GUEST COLUMNIST: Oral hygiene care tips from a dental expert

Many people do not see a dentist on a regular basis. They only go when they have a problem. While these patients may feel they are saving money, it often ends up costing much more in money and time. This is because many dental problems do not have symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process.

An example is tooth decay. It is typical to hear, “Nothing hurts, I don’t have any problems.”

Tooth decay often does not hurt until it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a huge cavity who has never felt a thing. The dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms. This early detection can help you prevent root canal treatment.

Here are more tips and frequently asked questions:

Why does the dentist take X-rays?

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when the dentist examines the mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal:

• Small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)

• Infections in the bone

• Periodontal (gum) disease

• Abscesses or cysts

• Developmental abnormalities

• Some types of tumors

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and often unnecessary discomfort.

X-rays can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, X-rays may even help save your life.

How to save a knocked tooth

Oral injuries are often painful, and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. If you have knocked out a tooth, these tips may be able to save it:

• Rinse, do not scrub, the tooth to remove dirt or debris

• Place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your tongue

• Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket as this could cause further damage

• Get to the dentist. Successful re-implantation is possible only when treatment is performed promptly

• If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk.

What causes morning breath?

When you are asleep, production in your mouth decreases. Since your saliva is the mouth’s natural mouthwash, most people experience morning breath.

Bacteria found on teeth in the crevices and on the taste buds of the tongue, break down the food particles, which produce sulfur compounds.

It is actually these sulfur compounds which give our breath a bad odor. During desk, your saliva helps to wash away bacteria and food particles. Your saliva also helps to dissolve the foul smelling sulfur compounds.

Chronic, long-term mouth odor can be a sign of more serious illness. See your dentist if this is a concern.

Dealing with sensitive teeth

Sensitivity toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate are very effective in treating sensitive teeth.

After a few weeks of use, you may notice a decrease in sensitivity. Highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons, as well as tea and soda can increase tooth sensitivity, and work against sensitivity toothpaste.

If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using desensitizing toothpaste, see your dentist.

There are special compounds that can be applied in-office to the roots of your tooth to reduce - if not eliminate - the sensitivity. High-fluoride containing home care products can also be recommended to help reduce tooth sensitivity.