IFGL Bio Ceramics Ltd.

Dental Plaque and affects of it

2011-11-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

What is Dental Plaque ?
Dental plaque is a soft deposit that accumulates on the teeth. Dental plaque is a bio film, usually a pale yellow in colour that develops naturally on the teeth. Like any bio film, dental plaque is formed by inhabiting bacteria trying to attach themselves to a smooth surface of the tooth. It is a general term for the diverse microbial community, predominantly bacteria, found on the tooth surface. Dental plaque starts when bacteria that are usually present in the mouth attach themselves to teeth and begin multiplying. Plaque develops naturally on teeth, and forms part of the defence systems of the enamel. The process of attachment, growth, removal and reattachment of bacteria to the tooth surface is a continuous and dynamic aspect. According to studies, the carbohydrates present in the food forms a product called Dextran by the action of the bacteria, and this helps in binding of bacteria to the surface and formation of the thin layer.

Plaque can form on teeth both above the gum line, where it is called supra gingival plaque, or below the gum line on the roots of teeth, where it is named sub gingival plaque.

Plaque – the enemy of dental health.
Dental plaque thus is the almost invisible, soft, white substance that forms a little blanket that sticks on our teeth. Plaque is most noticeable when teeth are not brushed, and even after brushing it starts growing again immediately. Plaque consists of millions of germs in a sticky mass that are constantly forming. Plaque on teeth makes them feel furry to the tongue and by converting food into acids, plaque attacks teeth and can cause tooth decay and gum disorders. The plaque which keeps the germs close to the teeth is sometimes difficult to see. If we colour this plaque, by rinsing with a special agent or by chewing a special tablet called a disclosing tablet, we can see it quite easily. If left alone long enough, plaque begins to mineralize and harden into calculus or tartar because the plaque absorbs calcium, phosphorus and other minerals from saliva.

Fluoride increases the resistance of the enamel of the teeth to attack by acid. Studies have shown that most people have very little knowledge as to what fluoride or water fluoridation is. They also do not know that fluoride is a natural constituent of water supplies, and that water fluoridation is simply the process of topping up something which is there already, but at insufficient levels.

Effects of Plaque
Millions of germs in sticky plaque feed on the sugars you eat. Distinctly different kinds of germs dominate the plaque, depending on whether the mouth is healthy, or disease is present. In a healthy mouth, where the layer of plaque on the teeth is typically thin, bacteria that need oxygen grow and thrive. They are called aerobic organisms. These are the same bacteria normally found in the mouth. Some bacteria are able to grow with or without oxygen, although they prefer oxygen because it is beneficial to their metabolism and ability to survive. They are called facultative organisms, and they are more likely to be seen where there is disease. For example, people who regularly consume a diet rich in sugar content have large numbers of bacteria in their plaque that are associated with tooth decay or cavities. The primary microbe associated with cavities is a round shaped facultative germ called Streptococcus mutans (S.Mutans). These bacterial produce tooth dissolving acid when given an abundant supply of sugar to feed on.

They use the sugars to produce acids which are our substances like vinegar or battery acid. These acids are very strong and slowly, bit by bit, they attack your teeth until holes begin to form. One the hole is formed, it gets bigger and deeper and starts to cause pain and discomfort. If your teeth get hurt when you eat, drink hot or cold drinks, it is likely that you have a hole, even if you cannot see it. Some types of plaque cause tooth decay while other types of plaque cause gum disease

Plaque can also affect the gums by causing gum disease. Bleeding gums, bad breath, tender gums or loose teeth can be a sign of gum disease. Sometimes gums can be sick without being painful. If the gum disease is not treated, the tiny little strings that keep the tooth firmly connected to the bone are damaged and the tooth becomes loose. The formation of dental plaque on your teeth is part of normal human physiology. Therefore, it is not possible to prevent saliva and bacterial in the mouth from depositing on your teeth and contributing to the build up of plaque. So you really cannot prevent dental plaque from forming on your teeth. Besides, you would not want to, because in a healthy mouth, some dental plaque is beneficial. However, if you want your teeth and gums to remain healthy or return to a state of health, the number and types of bacteria that grow in the plaque must be controlled through regular brushing and practice of oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing habits prevent formation and also help remove any dental plaque present.

