Tooth Mousse benefits

Tooth mousse is a topical dental product that contains calcium and phosphate, which are minerals that are important for tooth health. GC Tooth Mousse is a crème for teeth that contains calcium and phosphate, the minerals teeth are made from, carried in a milk-derived protein and available in a soluble form. Tooth Mousse provides extra protection for teeth, buffers dental plaque acid from bacteria in the mouth and also protects teeth from acidic foods and drinks.

Tooth Mousse is available in two options: with or without fluoride. Tooth Mousse does not contain fluoride so is suitable for small children, and Tooth Mousse Plus contains fluoride, so is suited to older children and adults. Tooth Mousse is not toothpaste, rather a cream that is applied to the teeth and not rinsed off. It is made of milk products and it can be used throughout the day.

Here are some of the benefits of using tooth mousse:

1. Remineralisation: Tooth mousse can help to promote the remineralisation of tooth enamel. The minerals in tooth mousse can be absorbed by the teeth and used to repair small areas of demineralisation or early-stage tooth decay, which can help to prevent the need for more extensive dental treatments in the future.

2. Sensitivity relief: Tooth mousse can also help to reduce tooth sensitivity. The minerals in tooth mousse can help to block the tiny tubules in the teeth that transmit pain signals, which can help to reduce sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, sweets, and acidic foods.

3. Protection: Tooth mousse can provide a protective barrier over the teeth, which can help to prevent further demineralization and tooth decay. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who are at a higher risk of developing cavities or who have weakened enamel due to factors like acidic foods or drinks, dry mouth, or certain medications.

4. Whitening: Some tooth mousse products also contain added ingredients like fluoride or calcium sodium phosphosilicate, which can help to whiten the teeth and improve their overall appearance.

Tooth mousse is typically applied directly to the teeth using a special applicator or a dental tray. It is available in a range of flavors and can be used in conjunction with regular dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing to help maintain optimal oral health. However, it is important to consult with a dentist to determine if tooth mousse is a suitable option for your individual needs.

What is the anatomy of a tooth?

The anatomy of a tooth is composed of several distinct layers, each with its own function. These layers include enamel, dentin, pulp, and various supporting structures. Let's delve into the anatomy of a tooth and how decay or a crack can allow bacteria to damage the pulp:

1. Enamel:

- Enamel is the outermost and hardest layer of a tooth. It is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite, a crystalline structure rich in calcium and phosphate.

- Enamel serves as a protective shell for the underlying tooth structures, safeguarding them from wear and tear during biting and chewing.

- It is translucent and appears white, giving teeth their visible color.

2. Dentine (Dentin):

- Dentine is the layer located beneath the enamel and comprises the bulk of the tooth structure. It is a hard but slightly porous tissue.

- Dentine is rich in microscopic tubules that extend from the pulp to the enamel. These tubules transmit sensory signals to the nerve in response to external stimuli, such as temperature changes or pressure.

- It provides support to the enamel and has some flexibility to absorb forces from chewing, preventing the tooth from becoming brittle.

*3. Pulp:

- The pulp is the innermost portion of the tooth, located at the center. It consists of soft connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and cells.

- The pulp serves several essential functions, including the provision of nutrients to the tooth, the production of dentin in response to injury, and sensory functions (transmitting pain or discomfort signals).

- It is encased within the dentin and is responsible for the tooth's vitality.

How Decay or a Crack Can Allow Bacteria to Damage the Pulp:

- Dental decay (caries) occurs when acids produced by bacteria in dental plaque erode the enamel. Once the enamel is breached, bacteria can penetrate the underlying dentin.

- If the decay continues to progress, it can reach the pulp chamber. Bacteria infiltrate the pulp, causing infection and inflammation. This can result in significant pain and sensitivity.

- A cracked or fractured tooth can also provide an entry point for bacteria. When a tooth is cracked, it creates a pathway for bacteria to enter the dentin and reach the pulp.

- Bacteria within the pulp chamber can lead to pulpitis, an inflammation of the pulp. Pulpitis can cause severe pain and discomfort.

- If the infection is not treated promptly, it can progress to a dental abscess, which is a painful, pus-filled pocket within the tooth. This can lead to further complications and potential tooth loss.

To treat dental decay or a cracked tooth that has allowed bacteria to damage the pulp, a dentist may perform root canal therapy. During this procedure, the infected pulp is removed, the pulp chamber is cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection. In some cases, a dental crown may be placed over the treated tooth to provide additional protection and restore its function. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preserving the health and function of the affected tooth.

How Sugar causes a dental cavity

The process through which sugar causes a cavity in a tooth involves a series of biochemical and microbial reactions.

Here's a breakdown of this process:

Presence of Oral Bacteria: Your mouth is home to a variety of bacteria, some of which are harmful and contribute to tooth decay. The most notable among these is Streptococcus mutans.

Consumption of Sugars: When you consume foods or drinks containing sugars (like sucrose, fructose, glucose), these bacteria feed on these sugars. It's not the sugar itself that directly causes cavities, but rather the action of bacteria on these sugars.

Bacterial Metabolism and Acid Production: As bacteria metabolize these sugars, they produce acids as a byproduct. This primarily includes lactic acid.

Demineralisation of Tooth Enamel: These acids start to demineralize (dissolve) the enamel, which is the hard, outer layer of the tooth. Enamel is made of hydroxyapatite, a crystalline structure composed of calcium, phosphorus, and hydroxide. The acid in the mouth creates an environment where calcium and phosphate are lost from the enamel in a process called demineralization.

The chemical reaction can be simplified as:

Acid (from bacteria)

+

Hydroxyapatite (in enamel)

→

Demineralisation

Acid (from bacteria)+Hydroxyapatite (in enamel)→Demineralisation

Formation of Cavities: Over time, this demineralisation leads to the weakening of the enamel. If the process continues without being counteracted (by remineralisation from saliva and fluoride), it eventually leads to the formation of a cavity (dental caries).

Role of Saliva: Saliva plays a crucial role in counteracting this process by neutralising acids and providing minerals (like calcium and phosphate) that can help remineralise the enamel. Fluoride, from toothpaste or water, is also important as it helps to remineralise and strengthen the enamel.

It's important to note that this process doesn't happen overnight. It's the frequent consumption of sugars and poor oral hygiene that typically lead to the development of cavities. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and limiting sugar intake can significantly reduce the risk of this process leading to cavities.