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It is known that an optimal level of fluoride in water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. The content of Fluoride in water, however, has an impact on a Child’s IQ. 

Quoting an article from the “American Academy of Pediatrics”

Women living in areas with fluoridated tap water had higher mean urinary fluoride levels than those living in areas without fluoridated tap water (0.69 vs 0.40 milligram per liter, or a difference of about 0.30 mg/L). Adjusted results showed that a full 1 milligram per liter increase in maternal urinary fluoride was associated with a 4.5-point lower Performance IQ score in boys. There was no statistically significant association for girls. In the group for which self-reported fluoride intake from all sources was estimated, each additional milligram of daily fluoride intake was linked to a 3.7-point lower IQ score in boys and girls.

The above finding prompted some questions around Fluoride intake during pregnancy. 

Should pregnant women drink fluoridated water?

The answer is YES.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which focuses on the significance of good oral well being during pregnancy, recommends that women use fluoridated toothpaste.

The American Dental Association remains committed to the idea of fluoridation of public water supplies as an effective public health measure to help prevent tooth decay.

The report also stated there was a possible need for some women to reduce fluoride intake during pregnancy.

What to conclude from this study?

Fluoridation continues to play an important role in safely preventing dental disease when used within its recommended levels.  Dental disease is widespread, causing millions of lost hours of school each year. Children who experience tooth decay are more likely to have pain that makes it hard for them to eat, sleep, and learn in school. Simply by drinking water, Americans can benefit from fluoride’s cavity protection wherever they live, work and play.

What is a Stroke? 

To understand the association between stroke and oral health, one should initially understand what a stroke is and who is at a higher danger of having one. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. Somebody who is encountering a stroke could show some of these physical indications:
           

• Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

Investigations have discovered that patients who have had a stroke mostly had poor oral hygiene practices. 

Understanding Gum Disease

Statistics show that nearly half of the adult population in America is affected by Gum Diseases! Gum disease is preventable and is created from the overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. Gum disease has multiple stages and can many times be slowed with proper treatment.

The best way to avoid gum disease is to keep up with good oral health care practices and following your dentist’s recommendations such as brushing twice a day, using floss and mouthwash daily, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups.

Gum Disease and Stroke

There is a significant connection between gum disease and stroke. Gum illness is caused by microscopic organisms in the mouth. These organisms can get in the circulatory system, causing the blood to clot, leading to a stroke.

Gum disease has also been connected to medical conditions such as diabetes, malignant growths, and even Alzheimer’s.

Since numerous Americans are affected by both gum disease and stroke, it’s essential to understand the reasons for it and proactively find ways to control it. Patients who have suffered a stroke may need support in maintaining good oral health care, especially if they have cognitive or physical limitations which prevent them from remembering to complete or performing the tasks properly.

By taking preventive measures against gum disease with good oral care habits, you are also lowering your risk for stroke and several other diseases.

It’s something that you’ve heard over and over but why are regular dental visits so important?

One should religiously visit a dentist at least once a year. Dental appointments shouldn’t just be made when you have a problem that needs to be addressed. Prevention is always better than needing a cure. There are many more reasons why it’s important to maintain regular visits to your local dentist. 

Check for mouth cancer

This is one of the most important things your dentist will do at every check-up. Dentists will do an examination for signs of mouth cancer, as well as head and neck cancer. To do this they will be checking for any lumps on your head or neck. They will also check for any red or white patches in the mouth. Usually, these checks will find nothing unusual, but they could potentially save your life.

Dental hygienists

Dental hygienists and therapists are often overlooked when it comes to our oral health, but they can be extremely valuable for both the services they can offer and the advice they can give. Dental hygienists are mainly concerned with ‘preventive’ dental health and treating gum disease – showing you home remedies and helping you to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This includes professionally cleaning your teeth (usually called a ‘scale and polish’) by removing plaque and tartar, both of which encourage tooth decay and gum disease.

Consultations about tooth whitening

Tooth whitening has grown in popularity over recent years but there are plenty of myths out there that can lead to confusion about what is safe, as well as issues of legality. Your dentist is in the best position to give you advice about your options when it comes to tooth whitening. They are in the best position because not only do they know a lot about teeth whitening but they are also the only place you can legally get your teeth professionally whitened.