The Removal of Dental Plaque
The daily removal of plaque is the single most important factor in preventing gingivitis as well as the prevention of tooth decay which is caused by the acid formed by the bacterial in the same plaque. The correct tooth-brushing technique and the use of dental floss are essential for the removal of plaque. To keep the teeth clean is actually a difficult task, but rewards are marvelous – no cavities and no gingivitis will develop. Halitosis or bad breath will be prevented to a great extent.

Tooth decay

2011-11-01T06:44:00.000-07:00

Tooth decay is a preventable disease. To maintain healthy teeth, a few basic tips are recommended:

· Eat a variety of foods for a balanced diet. Choose breads, cereals and other grain products; fruits; vegetables; meat; poultry and fish; and milk, cheese and yogurt.

· Limit the number of snacks that you eat. Each time you eat food that contains sugars, the teeth are attacked by acids for 20 minutes or more.

· If you do snack, choose nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or a piece of fruit.

· Foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm. More saliva is released during a meal, which helps wash foods from the mouth and helps lessen the effects of acids.

· Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

· Clean between your teeth daily with floss or inter-dental cleaners.

Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist can help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur while they are easy to treat

Health Risks of Poor Oral Health

2011-11-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, which may also affect the bone supporting the teeth. Plaque is a sticky colourless film of bacterial that constantly builds up, thickens and hardens on the teeth. If it is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, this plaque can harden into tartar and may contribute to infections in the gums.

Left untreated, gum disease can lead to the loss of teeth and an increased risk of more serious diseases, such as respiratory disease. The bacterial in plaque can travel from the mouth to the lungs, causing infection or aggravating existing lung conditions.

There is also a link between diabetes and gum disease. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease and it can put them at greater risk of diabetic complications.

Studies are also examining whether pregnant women with poor oral health may be at a higher risk of delivering pre-term, low birth weight (PLBW) babies than women with good oral health. Babies who are pre-term or low birth weight have a higher risk of developmental complications, asthma, ear infections, birth abnormalities, behavioural difficulties and are at a higher risk of infant death. Even though this research is ongoing, it is still important for pregnant women to take care of their gums and teeth.

Minimising your Risk

To maintain good oral health, you are advised to take the following steps:

· Brush and floss your teeth daily. Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse can also help to reduce the bacterial in your mouth.

· Visit your dentist regularly to have your mouth examined at least every six months. See your dentist immediately if you notice any problems.

· Eat a healthy and nutritive diet.

· Do not smoke or use tobacco in any form. If you do smoke or use any other forms of tobacco, like gutka or pan masala, make sure that you visit your dentist regularly for oral examination for any cancerous lesions.

· Also try and quit tobacco use at the earliest. The Tobacco Intervention Initiative (TII) Centres will help you in this regard.

· If you are pregnant, be sure to eat healthy foods and maintain good oral health and avoid tobacco use.

· Brush your children’s teeth for them, until they are able to write their own name. They should then be able to brush their own teeth with your guidance.

Gum disease

2011-11-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Gum disease is caused by infection or plaque around your teeth and is a common cause of tooth loss after age 35. The first stage and most common type of gum disease is gingivitis (jin-ji-vie-tus). Gingivitis irritates the gums and causes them to bleed and swell. Gum diseases are more often seen as people age, with most people showing signs of them by their mid-30s.

Periodontitis (pear-ee-o-don-tie-tus) is a more serious type of gum disease that, if left untreated, gets worse as pockets of infection form between the teeth and gums. This causes your gums to grow away from teeth and lose supporting bone. If the teeth cannot be supported, they could fall out. This disease results from bacteria in your mouth. You may be more likely to be infected with these bacteria if:

someone else in your family has periodontitis.
you are a smoker.
you have a disease like diabetes or HIV.

