Common Oral Problems

Decay Occlusal

Teeth have a hard enamel surface. But poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of plaque which can lead to decay. When this starts on the chewing surfaces of the teeth it will be referred to as Occlusal Decay. If decay is left untreated the nerve of the tooth may become infected and die. This may cause an abscess.

Decay Interproximal

Teeth have a hard enamel surface. But poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of plaque which can lead to decay. When this starts in the contact points in between the teeth it will be referred to as Interproximal Decay. If decay is left untreated the nerve of the tooth may become infected and die. This may cause an abscess.

Sensitivity

Dentine hypersensitivity is sensation felt when the nerves inside the dentin of the teeth are exposed to the environment. The sensation can range from irritation all the way to intense, shooting pain. This sensitivity can be caused by several factors, including wear, decaying teeth or exposed tooth roots. The effects of gum disease can lower the gumline and expose the roots. This will in turn expose the dentine of the root Read More..

which contains the tubules leading directly to the nerve. Hot, cold, air pressure, drying, sometimes sweet foods can cause pain. A special paste is available that can be applied to provide some relief from this condition. Show Less…

Gum Disease

Gingivitis (“inflammation of the gum tissue”) is a term used to describe non-destructive gum disease. The most common form of gingivitis is in response to bacterial plaque adherent to tooth surfaces, termed plaque-induced gingivitis, and is the most common form of periodontal disease. In the absence of treatment, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, which is a destructive form of periodontal disease. Read More..

While in some sites or individuals, gingivitis never progresses to periodontitis, data indicates that periodontitis is always preceded by gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis are somewhat non-specific and manifest in the gum tissue as the classic signs of inflammation: Swollen gums, Bright red or purple gums and Gums that are tender or painful to the touch.

Periodontitis is a set of inflammatory diseases affecting the periodontium, i.e., the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis involves progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Periodontitis is caused by microorganisms that adhere to and grow on the tooth’s surfaces, along with an overly aggressive immune response against these microorganisms. A diagnosis of periodontitis is established by inspecting the soft gum tissues around the teeth with a probe (i.e. a clinical exam) and by evaluating the patient’s x-ray films (i.e. a radiographic exam), to determine the amount of bone loss around the teeth.

In this animation You see a healthy tooth at first. When Plaque builds up, gum and bone may begin to recede. Sometimes the gum recedes with the bone and sometimes it doesn’t. Either way the tooth may become mobile.

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Wisdom Teeth

An impacted Wisdom tooth. Some bone is removed to gain access … … the tooth is split … … the roots are removed separately. The gum is replaced and heals naturally.

Bruxism

Bruxism is characterized by the grinding of the teeth and is typically accompanied by the clenching of the jaw. It is an oral parafunctional activity that occurs in most humans at some time in their lives. In most people, bruxism is mild enough not to be a health problem. While bruxism may be a diurnal or nocturnal activity, it is bruxism during sleep that causes the majority of health issues and can even occur during short naps. Read More..

Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders.

Grinding the teeth can cause wear. The canines and the front incisors wear first. The enamel can be lost exposing the soft dentine underneath.

Ongoing management of bruxism is based on minimizing the abrasion of tooth surfaces by the wearing of an acrylic dental guard, or splint, designed to the shape of an individual’s upper or lower teeth from a bite mold. A dental guard is typically worn on a long-term basis during every night’s sleep. Although mouthguards are a first response to bruxism, they do not in fact help cure it. Another type of device sometimes given to a bruxer is a repositioning splint. A repositioning splint may look similar to a traditional night guard, but is designed to change the occlusion, or bite, of the patient.

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Lost Canine Guidance

When we grind our teeth from side to side … … the back teeth are protected to some extent by the canines. The back teeth are ‘separated’ as the canines meet. If the canines wear away then the back teeth will come together. This can cause fracturing of the sides of the back teeth … … particularly those that already have fillings and are weak. Restoring the canines can help prevent further damage.

Diastemas – Gap in Front Teeth

A gap in the front teeth (Diastema) can appear unsightly. Tubes are placed over the two teeth … … and filled with Composite material. This builds up the teeth, closing the gap. The material is hardened with a bright light.

Dry Mouth

Xerostomia is the medical term for the subjective complaint of dry mouth due to a lack of saliva. Saliva is produced by the salivary glands in the mouth. It naturally protects the teeth, washing away plaque, debris and neutralising acid. A reduction or absence of saliva can be caused by a number of factors. Read More..

Reduced saliva flow can lead to more plaque and debris build up which can increase the liklihood of dental disease such as bad breath and a dramatic rise in the number of cavities, as the protective effect of saliva’s remineralizing the enamel is no longer present, and can make the mucosa and periodontal tissue of the mouth more vulnerable to infection. It can also make eating, talking and wearing dentures uncomfortable. Xerostomia is also common in smokers. BioXtra has special products to help alleviate symptoms and provide care and comfort.

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Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking can have a detrimental affect on children’s teeth. Over time the top teeth can be pulled forward … … and the bottom teeth pushed back.

Bad Brearh

Abfreaction

Brush Abrasion

Fractured Cusp

Pericoronitis

Periapical Abscess

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