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​Blog : Dental Science

Dental Science Blog about Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Physics, and the Art of Dentistry

​What is the Chemistry of Saliva?

7/10/2019

 

The saliva solution

Saliva is a solution; a homogenous mixture of substances that combine to form single liquid.
·  98% water *** this is the solvent, it has the greater quantity
​· 2% (electrolytes, enzymes, and antibacterial compounds) *** This is the solute and is dispersed in the solvent

The 2% Solute consists of

·  Electrolytes (Electrolytes are ions in solutions, also known as salts, for example, NaCl and KI)
· Enzymes (Enzymes are catalysts, catalysts speed up the rate & lower the activation energy of a Chemical Reaction)
· Antibacterial Compounds (antibacterial compounds are pure substances that are composed of two or more elements in fixed proportions)

What is Causing my Cavities?

7/3/2019

 
What causes dental cavities? Specific bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans cause cavities. 

These bacteria are aerobic meaning they require oxygen to survive; having a ​dry mouth increases the chance for cavities. 

Cavity causing bacteria are different than the bacteria that causes gum disease, which live in an anaerobic environment.  Both of these bacteria can be passed from person to person.
 
Plaque, is also known as Biofilm. 

A microbial biofilm is a layer of prokaryotic organisms which adhere to a surface and are coated with a polysaccharide layer. 

​The biofilm increases the cells survival through increased defense, availability of nutrients, cellular communication, and the ability to transfer genetic material to each other.

A polysaccharide is composed of more than one sugar molecule. 
· Carbohydrates
· Glycogen
· Starch
· Cellulose

How the cavity is formed

​Underneath the plaque, the bacteria produce acids as a by-product of their metabolism. 

The acids produced by the bacteria break down tooth structures, this is also known as demineralization. 

Once the demineralized area of the tooth reaches the dentin layer, it is then defined as a cavity.  Usually the enamel surface breaks down at this time.

Metabolism is defined as the sum of all of the chemical reactions in a body, which breaks down larger molecules into smaller ones and releases energy, and which builds up large chemicals and requires energy.

For bacteria, their main energy source is carbohydrates or sugar.

How to Prevent Cavities

Plaque needs to be removed daily to prevent it from forming cavities and turning into tartar, tooth brushing is a physical way you can remove dental plaque. 

Most kinds of toothpastes have mild abrasive ingredients in them which helps with your toothbrush with the plaque and stain removal.

You can reduce demineralization your teeth by using fluoride.

Since your toothbrush does not reach between your teeth, it is important to use floss, this allows you to clean between your gums and tooth structures. 

Visiting your dentist for routine cleanings is also important. 

Getting the cavity removed (advanced bacterial colony) and having a filling placed will help prevent the bacteria from spreading from one tooth to a neighboring tooth.

Have sealants placed, this is a preventative protective coating on the chewing surfaces that will protect the tooth from acid erosion.  

“Are patients doing enough to combat plaque biofilm?.”  RDH Magazine, March 2019, Page 12.    (2014) DAT prep by Kaplan Review Notes. New York, NY: Kaplan Publishing.

For further reading see the source below from the American Dental Association (ADA)
Tackling Tooth Decay
​

Wisdom Teeth

4/26/2019

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Wisdom teeth, also called your third molars can help you with chewing if your jaw is big enough to handle the extra four teeth.

If you are born without your wisdom teeth, you are at an evolutionary advantage. As of now, we use oral surgeons to remove wisdom teeth, but the genetic mutation of no wisdom teeth is a beneficial trait.
​
https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/evolution/no-wisdom-teeth1.htm

Cavity on Wisdom Tooth

Unable to clean bacteria and plaque off the wisdom teeth can cause a cavity on a wisdom tooth.
Unable to floss near the wisdom teeth can cause a cavity on your wisdom tooth and possibly neighboring teeth.

Impacted Wisdom Tooth

A wisdom tooth is impacted if it cannot fully erupt.

A cyst could form by the wisdom tooth. This may damage the bone or neighboring tooth roots.  Pain and swelling can develop on partially erupted wisdom teeth.  Food can get impacted in tissue pockets and cause irritation.
Due to a tooth that is partially erupted through gums. Bacteria can enter the gums and cause a gum infection or due to a cavity that has reached the nerve of the wisdom tooth.
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Gum Disease and Gingivitis

4/19/2019

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GUM DISEASE AND GINGIVITIS
4/19/2019
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What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease is also known as Gum Disease and is defined as:
Peri - meaning around
- dontal meaning tooth
Disease is any damage or injury that impairs an organism's function

What Causes Gum Disease and Gingivitis?