Dentists catch things early or prevent them from happening

With just a mirror you can see how your teeth look. Underneath your gums, a lot can be going on without you even realizing it. Dentists not only solve these problems, but they can also prevent them. Potential problems they can spot include the onset of gum disease and dental decay. When it comes to your oral health it is important you are proactive and seeing your dentist regularly so that they can catch any issues early before they become a problem.

Dentists can provide help and advice specific to your needs

Often when people have a problem they turn to the internet, a place filled with lots of great information, but also misinformation. On the other hand, a dentist has had to train for years to be qualified in the profession and will provide the guidance you can trust. By visiting your dentist regularly you can build a good relationship that will allow them to tailor advice and support specific to your needs over a long period of time.

There isn’t anyone better placed to help you keep on top of your oral health than your dentist, so they should be your first port of call when it comes to concerns about your teeth and mouth.

Loat, Stephen. “The importance of regular dental visits.” Oral Health Foundation, 27 Feb 2019
https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/the-importance-of-regular-dental-visits

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is damage to a tooth’s enamel. This can happen when harmful bacteria in your mouth create acids that attack the tooth’s surface. These bacteria soften the tooth’s enamel and dentin, causing a small holes in the tooth called a cavity. This can cause infection or tooth loss if left untreated.

Early tooth decay has little to no symptoms, but as it progresses, it can cause toothache and sensitivity to sweets, temperature of the food and liquid intake. If the tooth becomes infected an abscess, which is a pocket of puss, can form. This abscess causes discomfort, fever, and facial swelling.

Causes of Tooth Decay

The combination of bacteria and the food and drinks you consume causes tooth decay. A clear sticky substance called plaque is always forming on your teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food you eat and the beverages you drink.

The bacteria forms an acid that attacks the tooth’s enamel making it lose its minerals. Sipping on a fizzy drink, for example, can repeatedly expose your teeth to acid which causes the enamel to continue mineral loss.

Sugary foods and drinks are best consumed with other meals so that healthy foods can clean your teeth of the acids. Foods that stick to teeth, such as toffee can increase your risk for developing tooth decay.

Risk Factors in Tooth Decay

Anyone with teeth is at risk of tooth decay. Some factors you can control, while others you cannot.

Things you can control include practicing good oral hygiene, using fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary foods and alcohol and avoiding tobacco products.

Factors you can’t control are respiratory conditions that dry out your mouth like asthma, using medicines that contain sugar, and ofcourse age.

Infants and toddlers are at risk of baby bottle tooth decay which occurs when the child is put to bed with a bottle of milk, juice or formula. The sugar in these drinks feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Young children’s teeth are still growing, and the minerals in new teeth are not stable making it easier for acids to eat away at the enamel.

Older adults may have receding gums that allow decay-causing bacteria to cause root cavities.

Diagnosis & Prevention of Tooth Decay

Earlier detection of tooth decay may appear as a white spot on the tooth. More advanced tooth decay can emerge as a dark spot or a hole in the tooth.

X-rays are used to detect decay, but your dentist may also check if a sensitive tooth is soft or sticky for tooth decay.

Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash once a day improves oral health. Regular dental check-ups are vital to keeping your teeth healthy. Hygienists remove all the plaque from your teeth which inhibits tooth decay. They can also spot signs of decay so it can be treated before it can worsen.

Dental sealants are a thin coating that is painted onto the premolars and molars of children. The painless procedure is the best way to protect kid’s teeth from cavities, and they are easier to clean.

Raw vegetables can scrape plaque off teeth. Calcium in dairy products strengthens teeth and can help fight off harmful bacteria. Sugarless chewing gum can remove food particles and induce saliva production to help wash away food debris.

Tooth Decay Treatment

A small amount of erosion on your enamel may be treated using an approach that helps repair that spot. This treatment can include a medicated mouthwash or toothpaste that contains high levels of fluoride and calcium.

A smaller cavity is repaired using a filling, while a large cavity may require an Inlay or Onlay or even a crown to protect its structure and restore its functionality.

To save the tooth with an abscess, a root canal treatment needs to be done. Once the infection is removed, the chamber is sealed, and the tooth is typically restored with a crown.

If the tooth cannot be saved, you will need an extraction. Your dentist will only use this as a last resort and can help you choose a suitable tooth replacement option.

Prevent tooth decay by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleaning and a dental exam.

Louisa, Susan. “How to assess your risk of tooth decay.” Denthusiast,

http://www.denthusiast.com/2019/03/08/how-to-assess-your-risk-of-tooth-decay/