You may think that teeth are indestructible, but tooth decay is a common health problem in Australia. Tooth decay can happen at any age, but it is preventable and can be reversed if spotted early. So it is important that healthy oral hygiene habits become a part of your daily routine for life.
Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by a build-up of plaque, which is a sticky film that contains bacteria and is found on teeth.
When you eat, food can get trapped between and inside the grooves of your teeth. Tooth decay occurs when plaque bacteria breakdown the sugar and starch contained in the trapped foods, producing acids. These acids can erode the protective enamel layer of your teeth, causing holes to form. These acids can erode the protective enamel layer on the surface of your teeth, causing holes to form.
Sweets and sugary foods are not the only baddies when it comes to tooth decay. Plaque bacteria can break down any foods that contain sugar or starch, including fresh and dried fruit, biscuits and crackers, potato chips, snack bars, and peanut butter. Acidic foods (e.g. fruit juices, cordials and fizzy drinks) can also damage teeth as they can etch away the enamel.
Gum disease can develop when plaque builds up on the gum line at the bottom of your teeth. Your gums can become inflamed (gingivitis), which can cause the gum line to recede. Plaque can also penetrate into the gum, affecting your jaw bone (periodontitis). This may result in an infection (abscess) and possibly even tooth loss.
The risk of getting gum disease increases with age, so good life-long dental hygiene habits are very important.
More information on gum disease and how to prevent or manage it
You may be at increased risk of oral health problems if you:
It is important to tell your dentist if you have had rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease before you have any dental treatment. This is because if you have a treatment that makes your gums bleed (e.g. a tooth removed), bacteria from your mouth can travel to your heart, causing inflammation of your heart (endocarditis). Your dentist may give you antibiotics before you have your treatment to prevent infection.
A few simple yet effective measures can help protect your teeth and gums.
Ask your dentist about the best way to clean your teeth or find out more from the Australian Dental Association.
Flossing helps remove food from between your teeth in the hard-to-get-at gaps that a toothbrush can’t reach. There are also other oral hygiene devices that can be used instead of, or as well as, floss. If you find using floss difficult, speak to your dentist about the best floss-alternative for your teeth.
Everyone’s needs are different, so have a chat to your dentist about how often you need to have your teeth checked by them based on the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums. Regular dental check-ups can identify any dental problems early and treat them if necessary.
You should also visit your dentist if you have:
Seek dental advice immediately, ideally within 30 minutes, if you or your child has an accident involving teeth (e.g. a loosened, badly damaged or knocked out tooth). It may be possible to save the tooth within this time.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, place it in milk (not water), or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap till you can get help. If the tooth is clean, you could try and put it back inside your mouth – either back correctly into its socket or keep it inside your mouth next to your cheek.
Chewing gum stimulates your mouth to produce more saliva. Saliva washes food away, reduces the amount of decay-causing bacteria, and helps to neutralise the acids these bacteria produce.
Some illnesses, old age and certain medications can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth causing dry mouth, which can contribute to tooth decay. It’s important to use only sugar-free gum, as ordinary chewing gum contains sugar and therefore may damage your teeth.
Here are some additional tips for healthier eating to help keep your teeth and gums in good shape.
Food or drink containing sugar or acid increases the risk of tooth decay. Limit how often you eat and drink these foods throughout the day. It is just as important to limit the amount of sugary foods you eat to prevent tooth decay as it is for your overall health.
In most places across Australia, tap water contains fluoride. Fluoride helps protect teeth by slowing down the enamel breakdown caused by acids, as well as helping to rebuild tooth enamel. Remember, while bottled water also helps quench your thirst, keep in mind it does not contain teeth-protecting fluoride.
Alcohol can contribute to tooth decay, but it is also a risk factor for oral cancers.
If you smoke, you are more likely to experience oral problems including:
People who stop smoking can eventually reduce their risk of gum disease, oral cancer and other oral problems to that of a non-smoker. For help to quit smoking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or call Quitline (13 78 48).
Australian Dental Association
www.ada.org.au
American Academy of Periodontology. Gum diseases and other diseases. [online] [Accessed 18 July 2014] Available from: www.perio.org
American Association of Endodontists. Knocked out teeth. [online] [Accessed 18 July 2014] Available from: www.aae.org
Australian Dental Association. FAQ. [online] [Accessed 18 July 2014]. Available from: www.ada.org.au
Better Health Channel. Smoking and oral health. [online] [Accessed on 10 August 2014] Available from: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
British Dental Association. Diet. [online] [Accessed 18 July 2014] Available from: www.dentalhealth.org
British Dental Association. Fluoride. [online] [Accessed 18 July 2014] Available from: www.dentalhealth.org
Pharmacy Self Care. Oral health. Deakin, ACT: Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, 2010.
Queensland Health, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section) and Apunipima Cape York Health Council. Section 7: Management of diagnosed conditions – oral health. In: Chronic disease guidelines, 3rd ed. 2010.
Rhematic Heart Disease Australia. Important things to know if you have rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease. [online] [Accessed 10 August 2014] Available from: www.rhdaustralia.org.au
Last updated: 13 August 2014
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