 | Paul F. Mitsch, D.M.D. believes that this is such an exciting time to be a dentist. Innovations and refinements in technology and treatment options are introduced continually. To maintain a leading edge, he has added to his educational foundation with advanced training in the newest of the new techniques. Education: D.M.D. Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. B.A., Biology, University of California at San Diego. Fellowships: Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Dentistry International, and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Associate Fellowships: American College of Oral Implantology, American Society of Osseointegration. You can reach Dr. Paul Mitsch at (316) 775-2482 or stop by his office in Augusta at 401 State Street in the historical downtown district. |
Dental
2005-02-01 09:22:00
How can my teeth be damaged by my habits?
ANSWER: This is a great question to look at from three different perspectives: diet, habit and diet-related illnesses.Teeth are damaged in a variety of ways by diet. The most obvious is caries or the infection of teeth by bacteria and the destruction of tooth structure by acids produced by the bacteria. Caries - the name of the infection that destroys teeth - is the most prevalent childhood illness in the United States. However, we are seeing an increase in the prevalence of caries in the adolescent and young adult population. The problem has been directly linked to High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), a sugar substitute used in foods to lower the cost of preparation. HFCS is a fuel for the bacteria that is responsible for tooth decay and actually stimulates an increase in the production of the acids that etch and decay teeth. On the internet in any search engine, type the words "Mountain Dew Mouth" and read about the phenomenon that is increasing the cost of dental care among our young. HFCS is the culprit in this scenario but it may be affecting all it comes in contact with. Dentally, I term the problem "pattern decay" and we are able to repair the teeth easily if caught early and the habit is changed. However, if the habit remains, the repairs will not be effective and the cost may be stunning in the attempt to repair the teeth. I have seen costs run patients well in excess of a new car in attempting to reverse the process of this damage when it has been extreme! Diet soft drinks are a substitute but the most appropriate substitute in our diet for these drinks is plain water. Simply stated: exposure of tooth structure and gum tissue to certain foods may damage these structures and demand repairs that will be expensive and difficult to maintain.Habits damage gum tissue and teeth by attrition and changes that take place in the environment. A smoker increases the risk of periodontal disease by as much as 700% over a non-smoker! Periodontal disease is responsible for 80% of teeth lost in people over the age of 25! Chewing gum may stress a Tempromandibular Joint and result in pain and headaches. Breath mints are loaded with sugars. Because breath mints are usually held in the mouth in one particular spot the resulting decay and damage is in a pattern which may result in root canal treatment or large repair procedures like crowns. Chewing ice breaks and cracks a lot of teeth! Broken teeth need large repairs - usually crowns. Piercings have damaged teeth due to habits the patient creates as they tap their teeth. Usually soft tissues are destroyed or changed and teeth are damaged due to these habits. Ultimately, repairs also mandate a change in the habit.Bulimia, anorexia, chemotherapy and medications are some illnesses and conditions that may affect the teeth and soft tissues in the mouth. Bulimia actually strips teeth in a pattern that leaves the teeth sensitive and turns them yellow. Restoration of the bulimic is aggressive and includes cosmetic and restorative procedures such as crowns on all or most of the teeth. The anorexic suffers periodontal disease and bone loss that is dramatic and sometimes must suffer the loss of teeth with denture therapy. For patients on complicated medications including antidepressants, chemotherapeutics (for cancer and arthritis), blood pressure medications or other systemic medicines, the patient may suffer xerostemia (dry mouth) resulting in decay and periodontal disease. Patients should attend preventative appointments more frequently and if they have problems, patients address them quickly before they become difficult or complicated. Illnesses or conditions that affect a patient daily or daily medications should alert the patient or their family to the fact that the patient's teeth and mouth may need attention. Because of the risk of pain, infection and suffering it is best to include a dentist as soon as possible when any of these situations occur.In conclusion, damage to teeth and soft tissues in the mouth for adults includes many factors that we should all be aware of. Some of these factors are actually under our control. The cost of dental care is high and the access to care, although fairly good, is sometimes difficult. Any person may limit the amount of dental care by becoming responsible for themselves and their loved ones. Understanding possible consequences of poor choices many times is enough to allow better choices in the areas of diet, habit and illness or conditions as they may affect your teeth. Prevention is still the most efficient, best priced and most successful dental treatment we have to offer patients in today's society.
