The most common oral problem leading people to lose their teeth is gum disease. The gums become red due to the plaque collected on the teeth and makes the gum swollen. This condition is called gingivitis. The gums may bleed while you brush. In the initial stages gingivities can be easily treated by proper and regular brushing. Proper brushing also helps to prevent this disease in the future.

The gums and teeth should be regularly cleaned otherwise the bones that holds the tooth firmly in its socket, can start to shrink. The plaque dissolves the bones around the teeth gradually progessing towards the root. Gaps are noticed between the gum and the teeth. This process is called pockets. The dentist can measure these gaps using a special device called probe. When the bones disappear the gums covering it also shrinks back. Though it may take a long time but slowly all bones holding the tooth disappears. This looses the tooth and in due time it may fall out.

Tooth erosion is caused mainly due to acidic foods and drinks which dissolves away the surface of the tooth. Tooth erosion is becomming more common due to high consumption of fizzy drinks. The teeth are self sufficient in repairing the problems using the minerals present in the saliva of our mouth. But the teeth fails if the quantity of the acid is more. As a result the enamel becomes thinner. Due to thin enamel the teeth becomes highly sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks and the chances of tooth decay increases.

Some useful tips to prevent erosion

• Try to avoid too much acidic food or drink during the day. If consumed they should be taken only at mealtimes.
• Avoid sipping of acidic drinks. It is better to drink them quickly.
• Take only 'safe' drinks like milk and water which are neither acidic nor sugary, between meals. Tea and coffee also fallunder this category if sugar is not added to them.
• Also only 'safe' snacks should be taken between meals. Fruits, vegetables, toast, sandwitches and pitta bread can be treated as 'safe' snacks. Citrus fruits can cause erosion if consumed in large quantities. However the dentists should always be consulted to query about the mode of consumption of these fruits.
• Don't brush your teeth immediately after eating as the acid content of the food soften the teeth surface temporarily.
• Consult your dentist for identifying the erosion and his advice for preventing further damage.