, and your oral health is in danger. Without the help of your dentist, there’s no practical way to reverse periodontitis.
Common symptoms of periodontitis include:
Any of these symptoms are a cause for worry. When they start to appear in multiples, swift action is needed. Reach out to your dentist to get the help that you need.
Speaking to your dentist is the first important step to getting help with periodontal disease. They’ll discuss your circumstances and present you with appropriate options. One of two solutions is likely to be presented:
The most important tool you have in preventing gum disease is maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. This process includes brushing at least twice daily, flossing, and giving a rinse with mouthwash. You may also want to include fluoride supplements to help strengthen your teeth.
Flossing is among the dental hygiene habits that people struggle with the most. Whether it’s the time involved or just a lack of agility, many avoid it. There are numerous methods to make the whole thing more manageable, and they’re reasonably available. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who find flossing a tricky part of your routine, we can help. Below we’re going to approach some of the alternatives you can use to ensure you floss properly. Without flossing, our teeth are in danger of lasting damage and decay.
After you’ve finished packing away the dishes, you might consider the meal complete. You’re done eating and have brushed, so all is in order. But is it? If you haven’t flossed, you likely have particles of food debris lodged into your teeth. You may not be able to get at it with a brush, but the bacteria in your mouth can. They’re more than capable of slipping into those hidden spaces and breaking them down. As the bacteria break down your food, they produce acid and a substance known as a biofilm. Most of us just call it plaque or tartar when it hardens.
While it won’t be visible to the naked eye, tooth decay will continue. The bacteria nestled between your teeth will soften the enamel, and erosion can begin. This erosion can mean you’ll develop cavities in places you can’t even see. Brushing for at least two minutes is an effective strategy to keep it at bay, but not alone. Mouthwash and floss are needed to ensure you’ve got it covered.
The consequences of not flossing include:
If the most common method of flossing remains troublesome for you, we have options.
One good thing about flossing is it doesn’t matter when you do it. You just have to make sure you keep up with it at least once a day. For most people, this means sticking to the same time each day. Other factors can further complicate flossing. If you’re traveling or have braces, you may find the process harder. These alternatives approved by the ADA (American Dental Association) can help:
Have more questions about making flossing a regular part of your oral hygiene? Reach out to your dental provider for guidance. They’ll have lots of tips to ensure you can keep tooth decay at bay.
Getting fit is a strong drive for many people seeking to improve their quality of life by losing weight, boosting energy levels, and generally getting more active. In the pursuit of these lifestyle changes, there are some risks that can crop up that aren’t commonly considered. If someone who is making changes to live an active lifestyle suddenly begins to experience tooth pain, they may not connect it with their new activities. If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain during your workout, it may be worth considering the possible connections.
As pertains directly to tooth pain resulting from exercise, there are two primary areas that are typically involved. These are the gums and the teeth. Sensitivity appearing in either of these locations can be tied to some degree of tooth decay or infection. In some cases, exercising can create conditions that will aggravate this sensitivity.
Each of the above conditions is directly referring to conditions experienced by the teeth; your gums are also more vulnerable while exercising. In cases where gingivitis is present, you may experience increased incidents of bleeding while brushing, especially if done close to your workout. Further, when periodontal disease has advanced to the point that your gums have pulled away from your teeth to create pockets, you may discover sensitivity in your roots.
Another dental concern that can occur as part of your exercise routine is physical trauma to your teeth. The sources vary and are based on certain habits and activities you engage in while working out. When engaged in intense workout sessions, some people may grit their teeth unconsciously. This can result in your jaw aching and can ultimately damage your teeth. Accidents while working out, such as slips, falls, and impacts can also lead to dental trauma.
Now that you know the risks that working out can pose to your dental health, it’s time to talk about the ways you can mitigate these risks. It all starts with a solid oral hygiene routine that includes brushing both morning and night. You should also consider avoiding sugary sports drinks and juices, sticking to water while you’re working out. If you clench your teeth while working out or are engaged in activities that could lead to harm to your teeth, speak to your dentist. They’ll provide you with mouth guard options that can help keep your smile looking great. Schedule a consultation today!
Alcohol is a prevalent part of our nation’s culture, finding its way into celebrations of every kind. From the champagne that’s popped during graduations and weddings to the sacramental wine that’s part of many religious observances, it’s part of our everyday existence. With the consumption of alcohol being such a normalized part of our culture, we may not stop to consider the potential risks it poses to our oral health. In this article, we’ll discuss how consumption of alcohol can negatively impact your oral health and put you at risk of decay.
The consumption of alcohol is enjoyed by millions of people all over the world every year. When consumed responsibly, it poses little risk to our health and may even be beneficial. However, indulging in excessive amounts of alcohol consumption can result in many health concerns. Among them are risks to your oral health that go beyond simple tooth decay:
Avoiding the above risks is a simple process, even for those who like to indulge occasionally. Following are some effective tips you can use to help you avoid oral health complications while indulging in your favorite beverages.