The tissues and supporting bone around a tooth may be attacked by specific bacteria, this may cause the teeth to become loose and cause tooth loss.  These bacteria can cause a gum infection, which is different than the bacteria that cause a cavity.

The specific bacteria that cause Gum Disease, Gingivitis, and Periodontal Disease are Anaerobic bacteria.  This means that they can only survive in an environment without oxygen.

This is why flossing and brushing your teeth daily is important.  You remove the debris, disrupt the biofilm forming, and allow oxygen to reach the pockets between your gums and teeth. 3.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

  • Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
  • Red, swollen and tender gums
  • Gums that have pulled away from your teeth causing pocketing
  • Bad breath that won't go away
  • Loose teeth or a change in your bite
  • Pus or debris between your gums and teeth

References
1). http://www.biologyreference.com/Co-Dn/Disease.html

2. Marieb, E. (2007). Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th ed. San Francisco: Pearson Education, Inc, p.Word Roots, Prefixes, Suffixes, and Combining Forms.

3 .https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8259/
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Acid Erosion on Teeth

4/13/2019

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 There are three main dental acid erosion patterns that have been associated with different likely causes (A, B, and C).

A = Diet
B = GERD - Gastroesophageal reflux disease also known as hot burps
C = Bulimia or Alcoholism

Here is link to a visual of what the patterns look like
https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/ACE-Panel-Report_DentalErosion_Q3-2018.pdf

Why do the patterns form this way?

A = These acids come from an outside source such as food or something your drink.  When you eat acidic foods like soda and sour candy, the chewing surface, tongue, and cheek surfaces on the back molars begins to get chalky or demineralize.

B = These acids are internal.  Stomach acid travels up your throat and into your mouth, usually when you are sleeping. This causes significant tooth loss since you are swallowing less when you are sleeping and your mouth is producing less saliva which protects your teeth from acidic attack.

C = When the acids start attacking the front teeth on the tongue side, it may be an indication of recurrent vomiting or alcoholism.  These acids come from within you and are intrinsic acid such as bulimia and gastric acid reflux.

Erosion: Stomach Upset and Your Teeth. (n.d.). Retrieved
March 29, 2019, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/e/tooth-erosion-and-acid-refluxAda.org. (2018).

https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/ScienceandResearch/Files/ACE-Panel-Report_DentalErosion_Q3-2018.pdf

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What are Dental Crowns

4/13/2019

 

What are Dental Crowns : Austin Family Dental

What are Dental Crowns : Austin Family DentalDental Crowns are artificial replacement teeth.  They are used to replace a missing tooth, cover and support a tooth, or reshape a tooth.  

The material being used depends on what is trying to be done with the dental crown, what look the patient is going for and if the individual has a metal allergy.  The dental crown can be made of ceramic, gold, porcelain fused to metal, and base metal alloys.

Dental Crowns are used for
  • Covering and supporting a tooth
  • ​Repair a Tooth that has broken or fractured
  • ​​Protect and strengthen a weak Tooth from breaking​​
  • A Tooth that has a fracture line
  • Tooth with a large Dental Filling 
  • ​​Root Canaled Tooth 
  • Reshape a Tooth    
  • Improve the appearance of a Tooth
  • Reduce a food trap which will improve Gum Health
  • ​Replace a Missing Tooth
  • Dental Implants
  • Attaching a Dental Bridge, this will replace a Missing Tooth or Teeth​

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/crowns
https://www.austinfamilydental.com/dental-crown.html​

    Categories

    Wisdom Teeth

    Gum Disease and Gingivitis

    Acid Erosion on Teeth

    What are Dental Crowns

    What is Saliva?

    All

    Helen BARRETT

    My education consists of a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree in Business Administration & Art.  Since then I have taken classes in chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physics, and microbiology to pursue a career as a dentist; I studied to apply for dental school but was unable to pursue it due to medical reasons.

    Currently, I am working as a dental receptionist and have been for over 8 years. 

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  • About Us
    • About Dr. Austin
    • Our Reviews
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    • Dental Emergency
  • Our Services
    • Teeth Cleaning
    • Periodontal Treatment
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Dental Bridge
    • Dental Crown
    • Dental Fillings
    • Extraction
    • Dentures
    • Removable Partial Denture
    • Root Canal
    • Dental Implants
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  • Contact Us
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