CDC collaborations related to periodontal disease and diabetes

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Dental caries (i.e., tooth decay) is an infectious, multifactorial disease afflicting most persons in industrialized countries and some developing countries (1). Fluoride reduces the incidence of dental caries and slows or reverses the progression of existing lesions (i.e., prevents cavities).

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Will sealants replace fluoride for cavity protection?

No. Fluorides, such as those used in toothpaste, mouth rinse, and community water supplies also help to prevent decay, but in a different way. Sealants keep germs and food particles out of the grooves by covering them with a safe plastic coating. Sealants and fluorides work together to prevent tooth decay.

Applying sealants does not require drilling or removing tooth structure. The process is short and easy. After the tooth is cleaned, a special gel is placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds. The tooth is then washed off and dried. Then, the sealant is painted on the tooth. The dentist or dental hygienist also may shine a light on the tooth to help harden the sealant. It takes about a minute for the sealant to form a protective shield.

Community-Based Strategies Prevent Tooth Decay

Community water fluoridation has been ranked as 1 of the 10 great public health achievements in the 20th century. Although community water fluoridation prevents tooth decay, people also get fluoride from other sources, such as toothpaste, rinses, and other topical applications at the dental office. At present, 69% of individuals on public water systems—more than 184 million people—are receiving the benefits of community water fluoridation.

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The Reality

• Although dental caries (tooth decay) is largely preventable, it remains the most common chronic disease of children aged 6 to 11 years (25%) and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years (59%). Tooth decay is four times more common than asthma among adolescents aged 14 to 17 years (59% compared with 15%).
• Once established, the disease requires treatment. A cavity only grows larger and more expensive to repair the longer it remains untreated.
• Fewer than 1 in 3 children enrolled in Medicaid received at least one preventive dental service in the past year. Many states provide only emergency dental services to Medicaid-eligible adults.
• Many adults also have untreated tooth decay—28% of those aged 35 to 44 years and 18% of those aged 65 years and older.

The recommendations were developed by a work group of experts in the fields of caries prevention and treatment, oral epidemiology, and evidence-based reviews. The work group also included representatives from professional dental organizations.

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Permanent molars are the most likely to benefit from sealants. The first molars usually come into the mouth when a child is about 6 years old. Second molars appear at about age 12. It is best if the sealant is applied soon after the teeth have erupted, before they have a chance to decay.

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from tooth decay by keeping germs and food particles out of these grooves.

Sealants prevent tooth decay and also stop cavities from growing. The Surgeon General’s report on oral health indicates that sealants can reduce decay in school children by more than 70 percent.

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Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health.

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This gum problem on my teeth it hurts and upset me.

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Worried about Gaps in my teeth

I have a small gap between  my two front teeth.  The dentist wants to remove my wisdom teeth because they are impacted.  They do not hurt me but he says they need to come out.  My worry is by removing my wisdom teeth will my gap that I already have get larger.  As it is I can deal with it, but I would not be happy if  it gets larger.

Need something better the hot rags

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Trends in the prevalence of untreated dental caries among children (2–4 and 6–8 years old), adolescents (12–15 years old), and adults (35–44 years old): Overall, the proportion of children with untreated dental caries in the primary and permanent dentition has declined since the 1970s for all age, gender, race, and poverty level subgroups although differences among these groups remain (Brown et al., 1999; Brown et al., 2000).

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