Following these tips can reduce the chance that you’ll experience oral health complications that are the result of overconsumption. Taking the opportunity to include any of these will be a good step, even if you don’t follow all of them. The key is to focus on moderation.
If you want to learn more about the hows and whys of alcohol consumption and its effect on your oral health, speak to your dentist. In addition to maintaining a consistent routine of oral hygiene, seeing your dentist twice a year is your best method of preventing oral health complications. Whether the risks are from the consumption of alcohol or just day-to-day living, your dentist will be there to help you protect your smile.
Having dental problems during your pregnancy can affect the development of your baby. Gum disease and tooth decay are some of the most reoccurring problems women have during their pregnancy because, during pregnancy, the hormones used to help develop the child in the womb can affect the gums and teeth. Women that are prone to high-risk pregnancies, however, can combat this issue by brushing, flossing, and visiting their dentist for checkups. This is because the potential risks that can develop during pregnancy can become life-threatening to both the mother and child.
For women with underlying medical conditions and women who suffer from dental problems, caring for your teeth is one of the best ways you can have a safe and healthy pregnancy. We’ll inform you about how to care for your teeth during your pregnancy and how to help maintain your dental health for your baby.
Most often, the main reason why dental problems occur during pregnancy is because of how the body responds to pregnancy. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone often contribute to dental problems because of how these hormones influence the child’s development. These hormones cause inflammation throughout the body and thus make the gums more prone to irritation from bacteria and plaque and can cause the ligaments throughout the gums to loosen. Some studies cite that women during pregnancy having dental problems can increase the likelihood of the child having cavities and that periodontal disease has been associated with preeclampsia and premature births.
Overall, some of the most common dental problems that women experience during their pregnancy include:
Most of all, if you are experiencing any dental problems, you should talk to your dentist about your teeth and gums and receive treatment as soon as possible during and after your pregnancy.
Understanding how our oral health influences us is vital towards maintaining healthy teeth and gums. But can cavities contribute to depression? Does gum disease have any connection to those with anxiety? Some research suggests that there is a link between your oral health and mental health, suggesting that having better oral health can contribute to better management of mental health symptoms, and having poor health can contribute to mental illness. In some cases, even certain mental illnesses can even cause oral health issues.
As mental health becomes more visible, we’re here to help enlighten our patients about the link between mental health and oral health, help best inform you on how you can care for your teeth if you have any signs of a mental health condition, and emphasize why scheduling appointments with your dentist matters.
When it comes to observing how mental health contributes to oral health, their relationship is a cycle. Research from the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry source that patients with mental health illnesses will be less likely to care for their physical health, depriving the body of nutrition, routine, and other healthy habits to have better overall health. Experiencing a mental illness can lead to a lack of physical care, including brushing one’s teeth, and those with poor mental health management also experience poor nutrition, drug misuse, and financial issues that ultimately block them from having healthier lifestyles. With these factors, gum disease and tooth decay become more prominent among mental health patients.
The same applies in reverse, where neglecting your physical health can also contribute to mental and emotional problems. In many ways, mental health can lead to poorer dental health by:
When speaking with your dentist, know that your mental health issues are valid and important. Because of these links between oral health and mental health, speaking with your dentist about your oral health can help your dentist better understand their patients and provide better long-term treatment plans. Maintaining your routine visits is vital for better oral health. Regular exams and cleanings will be able to provide you with the foundation for healthier teeth and gums and give you the assurance you need to have a balanced approach to both your mouth, your body, and your mind.
If you have any questions or concerns about your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist for more information, and your dentist can give you the steps you need to have a healthy smile and better management of your mental health.
Asthma usually appears as a childhood disease, and once it’s established in the lungs, the inflammatory process that occurs often leads to the underdevelopment of the lungs impeding their function and experience negative oral health effects. Asthma has the ability to increase the risk of oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease, and for those who continue with this condition, it’s essential that these people receive good oral care by cooperating with their physicians and working out long-term treatment plans that work.
People with asthma are reported to be 1.5 times more like to have cavities than those without asthma, according to a systematic review from the Journal of Asthma. Many of the prominent symptoms with asthma, such as coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest, can result in an increased risk due to their higher vulnerability to respiratory diseases such as bronchitis. Inadequate access to care, poor immune system function, and the wide variety of asthma triggers that occur can influence many of the factors that lead to these diseases.
The connection between childhood asthma and cavities contains many positive, strong correlations, as bronchial asthma is considered a risk factor for gum inflammation and that the swelling and inflammation created by asthma leads people to become more vulnerable to harmful bacteria. In other cases, the European Journal of Dentistry cites that medications taken for asthma, such as steroids, can also increase the risk of oral health problems, specifically due to how these medications can irritate the mouth, causing mouth ulcers and thrush.