Normal, healthy gums

Healthy gums and bone anchor teeth firmly in place.

Periodontitis

Unremoved, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As plaque and calculus continue to build up, the gums begin to recede (pull away) from the teeth, and pockets form between the teeth and gums.

Advanced periodontitis

The gums recede farther, destroying more bone and the periodontal ligament. Teeth-even healthy teeth – may become loose and need to be extracted.

Removal of plaque by brushing and flossing

2011-11-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

It is necessary to remove the plaque by brushing and flossing, failing which generation of acids and other harmful substances will continue. This eventually destroys the tooth or the gum and the bone that holds the tooth in its place. As there are minerals in the saliva, the plaque not removed from the teeth becomes calcified and hardens – 50 percent within 48 hours and rock hard after 12 days. The calcified or hardened plaque is known as tartar. It is possible to control tartar build up by using toothpastes containing sodium pyrophosphate which interferes with mineral crystallization that causes tartar build up. Tartar can be removed only through dental cleaning and, therefore, requires professional help to remove.

Plaque and tarter contain harmful bacteria that can infect your gums. When teeth continually confront plaque, you get cavities because of disintegration of the tooth cover. Plaque collects along your gum line and between your teeth and if it is not removed with daily brushing and flossing or dental cleaning, the bacterial plaque and tarter will cause your gum tissue to get swollen and red. When your gum tissue is inflamed, it also bleeds. This is called gingivitis, the first stage in a very bad disease of the gums. The presence of inflammation of gums for long periods can also allow the plaque and tartar to start destroying the underlying bone structure eventually leading to periodontal disease. This is a more severe and harder form of disease to treat.

Prevention of gingivitis and periodontitis are important to maintain a healthy mouth and body. Although regular hygiene visits are important, nothing is more important than how well a person removes the plaque on a daily basis. Brushing after meals and daily flossing is the best defence against gum disease. Use of mouth rinses or mouth washes would be helpful in maintaining better oral hygiene.

Clinical uses of Calcium Phosphate Cements.

2011-08-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

Clinical uses of Calcium Phosphate Cements.

The unique combination of biocompatibility, osteoconductivity and mouldability make CPCs suitable for a wide range of applications. The clinical uses cover both orthopaedics and dentistry.

The use of CPCs as a bone graft substitute has already been established. Successful clinical trials were conducted in maxillofacial reconstruction and in the treatment of the distal radius fracture. In additions, attempts have been made to use CPC for calcaneal fractures, hip fractures, the augmentation of osteoporotic vertebral bodies, tibial plateau fractures, the restoration of pedicle screw fixation, the reinforcement of thoracolumbar burst fractures, and the reinforcement of cancellous bone screws.

In dentistry, pre-clinical studies demonstrate their use in procedures like furcation perforation repair, treatment of periodontal infrabony defects, root canal filling/sealing, root apexification and alveolar ridge augmentation, and as bone filler for gaps around oral implants.

What are the criterias of ideal Bone Graft material.

2011-08-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

What are the criterias of ideal Bone Graft material.

· Should be readily available and should not require surgical intervention at a second donor site.

· Should provide rapid osteogenesis.

· Should not elicit immunological responses.

· Should enhance revascularization.

· Should be highly osteoinductive.

· Should not impede bone growth or tooth movement.

· Should provide support and continuity where mobility exists.

· Should provide for osteoconduction and

Should provide the formation of new attachments in periodontal lesions

Careful examination of the scientific and clinical literature suggests ....

2011-05-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Careful examination of the scientific and clinical literature suggests that implant materials commonly used for fixation and joint reconstruction are not entirely inert. Accumulation of particulate debris is to some extent going to occur in all patients who have large prosthetic devices. This necessarily includes the distinct possibility of systemic and remote site exposure to these foreign objects that the body attempts to neutralize and excrete. Due to the heightened immunologic surveillance and/or or possible storage of particulate metal matter in sites remote from the implantation site, patients with total hip arthroplasty may be added risk for remote malignancies, particularly of the lymphoreticular system. The incidence of primary mesenchymal tumors in close proximity to implants appears to be consistent with the incidence in the general public. The frequency of occurrence and the associated individual and group risks of systemic and remote site malignancy remains unresolved.

