Do you think that dentists only see problems in the oral cavity? You are wrong. Teeth reveal much more than you might think. The condition of your teeth, gums and mouth can provide information about the health of your entire body and even your mental state. We are exploring the connection between teeth and the body with doctors from the Prosthetics and Implantology (PIK) Clinic: Dentist Jurgita Savickienė, Dentist-Endodontist Sandra Skuodaitė and Dentist-Orthopaedic Surgeon Raimondas Savickas.

The mouth reflects your mental state

The condition of your teeth is closely related to your emotional health. Endodontist Sandra Skuodaitė notes that psychological stress manifests itself in some people as involuntary teeth grinding. This is one of the most common sleep disorders. “Worn teeth (the chewing edges of the front teeth) indicate that a person is experiencing stress and tension. Teeth must be protected from wear, otherwise they will need to be restored. If you notice chipping or cracking of your teeth, you should immediately consult a dentist, who will determine the cause of bruxism and select the most appropriate solution to the problem.”

Oral health and the body

Dental diseases are more dangerous than they may seem at first glance. “Few people know that dental diseases often complicate the course of chronic diseases or cause them. For example, bacteria in the mouth increase the risk of stroke and can even contribute to the development of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.” Perhaps these shocking examples provided by dentist Jurgita Savickienė will help you realise the connection between your mouth and your whole body and encourage you to pay more attention to dental care. It is important to note that health problems arise not only when teeth are unhealthy, but even when they are lost. Dentist-Orthopaedic Surgeon Raimondas Savickas informs us that teeth loss poses a serious threat to the functioning of the digestive system. “When teeth are lost, food cannot be chewed properly, which makes the digestive process more difficult and reduces the absorption of nutrients. Over time, digestive tract diseases such as stomach ulcers and gastritis develop. By restoring teeth in time, chewing becomes effective again and negative changes in health and appearance are avoided.”

Oral health during pregnancy

Pregnancy inevitably brings many changes to a woman’s body. Dentist Jurgita Savickienė says that hormonal changes, morning sickness, changes in eating habits and other factors also have a negative effect on the oral cavity. “Hormonal changes in a pregnant woman’s body can cause inflammation and bleeding gums. In addition, the acidic environment in the mouth can have a negative effect on tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth decay and tooth sensitivity during pregnancy.” The dentist also points out that taking care of the condition of the oral cavity is important not only for oneself but also for the health of the unborn baby. Untreated dental and periodontal infections in pregnant women can have a negative effect on the baby and increase the risk of premature birth. Of course, periodontal disease is dangerous not only for pregnant women but for everyone without exception. Periodontal disease allows more bacteria to enter the lungs. This can complicate pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Examples provided by doctors at Prosthetics and Implantology Clinic suggest that it is important to take good care of your teeth, not only to protect your mouth from disease but also to ensure the overall health of your body.

It is said that the smile is the greatest adornment of a person, but discoloured teeth and stains on the teeth are certainly not attractive. If you notice even the slightest defect on your teeth, you should rush to the dentist to find out the cause of the problem and ways to solve it. Tooth enamel demineralisation is often the cause of tooth stains or discolouration. What is it and how can it be prevented?

Why does dental enamel demineralisation occur?

Dental enamel demineralisation is the dissolution of enamel which shows up as white spots on the surface of your teeth. Dental enamel can be damaged for a few reasons: increased stomach acidity, teeth grinding, or an irregular bite. The acids that cause demineralisation are found in acidic foods and are also produced by bacteria in the mouth, which develop due to poor oral hygiene. Demineralised enamel makes us much more sensitive to heat, cold, pressure and pain. If a tooth is sensitive but not damaged by tooth decay, the sensitivity is caused by irritation of the demineralised areas.

Ways to slow down the process

• Oral hygiene. This is the most important factor in slowing down the demineralisation of tooth enamel. Treatment begins with the development of proper hygiene habits: for long-term results, it is necessary not only to visit a professional dental hygienist regularly but also to take good care of your teeth at home, i.e. brush your teeth in the morning and evening, use mouthwash, dental floss and an interdental brush.
• Proper diet. Sweets, carbohydrates and acidic foods feed the bacteria in the oral cavity which promote the demineralisation process. Even sugar-free drinks are acidic and harmful to teeth. Frequent snacking also promotes the growth of bacteria; it is therefore recommended to rinse your mouth with water after every meal.
• Microelement therapy. This is an additional measure for dental hygiene and strengthening tooth enamel in the form of a gel containing calcium and phosphorus. When following this programme, the enamel strengthens in just a few weeks.
• Prevention. Active monitoring of changes and immediate problem solving are particularly important rules for maintaining healthy and strong teeth. Do not forget to have regular check-ups with your dentist, even if you have no complaints.

Brushing your teeth is not just about removing food residue. The purpose of brushing is to break down a thin film of bacterial plaque or biofilm which is invisible to the naked eye. The bacteria and other microorganisms in this layer feed on the sugars left in our mouth after eating, and if this layer is not broken down in time, the bacteria and their products damage the hard tissues of the teeth and cause gum inflammation and periodontitis.

In order to maintain healthy teeth and gums, particular attention should be paid to thorough and regular daily tooth brushing. It is important to know that up to 95% of bacteria remain on the surface of the teeth after normal brushing with a toothbrush. We should use special tools to clean between our teeth such as dental floss, interdental brushes and oral irrigators. Your oral care professional should select individual cleaning products for you that ensure effective and simple personal oral care at home, taking into account the individual condition of your oral cavity.

If your gums are healthy and your teeth are tightly spaced, flossing is sufficient. Floss should be used to clean the sides of the teeth by sliding it along the anatomical shape of the tooth.

Interdental spaces that are triangular in shape due to anatomy or periodontal disease should be cleaned with interdental brushes. These brushes are selected individually for each interdental space, as cleaning is not effective with an improperly sized tool: the bristles of a brush that is too small will not reach the areas that need to be cleaned, and attempting to insert a brush that is too large may damage the tooth and gum tissue. This cleaning tool should therefore be selected and tailored to your needs by your oral care specialist.

Those who have had their teeth restored with crowns or dental implants should remember that these areas require special attention during cleaning to ensure the longevity of the prosthesis. For those with bridgework, special periodontal floss can help clean the space between the gum and the crown. This floss has a firm part for easy insertion through the gap and a soft cotton part for gentle cleaning under the bridge.

An additional cleaning tool for areas that require extra cleaning is an oral irrigator. These devices spray a strong stream of water that helps remove plaque that is difficult to reach after regular tooth brushing. Daily use of these devices is usually recommended for people with dental implants, dental prostheses, braces, or periodontitis.

Regular daily control of bacterial plaque at home will help protect your teeth and gums from diseases caused by microorganisms, prevent periodontal disease and ensure the longevity of restored teeth.

Fear of dental treatments is the Soviet legacy. Just a glance at the dentist’s chair brings back horrific memories for older people. Deep-rooted fears are unconsciously passed on from generation to generation causing a phobia of dental treatments to spread like a virus. Let’s put a stop to this virus by comparing dentistry in the past and present. It’s time to change our prejudices based on specific facts rather than lingering negative emotions.

Dental equipment

The changes in dentistry are obvious even to the naked eye. In Soviet times, the dentist’s chair resembled a torture chair, while medical instruments of the time and their scarcity were frightening. Disposable instruments and other items did not exist, and steel drills with vibrating tips were used, which made the patient’s head shake. Now, the horror movie scenes have been replaced by modern surroundings and sterile equipment. Diamond drills that preserve enamel are used, while modern chairs are designed to make the patient feel comfortable even during long, complicated treatments. Despite the obvious changes and the comprehensive comfort that has been created, few people feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair. It is not pain that prevents them from relaxing but their prejudices.

Pain is a thing of the past

Will it hurt during treatment? Such concerns should not exist nowadays. Of course, for those who have experienced Soviet dentistry, this remains a key question as at that time there were no suitable anaesthetics or sufficient tools. Bulky overheating drills, more reminiscent of construction tools than dental instruments and the excruciating pain during treatment left a lasting trauma. Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine dental treatment without anaesthetics. But there is no point in imagining it, because these days even complex surgical procedures can be performed without causing the patient any pain or discomfort.

If necessary, dental treatments are performed under local anaesthesia. Anaesthetics are injected near the nerve at the site of treatment to numb the area and suppress pain. However, it is much more difficult to suppress fear than pain. Therefore, it is useful to use aids that distract the patient’s thoughts. VR goggles are an excellent solution. By immersing themselves in a virtual world, patients are completely distracted from the treatment, and their fear and stress are replaced by enjoyment of new experiences.

Dental restoration in the past and today

High-quality dental materials and treatment tailored to each patient are something we take for granted today. Nowadays, dental prostheses are manufactured to precisely replicate the characteristics of natural teeth so that even patients cannot tell the difference and enjoy the results for years to come. The situation was much worse during the Soviet era. Dental crowns were not customised for each patient but only slightly polished after being fitted. To put it mildly, this did not produce the best results as the teeth did not fit snugly enough to the gums, they did not look aesthetically pleasing, and this also increased the risk of inflammation.

Modern technology for impeccable quality

Modern technology is an integral part of successful treatment today. In Soviet times, advanced tools such as 3D CT scans and microscopes were only a dream. Now, advanced technology ensures the accuracy of treatment and patient comfort during the treatment.

Before certain dental treatments, a 3D CT scan may be performed. This modern radiological diagnostic tool provides three times greater resolution and exposes the patient to much lower levels of radiation. The results obtained help to accurately diagnose the problem and prepare a detailed treatment plan. When it comes to the treatment process itself, modern treatment is difficult to imagine without a microscope. It is impossible to see everything with the naked eye, but with a microscope, the image is magnified many times over. This allows dentists to ensure the most aesthetic and long-lasting results while avoiding complications.

Final word

Soviet dentistry is as different from modern dentistry as night is from day, so there is no point in looking back and fearing the past. 

Instead, let us celebrate the enormous progress made in dentistry and the endless possibilities that allow us to create a healthy and beautiful smile for everyone with ease.

We live in times when intense work and persistent pursuit of goals are the driving forces behind progress. The desire to overcome obstacles, passion and zeal are extremely admirable, but there is also another side to this that is not so charming. Our bodies suffer from workaholism, stress and a frantic pace of life. The condition of our teeth is no exception. Dentists point out that tooth wear is an increasingly common problem closely linked to the pace of modern life. How can we protect our teeth from wear and tear?

Why do teeth wear?

Dentist-Orthopaedic Surgeon Raimondas Savickas explains the most common causes of tooth wear. “The main cause of pathological tooth wear, i.e. wear that is greater than it should be for the patient’s age, is considered to be the entry of stomach acid into the mouth due to gastroesophageal reflux. Stomach acid severely damages tooth tissue, which means that tooth wear can be a sign of stomach problems. However, teeth can also wear and become damaged as a result of improper brushing. Teeth grinding is also a very common cause of tooth wear.” The habit of involuntary teeth grinding mentioned by Dentist Raimondas Savickas, known as bruxism, usually affects people who are under a lot of stress or are exhausted. It appears that an increasing number of younger patients experience this problem.

Worn teeth are more than just an aesthetic issue

You can tell if your teeth are worn down just by looking in the mirror. If your teeth have become small with chipped or broken edges, these are signs of obvious tooth wear. Such a smile does not look attractive, but aesthetic discomfort is certainly not the biggest problem. Worn teeth become weak and will not last long if no action is taken. In addition, the function of the temporomandibular joint is impaired. You may wonder how to deal with this issue. The first step should certainly be the same as when dealing with any other issue in the oral cavity, i.e. an appointment with the dentist who will assess the situation and prescribe the most effective treatment.

Treatment of bruxism

Worn teeth can be restored and their aesthetic appearance can be recovered. In more complex cases, prosthetics is required. However, tooth reconstruction only addresses the consequences rather than the root cause of the issue. If the person continues grinding their teeth involuntarily, the teeth will wear down again and again. To break out of this vicious circle, it is important to identify the causes of bruxism. Since involuntary teeth grinding is usually psychological in nature, you should focus on your emotional state and, if necessary, consult a psychologist. Also, do not forget about prevention, i.e. a protective mouthguard that should be worn at night. A specially moulded mouthguard significantly reduces the negative effects of teeth grinding.

In many cases, tooth wear can be considered a signal from the body that it is time to slow down. Among the million things on your daily to-do list, make sure to include the most important one which is time for your health. Listen to the messages your body is sending you and you will avoid a string of consequences.

Teeth are an integral part of the body. The condition of teeth can reveal a lot about a person’s lifestyle, bad habits and even reflect their physical and mental health. Even a single tooth defect can have a negative impact not only on the teeth but also on the functioning of other organs. It is therefore important to take care of your oral health for the sake of your teeth and smile as well as your overall health.

What do your teeth say about you?

Teeth can send certain warning signals. Look in the mirror and see if you notice any negative changes. If you notice that your teeth are smaller, chipped, cracked or your bite has changed, you may be suffering from bruxism or teeth grinding. Many people only become aware of this problem when the consequences are already obvious. There can be various causes for teeth grinding. One of them is stress. Lost tooth tissue can be restored with aesthetic fillings or prostheses. On the other hand, it would be pointless to treat only the consequences. In order to achieve long-lasting results, it is necessary to first identify the root cause of the problem. If you grind your teeth due to accumulated tension, stress or excessive workload, you should change your lifestyle. In some cases, psychological help may be necessary. You can protect your dental restorations from further damage by wearing special plastic mouthguards at night. Consult your dentist for the most effective solutions to your problem.

Why is it important to take care of your teeth?

Damaged teeth are a source of infection. Bacterial plaque affects the gums and surrounding bone. Teeth can become loose, and if the symptoms are ignored, there is a risk of tooth loss. Poor dental health not only causes pain in the teeth and surrounding tissues and deeper damage but also unexpected ailments. Improperly removed plaque causes inflammation and can lead to heart, kidney, joint and other disorders. If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, you should also pay attention to the condition of your teeth and bite. An irregular bite damages the jaw joints, which can cause recurring headaches. These issues can be resolved with orthodontic treatment.

It is clear that teeth have a significant impact on our body. Once dental issues are fixed, other conditions are often resolved as well. Responsible oral hygiene and regular appointments to the dentist are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and overall well-being.