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Dental problems and gum disease

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Toothy tales
Besides gum disease, the other dental disaster is tooth decay. The major culprit here is sugar, which is turned into acid by plaque on the tooth's surface. Eventually the acid builds up and dissolves the enamel coating on the tooth. The result? Tooth decay. If you really want to do your teeth a favour, avoid sugary snacks and drinks, particularly between meals. If you want to snack, stick to foods like cheese, yoghurt, crackers, fruit and sugar free drinks - or even water! Artificial sweeteners are often added to food and drink, but try to stick to those that don't cause tooth decay - saccharine, aspartame, sorbitol, xylitol and isomalt are all fine.

Something to smile about
If you do have dental problems, the good news is that you don't have to suffer. Try some of the following suggestions to help get your mouth into shape.

  • Brush your teeth thoroughly for two minutes, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste
  • If your teeth hurt when you have hot or cold food or drink, try a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth
  • If you use a mouthwash, go for Plax or Listerine - both of which have been accredited by the British Dental Association
  • Use disclosing tablets that show up even small amounts of plaque
  • Floss, dental sticks, mini brushes and electric toothbrushes are useful for areas that are difficult to clean

Other mouth miseries
Abscesses: these are gum boils, caused by severe gum disease. If the area in or around the root of the tooth becomes infected an abscess can form, which causes more swelling - and pain. Treatment consists of the dentist draining away the pus from the boil and cleaning the cavity, and taking antibiotics to help clear up any infection.

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This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child, please consult your family's health provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals. For the full Disclaimer, click here.
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