IFGL Bio Ceramic Products

2010-12-28T05:15:00.000-08:00

Products of IFGL Bio Ceramics are offered either under its own labels like BioGraft, CeraEye, CeraHip etc or private labels or OEM

BioGraft Synthetic (Alloplast) Bone Grafts are Gamma Sterilised

2010-12-09T04:10:00.000-08:00

Sterilised products reduces infection in surgical practice. Majority of the products can be sterilsied by moist heat but can also subjected to sterilisation through Gamma or Ethylene Oxide processes. Sterilisation through moist heat and EO processes however require number of parameters to be controlled simultaneously whereas Gamma radiation require only parameter to be controlled. In the case of Gamma radiation degree of penetration is highest and factors like temperature, pressure, vaccum, humidity, drying /degasing after sterilisation does not affect the process. Rarely residual toxicity is found. BioGraft Synthetic (Alloplast) Bone Grafts for Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial and Orthopaedic applications are all Gamma Sterilised

Affects of poor oral hygiene

2010-12-08T04:42:00.000-08:00

Poor oral hygiene is the major cause of periodontal disease, a chronic infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Gum infections seem to add to the inflammatory burden on individuals, increasing cardiovascular risk, the researchers say

FAQ's on BioCeramics and Bioactive Coatings

2010-11-30T03:45:00.000-08:00

Bio Ceramics - Meaning and properties

Ceramics used for the repair and reconstruction of diseased or damaged musculo-skeletal tissues are termed as bio-ceramics, which may be further classified according to their reactivity as bio-inert (e.g. alumina and zirconia), resorbable (e.g. tricalcium phosphate), bioactive e.g. hydroxyapatite, bioactive glasses, and glass-ceramics), or porous for tissue ingrowth (e.g. bioactive glass or hydroxyapatite porous bone fillers and scaffolds).

Bio-ceramics - Usage of

Bio-ceramics are used in replacements of hips, knees, teeth, fingers, tendons, ligaments and repair for periodontal disease, maxillofacial reconstruction, augmentation and stabilization of the jaw-bone, spinal fusion, and bone repair after tumor surgery.

Metallic Implants - Benefit of Bioactive Coatings thereon.

Metallic implants (stainless steel, titanium and its alloy (Ti6Al4V) are widely used as load bearing orthopaedic, dental implants and plastic surgery. However, being bio-inert, they suffer from unfavourable bioactive fixation with the surrounding hard tissues which limits their effective service life. Therefore, they are often coated with bioactive materials such as hydroxyapatite (HAp), bioactive glass, etc by various techniques to enable cementless fixation and to improve their integration to the adjacent hard or soft tissues.

What are the generally available Bioactive Coating materials.

Metallic load bearing implants are often coated with bioactive materials such as hydroxyapatite (HAp), bioactive glass and other bioactive coatings by various techniques to improve their surface bioactivity and adherence to the adjacent hard tissues and to enable cementless fixation.

Affects of inadequate nutrition in case of elderly people

2010-11-28T00:36:00.000-08:00

Eating well is important at any age. Whether it’s because of physical limitations or financial hardship, many elderly persons don’t eat as well as they should. Hence food they do eat must be as nutritious as possible. But health issues and physical limitations sometimes make it difficult for the elderly, to get the nutrients they need for a balanced diet.

