2011年11月28日 星期一

Parents of children - Tooth transition

When children enter the tooth transition period, their deciduous teeth will loosen due to the resumption of the roots and will sequentially fall off. The permanent teeth will gradually erupt into the space left by the deciduous teeth. Tooth transition period starts approximately at the age of 6, and ends at around the age of 12 or 13.

The alignment and eruption time of permanent teeth  
There are altogether 32 permanent teeth. Since dentine is usually slightly yellowish, and the enamel in permanent teeth is more transparent than that of deciduous teeth, the colour of permanent teeth is more yellowish than deciduous teeth. As the thickness of dentine grows as a person ages, the teeth will also become more yellowish.

Eruption Time of Permanent Teeth
Permanent Teeth
Eruption Time
Central Incisor
6 to 8 years
Lateral Incisor
61/2 to 9 years
Canine
81/2 to 121/2 years
First Premolar
8 to 12 years
Second Premolar
81/2 to 13 years
First Molar
5 to 7 years
Second Molar
10 to 14 years
Third Molar (Wisdom tooth)
17 to 25 years


Reference information: www.bjdental.com , www.toothclub.gov.hk

It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your Dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

2011年11月25日 星期五

Oral Problems─Oral Trauma

Oral structure or teeth may be damaged due to an accident. Very often, the front teeth get traumatized. After the impact, there might not be any apparent damage to the teeth, or they might be slightly loose, dislocated, fractured, or even avulsed (the entire tooth knocked off). The chances for the injured oral structure to be healed and the damaged teeth to be saved often depend on whether treatment is done correctly and timely.


A. Oral structure injury

Injury of oral tissues or oral structures such as lips, gingivae, oral mucosa, alveolar bone, or even upper or lower jawbones may be resulted.
Treatment
Bleeding can be stopped by pressing on the injured area using a piece of gauze or towel, and a dentist should be consulted immediately.

B. Trauma to Teeth
After a tooth is traumatized, the following situations can occur
  • No apparent damage to the tooth
  • The tooth becomes loose
  • Crown fracture
  • Root fracture
  • Tooth dislocation
  • Intrusion of the tooth
  • Avulsion of the tooth (the entire tooth being knocked off)
Reference information: www.toothclub.gov.hk

It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your Dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

2011年11月22日 星期二

正確刷牙方法

參考資料: http://www.toothclub.gov.hk, www.bjdental.com

選擇普通牙刷時,要注意的是它必須能在你的口腔內靈活地轉動,刷到每一個牙面。它的刷毛必須要柔軟,才不會令牙齦受損。


刷頭大小應根據口腔大小選擇。一般來說,刷頭像香港一元硬幣直徑般大均適合用。

刷牙能清除牙齒表面的牙菌膜,我們應每天早上起床及晚上睡前刷牙,徹底清除牙菌膜,才可預防牙周病

由於牙菌膜最易積聚在牙齦(牙肉)邊緣的齦溝內,因此刷牙時要把牙刷斜放。

有次序地刷牙

1. 先刷上、下排牙齒的外側面,把牙刷斜放在牙齦邊緣的位置,以兩至三顆牙齒為一組,用適中力度來回移動牙刷。
2. 然後再刷牙齒的內側面,重復以上動作。
3. 刷門牙內側面的時候,牙刷要直立放置,用適中的力度從牙齦刷向牙冠。
4. 最後要刷咀嚼面,把牙刷放在咀嚼面上前後移動。

以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途,如果你有任何醫療問題,應向牙醫查詢,而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

2011年11月19日 星期六

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay refers to the destruction of Tooth structure and the most common symptoms are cavity in the Tooth, and Toothache, etc. There are several things that can be done to slow down or prevent the breakdown process, like brushing at least twice a day with fluoridated Toothpaste, using interdental cleansing aids including dental floss or interdental Toothbrush, rinsing thoroughly with an anti-cavity dental rinse.



Additionally, eating a healthy diet and limiting carbohydrate intake can help.
Tooth decay can affect both the enamel and the dentin of the Tooth, if decay is left untreated, it will reach the Tooth’s pulp which contains nerves and blood vessels.

What is the treatment for dental cavities?
1) Fill / restore the Tooth
The dentist will remove the decayed part of the Tooth in the cavity and fill the cavity.

