DENTAL ILLNESS AND PREVENTION
   
Prevention is the Best Strategy
   
The importance of optimal dental care is made evident by the medical and cosmetic benefits of healthy teeth.
There is a multitude of bacteria present in the oral cavity, which serve specific functions. Together with food particles, somatic cells and cell secretions form a tough, slippery and sticky film on teeth called plaque, which attaches to spaces between the teeth and along the gum line. Unchecked growth of these bacteria can quickly lead to cosmetic problems like bad breath and a yellowing of the teeth. Further, serious illnesses may develop, such as tooth decay or periodontitis. These are, incidentally, the most common diseases worldwide.
       
Tooth Decay
   
Tooth decay (or cavities/caries) is the most common and well-known cause of dental complaints. Today, almost 99% of all people are affected. But how does tooth decay develop?

Bacteria present in plaque convert the remains of food—particularly sugars and other carbohydrates—into acids. These, in turn, attack dental enamel by eating away at important minerals. Inaccessible areas are particularly affected, such as along the gum line and between the teeth, as well as areas where the dental enamel is thinner (in recessions, or fissures, in the chewing surface). On the weakened areas of enamel, germs penetrate the tooth and corrode the enamel beneath the surface. A cavity forms in the enamel and—without being treated—grows deeper into the inner layers of the tooth. This results in severe pain and eventually the permanent destruction of the tooth.
       
Plaque
   
Plaque is a tremendous accumulation of all kinds of bacteria on teeth, resulting from food remnants and minerals in saliva. If the bacteria spread unchecked, a tiny habitat develops: up to 200 million microorganisms can live in a milliliter of saliva. They are visible as a sticky coating, which can quickly lead to cosmetic problems such as bad breath and discoloration. But far worse, however, is that plaque can also cause decay and other periodontal diseases.
 
Tartar
   
Tartar is the ideal place for all kinds of bacteria to thrive. Because the surface of tartar is much rougher than that of the dental enamel, bacteria can attach themselves much more easily. Tarter is formed through the long term combination of bacterial plaque and deposits on the neck of the tooth, where it wedges itself between the tooth and gum line. It then irritates the gums with its hard, coarse surface.
The result: Harmful bacteria penetrate the gums and trigger defensive reactions.
The best prevention: Have tartar regularly removed by your dentist.

Periodontal Disease
   
This is the umbrella term for all gum diseases. Included in this category are the medical designations gingivitis, periodontitis and periodontosis. Periodontal disease is directly related to an increased presence of plaque (bacterial film) and tartar (calcified plaque). Tartar is formed through the combination of bacterial plaque and certain substances in saliva (e.g., calcium salt) over a longer period of time.
       
Gingivitis
   
During first stage of periodontal disease, relatively harmful, easily treatable inflammations of the gums (gingivitis) begin to develop. These are usually invisible and painless, and are only made noticeable through a light, occasional bleeding of the gums. However, the dangerousness of the disease should not be underestimated. If left untreated, harmful bacteria can cause more serious forms of the disease to develop.
       
Periodontitis
   
If this advances, periodontitis, or inflamed tissues supporting the teeth, may be the result. This form is also rarely noticed by the layperson at first; swelling, redness, bleeding of the gums and bad breath may only later appear. Because the gums begin slowly to recede, the holes between the teeth appear larger than normal. In addition, discoloration on the necks of teeth becomes visible. Eventually, the gums loosen themselves completely from teeth and recede even further. The disease at this stage in the meantime has also encroached upon the jawbone. There, it destroys tissue suspending the teeth and some of the jawbone. In extreme cases, the teeth loosen and fall out.
       
Prophylaxes Hinder Periodontal Disease
   
To hinder teeth and gum damage from disease, preventative measures (prophylaxes) must be taken. The ideal prophylaxis involves the following steps:

• daily oral hygiene—brushing and cleaning.
  Bacterial plaque is removed, and bacterial growth is contained. The formation of tartar is stalled, and gums are stimulated.
• use of fluoride (for adults through dental care products, for children supplemented through tablets)—fluoride hardens the enamel, which in turn becomes less susceptible to aggressive acids.
• a proper diet—foods low in sugar and high in fiber help to combat plaque and strengthen the overall chewing mechanism
• regular visits to the dentist—removal of plaque to prevent periodontosis and the early treatment of decay.