Symptoms of malnutrition (weight loss, disorientation, lightheadedness, lethargy and loss of apetite) are sometimes mistaken for illness or disease. Although there are no authentic data to substantiate the extent of malnutrition among the elderly in India, it is said that a large majority of the elderly consume fewer than 1000 calories a day, which is insufficient to maintain adequate nutrition. There are many reasons why an older person may skip a meal, from forgetfulness to financial burden, depression to dental problems, and loneliness to frailty. Older persons, handicapped by their dentition and a consequent reduction in masticatory efficiency, suffer impaired intakes of fruit and vegetables and some key nutrients. This affects their oral health and as a result a fall in their general health.

The dental health problems commonly associated with the elderly people are:

· Gum disease
· Dental Decay
· Inflammation of the mucous membrane (Stomatitis)
· Inflammation of the tongue (Glossitis)
· Tooth wear and excessive staining
· Dry mouth
· Loss or alteration in taste
· Missing teeth, ill fitting dentures or dentures getting repeatedly loose etc
· Facial pain
· Tooth loss and limited oral functioning
· Poor oral hygiene

As a person grows in age, the teeth show signs of wear, gums recede, soft moist oral mucous membrane (i.e. tissues lining the oral cavity), sometimes looks more rough, dry and at times fibrous. There are several changes that may occur as the person grows old. These may relate to clinical changes like wearing of teeth, root decay, gum diseases, discolouration of teeth etc. Apart from clinical changes, there may be cellular changes that may have their impact on the teeth. Old age may also bring about changes in drug metabolism they may have its oral side effects such as dry mouth, changes in taste, oral ulcerations, gingival bleeding, etc. Oral tissues also undergo considerable change as a result of advancing age. Reactions of common diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular and liver diseases, gastrointestinal diseases etc to name only a few, have their effect in oral cavity.

What is Dry Mouth, What are its Symptoms etc

2010-11-28T00:28:00.000-08:00

Dry mouth is the feeling that there is not enough saliva or spit in the mouth, to keep the mouth wet. Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while – if they are nervous, upset or under stress. But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems. It can also be a sign of certain diseases and conditions.

What are the symptoms ?
Dry mouth is rarely a solitary symptom. When present for long periods of time, it induces the formation of many other oral symptoms and clinical signs. Besides the decreased amount of saliva, the tongue may also become sore, fissured and the cheeks dry, pale and dull. Not only mastication becomes difficult, it creates persistent denture problems. One may also experience difficulties in taste and swallowing, besides sensitivity to acidic, salty and spicy food. Dry mouth causes extensive, sometimes rampant, dental decay, even affecting areas not usually prone to decay i.e. the lower incisor teeth. These symptoms thus manifest in :

· a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
· an altered sense of taste
· difficulty in chewing, swallowing, or speaking
· a burning feeling in the mouth
· a dry feeling in the throat
· cracked lips
· an infection in the mouth, sore throat
· bad breath (halitosis)
· tooth decay and gum disease
· a dry tongue
· mouth sores

What is the treatment of dry mouth ?
Treatment of dry mouth is dependent on knowing the cause of the condition in the first place. Your doctor may change your medication if it is suspected to be the cause. Alternatively, medications may be prescribed to increase the production of saliva to help relieve your problem. There are ways to relieve dry mouth such as :

· Sipping water throughout the day and consuming 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration.
· Drinking water or sugar-free beverages with each meal to keep food particles from becoming trapped in your mouth.
· Sugar-free gum and candy, especially one that has a sour taste, may increase saliva production.
· Avoid beverages such as tea, coffee, and alcohol as they may cause a decrease in saliva production.
· Avoid smoking as it is a major cause of dry mouth.

The following steps are generally advised:

1. To keep Your Mouth Moist

2. Stimulate the flow of your saliva
3. To protect the Hard and Soft Tissues of your Mouth
Ask your dentist to teach you how to properly brush your teeth, and brush them after every meal. Use a dental floss daily. Use a fluoride toothpaste daily. In some cases, your dentist may prescribe the fabrication of a “mouth-guard”, like what the athletes wear. A fluoride gel is placed in these trays and they are worn for several minutes every night. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly, and sip water with it before swallowing. Salivary substitutes (Artificial Saliva) or a mouth-gel can be used to lubricate your tissues. They sometimes make your feel less dry. See your dentist at least 3 times a year and have him/her routinely check you for evidence of early decay.

4. The Use of Drugs to Increase the Flow of Saliva

Success Principles

2009-12-25T00:25:00.000-08:00

Life is how we percieve of it. There is a positive side and negative side to everything and every circumstances. We can either look at a cup as half full or half empty. We can look at the hole of doughnut or the doughnut itself. The choice is ours and ours alone. It is to be remembered that choices we make will determine our success or failure

IFGL Bio Ceramics to participate in 45th Annual Conference of West Bengal Branch of the Indian Dental Association

2009-10-26T01:21:00.000-07:00

IFGL Bio Ceramics will be show casing its entire range of BioGraft Bone Regenerative Granules and Blocks for the use of Periodontists, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and Orthopedic Surgeons at the Trade Fair going to be held on 21st and 22nd Nov, 2009 at Guru Nanak Dental College, Kolkata on the occassion of 45th Annual Conference of west Bengal Branch of Indian Dental Association. All well wishers and patrons are requested to visit the Stall and oblige.

34th Annual Conference of Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India

2009-09-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

Above Conference is going to be held in Kochi from 25th to 28th November, 2009. IFGL Bio will be participating in this Conference and displaying its wide range of Bone Graft Granules and Pre-forms, manufactured as per know how of CGCRI

34th National Conference of Indian Society of Periodontolgy

2009-09-01T04:46:00.001-07:00

IFGL Bio Ceramics will also be participating in 34th National Conference of Indian Society of Periodontology going to be held at SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad on 3rd to 5th Dec, 2009 and displaying its entire range of Synthetic Bone Regenerative Granules and Preforms manufactured as per know how of Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute ( a constituent laboratory of CSIR) and available in the market under trade name BioGraft.

BioGraft mateials are available in following four types in granules size ranging from 250 microns to 5000 microns and pre-forms of standard sizes as well as tailor made

a) 100% Synthetic Hydroxyapatite
b) Biphasic - 70% Synthetic Hydroxyapatite and 30% Beta Tricalcium Phosphate
c) Biphasic - 60% Synthetic Hydroxyapatite and 40% Beta Tricalcium Phosphate
d) 100% Beta Tricalcium Phosphate

These materials are extensively used in Dentistry for bone regeneration by Periodontists and, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Annual OPAI Meeting 2009

2009-08-31T23:21:00.000-07:00

CeraEye Synthetic Hydroxyapatite Orbital Implant manufactured as per know how of Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, a constituent laboratory of CSIR, under proceeses having both ISO and CE Certifications, will be showcased at Annual OPAI Meeting 2009 going to be held in Ahmedabad (India) from 4th to 6th Dec, 2009

Rehabilitation through regeneration - Bio technological aspects

2009-08-22T01:28:00.000-07:00

Recent advancements in medical science has already created demand of various level of functional and asthetic rehabilitation. Different kind of synthetically made bio-active materials are now available for the process of regeneration of lost hard tissues, due to various reasons. Calcium-phosphate based materials are widely used, in their different chemical composition, ratios and physical characteristics like sizes and shapes the materials. BioGraft Bone Substitutes are one of such materials manufactured as per know how of Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, Kolkata ( a constituent laboratory of CSIR) under processes having both ISO and CE Certifications and are bio-active, bio compatible, found to have satisfactory clinical performance and finally affordable.

Prof. Dr.Abhijit Chakraborty associated with the Department of Periodontics in Guru Nanak Dental Science and Research, Kolkata will be happy to elucidate perofrmance of above materials further and queries addressed to him may be sent to ragarwal@bajoria.in. Dr Chakraborty has done his Masters from Dr. R. A. Dental college Kolkata. He is presently a research scholar of Jadavpur University, Kolkata. He holds life membership of ISP,ISOI,AOI and has delivered lectures at state and national level in different medical fields too, as guest speaker.