2) Artificial crown
The dentist will remove the decayed, fill the cavity, and cover the Tooth with an artificial crown.

3) Root canal treatment.
The dental specialist, endodonist will remove the nerve and infected pulp, the inside of the Tooth is cleaned and sealed. In most cases, the Tooth’s natural crown will need to be replaced with an artificial crown.

Reference information: www.toothclub.gov.hk

It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your Dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

2011年11月16日 星期三

Oral Problems─Bruxism

A. Cause
Teeth grinding is generally caused by psychological factors such as emotional stress or pressure. Extended period of teeth grinding will damage the enamel and expose the dentine causing sensitivity teeth.



B. Treatment
To stop teeth grinding, the cause must be identified. If teeth grinding is severe, you should go to a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will give appropriate treatment such as fabricating a “mouth guard” to keep the teeth from further attrition.

C. Prevention
To avoid teeth grinding, one should try to be relaxed by having sufficient sleep and exercise to relieve stress from everyday life. Parents should not put too much pressure on their children to prevent them from teeth grinding.

Reference information: www.toothclub.gov.hk

It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your Dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

2011年11月14日 星期一

宜不宜漂牙

漂牙沒有性別或年齡之分,但依筆者經驗所得,接受漂牙者以女性居多,這與女性較注重儀表不無關係。但以下人士則不太適宜接受漂牙,因為有些會影響健康,有些則受本身先天或後天影響,而未能獲得理想的漂白效果,需作更多準備和補救功夫:


1)孕婦 漂牙時所用的漂牙劑,總有一定的機會進入口腔內。由於醫學界仍未確定漂牙劑會否對胎兒造成影響,故建議孕婦暫不適宜進行任何形式的漂牙。

2)服用抗生素致牙齒變啡黃者
七十年代有不少人服用四環素(抗生素的一種)以致牙齒變成啡黃,其色澤已根深蒂固,難以將牙齒漂白。此類人士若希望擁有一副美白牙齒,唯有永久套上塘瓷牙面或牙套。

3)曾接受鑲牙或牙套者
因漂牙技術只可漂白真正牙齒的顏色,而未能改變假牙(如鑲牙)的顏色,故有鑲牙者接受漂牙,便會出現兩種牙色的情況。接受鑲牙、換上牙套者如要漂白牙齒,需重新鑲上另一顆可配合美白後色澤的假牙,或重新換上另一牙套。

4)患病者(應先徵詢醫生意見)
漂牙的過程簡單和安全,因此即使患有心臟病或哮喘等人士,也適合接受漂牙。但上述病患者在接受漂牙時如覺緊張,也有病發的可能,故他們在接受漂牙前,最好先徵詢醫生和牙醫意見,再作打算。

參考資料: www.bjdental.com, www.toothclub.gov.hk

2011年11月11日 星期五

認識牙齒─牙齒的功用

l   咀嚼食物
l   牙齒是消化系統的一部分,用以咀嚼食物。
l   幫助發音
l   發音基本上由聲帶控制,不過要靠牙齒配合,才能發出不同的聲音。
l   保持儀容美觀

牙齒有保持面部輪廓的作用,失去牙齒會令面貌改變。如果牙齒健康,樣貌會更加美觀好看。

為恆齒預留位置生長
每一顆乳齒牙根下面都有一顆發育中的恆齒,乳齒會為恆齒保留位置。恆齒要長出的時候,乳齒便會脫落,位置由該恆齒取代。

如果乳齒過早脫落,兩旁的牙齒便會移向空位,沒有足夠空間容納新長出的恆齒,便可能導致恆齒的排列不整齊。


參考資料: www.bjdental.com

以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途,如果你有任何醫療問題,應向牙醫查詢,而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

2011年11月8日 星期二

牙齒的正常咬合

一級咬合
這樣的牙齒咬合被視為是「正常」或理想的情況。
有多種不同的形式去形容及界定有關情況,但最重要的是以第一組臼齒,即「首對」或「咀嚼」牙齒在口部閉合時接觸在一起。在一級咬合情況中,下顎之臼齒是略前於上顎的臼齒,相距約為「半個單位」。這種一級的關係亦經常在前端的牙齒之位置中出現,及互相夾疊的形式,較向前傾(24毫米)及較下顎牙齒切緣或切邊為深(亦為24毫米)。

