Protection from Tooth attack

Toothache can act as a major stumbling block in life. Prolonged pain or inflammation of teeth or gum can breach the peace of mind. Toothache can be associated with dental cavity or tooth decay. In recent times tooth decay has become one of the chronic diseases affecting people at all age. 9th February is celebrated as a ‘Toothache day’ to spread more awareness about healthy teeth. There's a strong connection between oral health and your overall health, particularly your cardiovascular issues. So, if you have particular cardiac issues your oral health is even much more important because they do impact each other. A healthy dental hygiene plays a vital role in saving lives as it may in turn lead to cavities and other life threatening infections. Thus, for a healthy tooth it’s really important to have an overall healthy hygiene. Dr Nandakumar, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai answers queries related to dental problem.

How does a cavity develop?

Remnant starch and sugar which will undergo enzymatic reaction producing acid (lactic acid) which in turn reacts with oral bacteria such as streptococcus mutants and lactobacillus and causes demineralization of the hard tissue portion of the tooth resulting in cavitations.

What are the life threatening infections caused through dental decay?

Sepsis , cavernous sinus thrombosis through central incisors , space infections ,cardio vascular disease  seems to be highest in those individuals with periodontitis coexists with increased CRP levels .

How starting healthy hygiene habits can save lives?

Good oral hygiene will prevent dental decay and gum infections which can be life threatening if untreated

Why is it important to take adequate measures to take care of tooth?

To avoid dental decay and periodontal infection which will lead to life threatening  infections such as sepsis – ludwigs angina , CVD- the body produces antibodies against the m proteins' present in infections caused by streptococcus mutans which will react against the m proteins in the mitral valve of heart will lead to mitral valve prolapse if untreated or loss of teeth .

How should a diabetic patient take care of their tooth?

Diabetic patients may have reduced salivation (xerostomia) which will lead to dental decay which can be avoided by frequent hydration ( intake of water) consuming salivating fruits which shouldn't affect their diabetic states such as citric fruits, in the other hand existing cavities must b treated by filling . Periodic monitoring of diabetic patients is very much necessary to avoid dental caries or to treat the existing dental caries by filling or deep ones with RCT to avoid dental extractions as the healing is delayed on diabetic patients due to compromised immunity. Recall scaling to be done 3 months once to maintain a good oral hygiene and to avoid periodontitis because this might increase diabetic levels.

Do cardiac issues affect your oral health? What should be their daily regime?

Aspirin and anticoagulants such as heparin and warfarin (blood thinners) causes reduced blood clotting which are used in preventing cardio vascular diseases which can cause bleeding problems during oral surgery and dental extractions and periodontal treatment .So patients with cardiac diseases should visit their dentist periodically to avoid invasive procedures such as extractions ,flap surgery and get conservative procedures such as filling RCT and oral prophylaxis  to save their dentition. Taking some blood pressure control pills may cause inflammation of the gums which can be limited by a  oral hygiene regimen. Some cardiovascular medication may also alter your taste giving a metallic or bitter taste or may cause inability to taste.

What is your suggestion to young mothers of toddlers, suffering from chronic cavity?

Toddlers- Should brush twice daily , should monitor brushing, should reduce the number of sugar exposure , should avoid serving sticky food nearing bed time , should avoid serving biscuits and sticky chocolate bars instead candy can be given. Using fluoridated tooth paste will prevent dental caries . Fluoride application can Be done from a dentist. Mothers - Should take regular oral hygiene measures.

For Appointments :  Dr Nandakumar, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai