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An example of gums infected with mild gingivitis

Gingivitis also referred to as gum decay/ rotten gums/inflammation of the gums is plaque(rotten soft food debris) and calculus(hardened plaque) on the gums and teeth which lead to gum decay/rotten gums or inflammation of the gingivitis and caries(tooth decay/rotten tooth) respectively. There are two forms of gingivitis:

1. Mild Gingivitis and
2. Severe Gingivitis(Periodontitis).
 

An example of gums infected with mild gingivitis

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Mild:
(i) Swollen Gums.
(ii) Spontaneous gum bleeding especially when brushing or flossing.
(iii) Pain.
(iv) Halithosis(Bad Breath).
(v) Salty Taste.
Severe:
(i) All signs of mild gum disease above.
(ii) Loosening of teeth because surronding bone is also broken down hence no support.
(iii) Abscessess(when broken into mouth, one feels a more salty taste).
 

An example of gums infected with severe gingivitis

TREATMENT
1. Education and motivation.Should be done by all Health Community Personnel including Nurses and Teachers at schools but in particular Oral/ Dental Health Care staff.
2. Brushing and Flossing:
(a) Brush your teeth three(3) times a day : in the morning, during the day and before going to bed.
(b) When brushing make sure that you clean. all the teeth, the entire surface and sides(use a mirror while brushing).
(c) Floss atleast once a day, best in the evening, to remove food debris between teeth where a brush cannot reach.
3. Scaling and Polishing.Visit your Oral Health/ Dental Clinic or Dentist after every six(6) months for Scaling and Polishing and general check up as recommended by the World Health Organisation(W.H.O).
4. If everything else fails we remove/extract the tooth.

 

An example of gums infected with severe gingivitis

An example of teeth with common pathologies extracted from Oral B

Caries otherwise know as Tooth Decay/ Rotten Tooth which occurs when specific types of bacteria produce acid that destroys the tooth’s enamel and its underlying layer, the dentin.

An example of a normal tooth compared against a tooth with a cavity

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Mild:
(i) Black Spots
(ii) Cavities
(iii) Abscessess
(iv) Pain
(v) Halithosis( Bad Breath)
(vi) Salty Taste
(vii) Toothache
(viii) Sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold foods or drinks
(ix) Pain when chewing

 

An example of teeth covered in black spots

TREATMENT
(i) Restoration(filling) of teeth
(ii) Extraction(Removal)
NB : Pain is not a disease but a sign of a disease such that there can be a disease without pain like Caries and Gum disease sometimes

 

An example of teeth with cavities

SMOKING How does smoking affect the Oral Cavity or mouth?

Smoking affects or damages the Oral Cavity/ Mouth indirectly but severely, in two ways, except for the known cancer

(a) Smoking impairs the sense of smell or overpowers the bad breath generated by general decay, hence one cannot snell bad breath or halithosis whilst the decaying continues.
(b) Secondly, the general tatse sense is impaired or damaged to an extent that even if the abscess has ruptured into the mouth, one cannot taste the pus.

An example of eroded teeth

Downloadables

1. Eating and Cleaning Guidlines

Guidelines to eating and cleaning of braces during Active Phase.

2. Orthodontic Contract

Orthodontic Contract serving as consent to have the procedure perfomed and for payment.

3. Treatment Plan Contract

Treatment Plan and Care of braces during Active Phase. Violations and Penalities are also stupilated.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the approrpiate age to see a orthodontist?
Professional recommendations start at age 7, or when a problem is detected. Early detection and treatment can lead to minor orthodontic treatment in later stages of life.

2. Am I too old for braces?
No you're not, treatment is successful no matter the age. 25% - 30% of patients are adults. Age restrictions are just imposed by medical aid schemes.

3. What are the benefits of Braces?
Braces address common problems like cross-bites which can make it difficult to chew food. They also improve a smile which in turn boosts self-esteem.

4. How long will treatment last?
Treatment period varies across patients, which is mainly determined by the diagnosis, patient co-operation and treatment plan. The average span is usually 18 months to 27 months. Caring, good oral hygiene is vital to not draw treatment longer.

5. What kind braces are available?
We currently offer the traditional, contemporary looking metal braces only.

6. How long does it take for the bonding process?
It usually takes on average 40 - 70 minutes, but mainly depends on patient co-operation.

7. Will braces hurt?
Pain is only experienced the first few days after bonding and/or after adjustments(tightening) have been performed. The pain is always temporary, if it does not go away visit the orthodontist for examination. Otherwise a aspirin or ibuprofen may help if it is taken.

8. Would I need to brush more and what should I eat?
Diligent oral hygiene practice is required as wires attract food to them. Brushing and flossing after meals is vital as it will help remove trapped food. Your eating plan does not have to change much, but eat softer foods during the first will will help getting used to chewing with braces

9. Can I play sports and musical instruments?
Yes, however, with contact sports, wearing a orthodontic mouth guard is essential; and with instruments, for an initail period for adjustments, wearing a brace cover will be vital.