二級咬合
二級咬合分為2個部分,亦稱之為一及二部。二級咬合的情況是當第一組臼齒一線平排 ,或在口部閉合及牙齒排在一起時,下顎的牙齒是較上顎第一顆臼齒為後。這個情況經常發生在下顎較一般情況下後傾(與上頁相對而言)。有關部分有助當第一級 臼齒處於上述位置時,用以形容前排牙齒的一般情況。
在第一部,上排牙齒較正常前傾,令與下前排牙齒之距離增加。這是極普遍的情況,易於辨認,因為前排的牙齒看似「突出」。

在第二部,後排牙齒在二級咬合位置,前排牙齒由其正常的位置向後傾斜。當這類牙齒咬合時,上前排的牙齒往往與下前排的牙齒夾疊。



以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途,如果你有任何醫療問題,應向牙醫查詢,而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

2011年11月4日 星期五

補牙材料的種類

復合材料

什麼情況下使用?

復合材料的顏色接近牙齒原色,效果非常美觀,所以大多數用在方。在適當情況下,復合材料更可用作改善牙齒顏色、形狀及大小而美化笑容。

存在問題

用復合材料補牙程序比較復雜。復合材料不及水銀合金耐用,因為較容易磨損。其中主要原因為當復合材料凝固後,會有可能有收縮情況出現而令牙齒與復合材料之間形成小縫隙。這小縫隙可能使牙齒敏感及容易再有機會蛀牙。復合材料也可能會吸取食物及飲料中的染色素而日久變黃。


玻璃離子樹脂

什麼情況下使用?

玻璃離子樹脂是另一種牙色補牙物料。通常用在乳齒、近牙肉及牙腳地方。它能緊貼著牙齒及其所發放的氟素有助鞏固牙齒及有防蛀功效。補牙後敏感的情況亦少發生。
存在問題 

它的質地比復合材料及水銀合金弱及較容易磨損。顏色方面不及復合材料美觀。

參考資料:www.bjdental.com, www.toothclub.gov.hk

以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途,如果你有任何醫療問題,應向牙醫查詢,而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

2011年11月3日 星期四

Dental

Bad Breath
There are several causes of bad breath including insufficient saliva secretion (dry mouth), periodontal disease or tooth decay, failed to thoroughly clean the denture, oral hygiene problem, smell from strong flavored food, smoking, etc.

To prevent the bad breath, you should practice a good oral hygiene, brushing twice a day, flossing regularly and routinely clean the dentures. Additionally, you would quit smoking and less intake strong flavored food.
The bad breath can be caused by oral diseases such as periodontal disease or dental caries, insufficient saliva production, it is important to have proper diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be given. If the bad breath is caused by other health problem, the dentist will refer you to appropriate specialists for further consultations.

Snoring
During sleep, the muscles and soft tissues in the throat and mouth relax creating a partial or even complete obstruction of the airways. When this occurs, the body’s reflexes attempt to maintain air volume and supply essential quantities of oxygen to the brain. As a result, air velocity increases in the constricted space causing the soft tissues in the throat and mouth to vibrate. Studies have shown that excess body weight, heavy alcohol consumption and other sedatives can increase the severity of snoring.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more. Sleep Apnea can result in daytime tiredness, reduced mental ability, irritability and irrationality, increased risk of stock. Increased risk of high blood pressure, etc.. Snoring can be an indicator of Sleep Apnea, so that it is recommended to consult with doctors.
An intra oral snoring prevention device that can reduce snoring and reduction of Sleep Apnea, please consult with your dentist for more information.

Oral Health Care during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the hormonal changes exaggerate the response of the gum tissues to the plaque bacterial toxins, resulting in the development of “Pregnancy Gingivitis". Pregnant woman often crave for sweet and sour food due to dietary change. Food and drink intake may also become more frequent. Therefore, the chance of getting dental caries may increase.
Pregnancy Gingivitis can be prevented if the expectant mother can effectively brush her teeth with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed at night and floss her teeth daily to thoroughly remove dental plaque. This oral hygiene habit can also promote healing of mild gingival inflammation.
Pregnant women can receive scaling between the 4th to 6th month during pregnancy because within this period, the foetus is more stable. Hence it is more convenient for expectant mothers to receive treatments.

Reference information: www.bjdental.com,

It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your Dentist for diagnosis and treatment.