To best prevent the development of cavities and gum disease, follow these tips:
Asthma can be stressful, but know that your dentists are here for you if you experience any signs of cavities, dry mouth, gum disease, or ulcers. Your dentist can prescribe you medications and help find long-term dental plans that meet your needs. Arrange an appointment today to learn more about your available treatments and find long-lasting oral care that will last a lifetime.
Our understanding of the role that various vitamins and minerals play in the body is still growing, even as related to well-known vitamins like vitamin D. We all know how important it is to get dairy in our diets, especially for building strong teeth and bones. While our oral health gets a mention in this, our teeth aren’t the only thing that benefits from receiving an abundance of vitamin D. Our gums are one of the major beneficiaries of getting enough of this essential nutrient, and it has demonstrated the ability to combat periodontal disease. This condition stands as one of the most frequent causes of tooth loss in adults.
Most of us are familiar with gingivitis, the most basic form of gum disease that affects over 90% of Americans at some point in their lives. The puffy gums that are tender and occasionally bleed when brushed are symptoms that signify this condition. When left untreated, this condition can develop into the more severe periodontal disease. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, periodontal disease can also cause the gums to detach from the teeth, damage the connective tissue that secures our teeth in place, and even begin to damage the jawbone in severe cases. All of these together lead to the loss of teeth in patients experiencing this condition. Vitamin D helps protect us from this condition in the following ways:
The elements of Vitamin D responsible for the antibacterial action described above are known as cathelicidins and defensins. These natural antibiotics help to reduce the total number of bacteria found in the mouth. It also helps to reduce the enzyme matrix metalloproteinases or MMP. This enzyme has been connected with the presence of periodontal disease. Those without sufficient vitamin D in their diet don’t experience these benefits and are left more vulnerable to advanced gum disease or periodontitis.
It’s likely that you’ve heard about the importance of getting dairy in your diet when you were growing up. This is due to milk products typically being fortified with Vitamin D in the United States. Combined with the naturally high level of calcium in dairy, it’s a solid way of making sure your teeth, gums, and bones are all protected. For those who choose not to drink milk or are lactose intolerant, there are other dietary options as well. Egg yolk, sardines, salmon, and shrimp all contain high levels of Vitamin D. Of course, the easiest way to get enough Vitamin D is simply to spend sufficient time outdoors, just a few hours a week. Our body naturally produces this vitamin when exposed to sunlight; just be sure to use sunscreen!
For your teeth, what you eat matters more than you would expect. Eating a balanced diet reduces the risk of developing various diseases throughout the heart, lungs, stomach, and arteries and directly affects your oral health in ways least recognized. However, eating a balanced diet every day isn’t always possible for many, as the convenience and expensiveness of healthy foods often result in difficulties keeping teeth healthy long-term. Nutrient-rich foods, however, are worth the costs, as the teeth are often the most susceptible to bacteria growth and diseases. The interconnected relationship between the mouth and body is intrinsically linked.
Your mouth can offer various clues indicating how your overall health is currently. The body consists of numerous natural defenses against various forms of bacteria that cause disease. While your mouth contains hundreds of bacteria, most of the bacteria within our systems are harmless, and in many ways, quite helpful. However, your mouth is the entry point for your respiratory and digestive system. When left out of control, harmful strains of bacteria such as the streptococcus mutans can develop and enter our system, causing an impact on the body’s immune system response and impacting the body’s reactions to those conditions.
Even while certain medications and good oral care can prevent diseases from occurring, good oral care must be established as a standard form of self-care for your mind and body. Oral bacteria and inflammation are highly linked to inflammatory diseases, leading people to become more vulnerable to chronic conditions such as heart disease. While brushing and flossing may do well to keep your mouth clean, long-term oral care needs to take every aspect of health into account, including diet.
Cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay are often most prone to develop when foods high in carbohydrates are regularly eaten. Carbohydrates are a primary source of sucrose, one of the main sources of foods for harmful bacteria in the mouth, and are considered cariogenic. The dynamic process of consumption and digestion takes many factors into account, as highly nutritious foods and how they’re eaten matter significantly, according to StatPearls peer-reviewed journal. Dietary shifts for oral health are essential for maintaining the mouth’s health, including its ability to increase saliva production, maintain calcium and phosphate deposits in the enamel, and reduce the risks of developing dental diseases. To eat a balanced diet, we recommend:
Avoiding processed, sugary foods and drinks will help benefit your health in numerous ways, especially your mouth. Reducing the amount of sugar eaten can help improve your oral health by giving the bacteria in your mouth less fuel to consume and give your overall health the boost it needs for longer, happier life.