Teeth

Adults have 28 to 32 teeth depending whether the person finally grows their wisdom teeth, which do not appear in everyone. In many cases, wisdom teeth don't emerge fully from the gum because of over-crowding. Your dentist will determine whether they are best left alone or taken out. Teeth are largely made up of dentin on the outside and a pulp on the inside where blood vessels and nerve endings are situated. The crown, or visible part of a tooth, is covered with about 2mm of enamel. Below the gum line, the root of the tooth is made from cementum. Both dentin and cementum are tough bony substances. Teeth are 'glued' by a special membrane that anchors them to the surrounding socket. Poor oral hygiene or the failure to clean and floss your teeth regularly weakens the mouth's ability to fight off infections and the membrane that fixes your teeth to the sockets. Consequently, despite the best efforts of saliva, which is you body's natural answer to bleach, you are more inclined to get mouth ulcers and bleeding gums - obvious gateways for bacterial infections like gingivitis and viral infections like hepatitis and HIV. Bad breath Bad breath is caused by bacteria, tooth decay, smoking or rich and spicy food. It can seem particularly unpleasant when you wake up in the morning after you've been drinking the night before. During the night your body produces less saliva (a natural mouthwash) and a thin creamy coating forms over your teeth, tongue and gums. Healthy bacteria break it down producing mild toxins which smell and taste horrid. However, in some cases bad breath can be caused by medication and stomach ulcers. Plaque Plaque is a sticky coating on the teeth made up of saliva, bacteria and particles of food. It is the main cause of tooth decay and gingivitis (an infection of the gums). If allowed to accumulate it will become hard and increasingly difficult to remove. Plaque begins to form within hours of cleaning and is responsible for the furry feeling of un-brushed teeth. If the gums are unhealthy the plaque tends to spread more quickly. The bacteria can also rapidly erode teeth enamel and voilà... a cavity! Or voilà, voilà, voilà... lots of cavities. Plaque should be removed at least twice times a day using a toothbrush and dental floss. Gingivitis Gingivitis is usually caused by a build-up of plaque. It is thought that the toxins produced by bacteria within the plaque irritate the gums causing them to become infected, tender and swollen. Gingivitis can also result from injury to the gums usually from rough brushing of teeth or flossing as if you're lassoing a steer. Healthy gums are pink or brown and firm. Poorly gums become a reddish-purple, mushy, shiny and swollen. The gums bleed easily during brushing and are often tender. Good oral hygiene is the main means of preventing and treating gingivitis - and not letting the plaque form in the first place. In some cases, a special mouthwash will ease the symptoms. Tips for teeth

You should visit a dentist every six months. If not, or if you leave it until pain and discomfort occurs you are storing up potentially horrific problems for later on.

Clean your teeth at least twice a day, ideally after each meal. This should take no less than 3-4 minutes.

Renew your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every couple of months, or per instructions.

Electric toothbrushes are recommended, especially for removing plaque.

Floss your teeth at least once a day to help prevent your gums from receding (a major cause of tooth loss).

After meals use a tooth pick to dislodge food from between your teeth.

Chewing gum produces saliva which breaks down bacteria. Choose a sugar-free variety.

Sugar rots teeth so choose foods, sweets and drinks with reduced or no sugar.

Mouthwashes and freshener sprays mask bad breath, they don't sort it out.

Teeth whiteners which use bleach can produce results but can damage the enamel. Check with your dentist first. This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:

several chapters more useful advice and information

more in-depth information in some chapters

more pictures and tables

further contacts at the end of each chapter

a comprehensive listing of gay and health organisations Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.

Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.

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