Caries

Caries, also known as tooth decay, is one of the most common dental conditions, affecting patients from all age groups worldwide. It has however become a western epidemic. This is because the relationship between its causes and the western diet. Tooth decay is caused by acid producing bacteria naturally found in the microbiome of the oral cavity. These bacteria consume the sugars found in food remnants stuck on the teeth and convert it to energy and other metabolites while producing simple organic acids as a waste product. These acids can corrode and degrade the dentin and the enamel due to their main component being calcium phosphate. This can result in tooth decay. You can prevent tooth decay by minimising your dietary sugar intake, regularly brushing and flossing your teeth and by occasionally using a bactericidal mouthwash. If tooth decay has already occurred to you, there is no reason to worry: they can be treated by fillings, which prevents further decay and stops any potential sensitivity. If you are looking for a dentist near Luton to treat tooth decay, get in touch with Vogue Dental Care.

Tooth loss

Tooth loss is a common complication of untreated tooth decay. Tooth decay can cause tooth loss by the acid producing bacteria reaching the innermost component of the tooth, which is called the pulp tissue. This is the essential living part of the tooth which replenishes it with minerals and other materials needed for their development and maintenance. It is essential for keeping teeth attached to their surrounding tissues. If the bacteria reach the pulp tissue they can infect it and induce necrosis in it. This can result in tooth loss. Other causes of tooth loss include injuries and advanced gum disease. Gum disease is also caused by the bacteria. The presence of these in overly large numbers can induce chronic inflammation, which can permanently damage the gum tissue, which plays a key role in holding the teeth in place. If tooth loss has already occurred to you, it can be treated with dental implants. Dental implants are considered the most effective and long lasting way of treating tooth loss by many professionals and patients alike.

Orthodontic conditions

Orthodontic conditions are very common. Orthodontic conditions refer to conditions, which come with the misalignment of a tooth or even multiple teeth and in some cases jaws as well. Orthodontic conditions are mostly treated with braces. There are however numerous types of braces available. Metal braces are the standard braces everyone knows from popular culture. Invisible braces work on the exact same principle as metal braces, but their brackets are made out of a tooth coloured composite material and their archwires are composed of a transparent plastic. Lingual braces work on similar principles as well, however their brackets are attached on the inside of the teeth. Invisalign is one of the most well known alternatives to braces: these are clear plastic aligners, which fit perfectly on the dental arches thus mostly go unnoticed. If you are looking for a dentist near Luton to help you with getting Invisalign, get in touch with Vogue Dental Care.