Illustrations: How A Tooth Decays

1. Healthy Tooth
   
   Enamel is the hard outer crystal-like layer. Dentin is the softer layer beneath the enamel. The pulp chamber contains nerves and blood vessels and is considered the living part of the tooth.
2. White Spots
   
   Bacteria that are exposed to sugars or carbohydrates can make acid, which attacks the crystal-like substance in the tooth's outer surface. This process is known as demineralization. The first sign of this is a chalky white spot. At this stage, the decay process can be reversed. Using fluorides at home and in the dental office can help the tooth repair itself.
3. Enamel Decay
   
   Demineralization continues. Enamel starts to break down. Once the enamel surface is broken, the tooth can no longer repair itself. The cavity has to be cleaned and restored by a dentist.
4. Dentin Decay
   
   The decay reaches into the dentin where it can spread and undermine the enamel.
5. Pulp Involvement
   
   If decay is left untreated, it will reach the tooth's pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp becomes infected. An abscess (swelling) or a fistula (opening to the surface of the gum) can form in the soft tissues.

*Illustrations created by Simple Steps designer Lynda Buchhalter

Article Source: http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patienteducation/Illustrations-How-A-Tooth-Decays/article

If you live in the San Luis Obispo area and are currently looking for a new dentist, please do no hesitate to call our office to schedule an appointment. 

Deborah Amorteguy DDS

1250 Peach Street
Suite F
San Luis Obispo 
California 93401

805-543-3016

Smile@DrAmorteguy.com

www.dramorteguy.com

Gingivitis

What Is It?

People with gingivitis have inflamed gum tissue around their teeth, caused by bacteria found in dental plaque. Normal, healthy gums should be firmly attached to the teeth and underlying bone. They are pale pink in light-skinned people and brown, gray or mottled in people with darker complexions. If you have gingivitis, your gums are inflamed, red and swollen. They will bleed easily and may be tender. Mild gingivitis causes little pain and may be overlooked. If left unchecked, however, it can become severe. In some people, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.

Gingivitis is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that collects on your teeth, especially in crevices and spaces or around rough or broken fillings. The bacteria produce substances that can harm the gums. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into a deposit called calculus, commonly called tartar. Calculus irritates the gums and provides more surfaces for bacterial growth.

Gum disease in general and gingivitis in particular are common. Almost three in four adults over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease. People with poorly controlled diabetes and pregnant women are especially at risk. People taking oral contraceptives or systemic steroids are at increased risk of gingivitis. Certain prescription drugs — including anti-seizure medications, cyclosporin (Neoral, Sandimmune) and calcium channel blockers — can cause gum overgrowth and inflammation. 

Symptoms

You will notice red, swollen, gums that bleed easily.

Diagnosis

Your dentist will examine and probe your gums and ask you if they bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. He or she will look for calculus deposits on your teeth and under the gum line.

Make sure your dentist knows the medications you are taking, in case some of them may be contributing to your gingivitis.

Expected Duration

Gingivitis can disappear within several days once a program of good oral hygiene is started. If oral hygiene remains poor, gingivitis likely will remain and could worsen to become periodontitis, which can lead to significant loss of tissue and bone around teeth.

Prevention

Brush your teeth regularly, preferably in the morning and before bed, and floss your teeth at least once a day. Make sure that you use a soft toothbrush and that the bristles reach the gum line when you brush. Have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months to one year to prevent plaque from becoming calculus and to remove any calculus that may have already formed.

Treatment

Gingivitis can be reversed if you remove bacteria from your teeth every day. At your dental office, you will receive a thorough cleaning, which will include scaling (removal of plaque at and just below the gum line). Your dentist or dental hygienist can instruct you on the most effective methods of brushing and flossing. Controlling medical conditions, such as diabetes, can make gingivitis easier to treat.

If gingivitis advances to periodontitis, additional treatment is necessary.

Article Source: http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patienteducation/Gingivitis/article

If you live in the San Luis Obispo area and are currently looking for a new dentist, please do no hesitate to call our office to schedule an appointment. 

Deborah Amorteguy DDS

1250 Peach Street
Suite F
San Luis Obispo 
California 93401

805-543-3016

Smile@DrAmorteguy.com

www.dramorteguy.com

Bad Breath Do You Have It? You May Not Know.

Most people are unaware of the fact that they have bad breath, or “halitosis” as dental professionals refer to it. Actually, one in four people have bad breath and some studies have reported that approximately 50 percent of the adult population does have (1). In fact, it is estimated that nearly 60 million people will suffer from chronic halitosis in the United States (2).

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath can be caused by external and internal factors. External factors can be the types of foods that we eat such as spicy or odorous in nature (certain spices used in cooking, garlic, onions even tuna or tacos). If you think your bad breath is related to the foods that you are consuming, consider recording the food you are eating to determine if this is the reason. People who use tobacco and alcohol can also experience bad breath. 

Internal factors include oral factors that can affect the body systemically. The tongue provides a place for bacteria to attach and grow. Most odor-causing bacteria produce compounds that cause bad breath called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These primary VSCs that cause bad breath are hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan. Most of these odor-causing bacteria reside in the posterior area of the tongue.

Other causes of bad breath can include the following (3):

• Dental issues (poor oral hygiene, gingivitis and periodontal disease)
• Dentures (plaque and food can develop on dentures)
• Dry mouth (lack of saliva flow)
• Mouth, nose and throat issues (sinus or throat infections and cryptic tonsillitis)
• Systemic diseases (diabetes, lung infections or abscesses, kidney/liver failure, gastrointestinal conditions)
• Patients who are dieting on a regular basis

Please see your dental professional for a dental appointment to determine why you are experiencing bad breath and continue to properly clean your mouth with an antibacterial fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and clean your tongue with a tongue brush or scraper.

Article Source: http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patienteducation/Bad-Breath-Do-you-have-it-You-may-not-know-you-do/article

If you live in the San Luis Obispo area and are currently looking for a new dentist, please do no hesitate to call our office to schedule an appointment. 

Deborah Amorteguy DDS

1250 Peach Street
Suite F
San Luis Obispo 
California 93401

805-543-3016

Smile@DrAmorteguy.com

www.dramorteguy.com

How To Brush

What Is the Right Way to Brush?

Proper brushing takes at least two minutes — that's right, 120 seconds! Most adults do not come close to brushing that long. To get a feel for the time involved, try using a stopwatch. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gumline, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:

• Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
• Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
• Clean the chewing surfaces
• For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too

Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline and sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline.	Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes.	Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

What Type of Toothbrush Should I Use?

Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth. For many, a powered toothbrush is a good alternative. It can do a better job of cleaning teeth, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity.

How Important is the Toothpaste I Use?

It is important that you use a toothpaste that's right for you. Today there is a wide variety of toothpaste designed for many conditions, including  cavities, gingivitis, tartar, stained teeth and sensitivity. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist which toothpaste is right for you. 

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

You should replace your toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months, whichever comes first. It is also very important to change toothbrushes after you've had a cold, since the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection.

Article Source: Colgate

If you live in the San Luis Obispo area and are currently looking for a new dentist, please do no hesitate to call our office to schedule an appointment. 

Deborah Amorteguy DDS

1250 Peach Street
Suite F
San Luis Obispo 
California 93401

805-543-3016
Smile@DrAmorteguy.com
www.dramorteguy.com