admin
Apr 18, 2023
Dental problems can rear their ugly heads without any warning signs. If you have been careless with your oral hygiene, you can fall prey to annoying ailments. They are excessively painful and unbearable because of their impact on eating and talking. Some even make you book an emergency dental appointment and spend on treatment.
Thus, it makes more sense to avoid ignoring oral health and keep your mouth disease-free. Here is a list of common dental problems that affect people of all ages and ways of preventing them. It is vital to remember these tips to save yourself from the pain, stress and struggle related to dental problems.
1. Tooth Decay or Cavities
Cavities result from the accumulation of plaque on the teeth’s outer surface that erodes the enamel. It leads to the creation of holes in the teeth. It is caused by the presence of bacteria that breed in the mouth because of poor oral care and eating of sticky and sugary foods frequently.
Deep cavities cause pain and visible pits on the hard shell of the tooth and cause sensitivity. They must be treated immediately to stop the infection from entering the tooth’s inner layers and causing tooth loss.
Prevention
Caries or cavities can be prevented by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. It is recommended to avoid starchy and sticky foods and visit a Hope Island dentist every six months.
2. Bad Breath
Also known as halitosis, bad breath is a common dental problem affecting people of any age. It can impact your social life and make you avoid crowds because of the apparent smell from your mouth.
It can be caused by improper brushing, dry mouth problem, tooth decay, and acid reflux. Your dentist in Hope Island can diagnose the underlying cause of bad breath and provide suitable treatment.
Prevention
To make your mouth smell good, brush twice daily and rinse after every meal. Also, avoid eating odour-generating foods like onions and garlic.
3. Gum Disease or Periodontitis
Gingivitis, or gum disease, is the initial stage of the more severe ailment called periodontitis. Similar to cavities, it is caused by the build-up of plaque under the gum line. It can cause inflammation, swelling and bleeding of the gums and, in some cases, recession. In periodontitis, bacteria destroy the gum tissue and the bone that holds the tooth, which leads to tooth loss.
Prevention
Gum disease can be prevented by restricting plaque with the help of brushing and flossing every day. Using a fluoride mouthwash and getting your teeth examined frequently is advisable.
4. Mouth Sores or Ulcers
Mouth sores are painful and interfere with eating. They can appear on the walls of the mouth, tongue, roof of the mouth and lips. They heal within one to two weeks and can be caused by burns, herpes simplex virus, anaemia, oral cancer, allergy to foods or medicine, yeast infection, etc. If they last longer than two weeks, visiting your dentist is necessary.
Prevention
If you are prone to mouth sores, avoiding spicy and hot foods that can burn the skin or cause blisters is best. You must also stay away from sharp food items and toothbrushes with hard bristles that are abrasive.
5. Stained or Yellow Teeth
Yellowing of teeth is a common problem that can be rectified with over-the-counter teeth whitening products. Staining of teeth is a result of poor brushing technique, high caffeine intake, smoking and medication. It can be easily treated at home with whitening gels and toothpaste or at the dental clinic under the supervision of the practitioner.
Prevention
Staining and yellowing can be prevented by restricting the intake of cola, tea, coffee and red wine. You can use a straw to sip these dark beverages to avoid contact with teeth and must rinse your mouth after having them.
6. Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Teeth can get cracked if you are involved in a dental emergency, like an accident or injury. They can also chip if you bite on hard foods like ice cubes or have the habit of teeth grinding.
A broken tooth can easily become a pocket of bacteria as food can get deposited in the pit. Thus, it must be treated without wasting any time. Dentists usually treat it with the help of dental filling, bonding, crowns and veneers.
Prevention
Cracking cannot be avoided due to a fall or trauma. However, other causes can be avoided, such as chewing hard foods. Also, those who grind their teeth involuntarily during sleeping or daytime must use mouthguards to save their teeth from breaking.
7. Tooth Loss
Tooth loss is one of the worst problems because a natural tooth cannot be replaced. The causes of tooth loss can be an injury, decay, gum recession and root infection. Dentists make every effort to save the natural tooth but prescribe extraction when there is no way out. They replace the gap with an implant that stays in the jaw permanently and functions as a natural tooth.
Prevention
Tooth loss can be prevented by following a strict oral cleaning regimen that includes brushing, flossing and rinsing. Drinking fluoridated water, eating healthy food and abstaining from junk food keep teeth healthy and strong.
Wrapping Up
Dental problems arise due to carelessness and negligence. It is essential to pay attention to oral health to maintain the strength of your teeth. Use the preventive measures mentioned above to avoid these common problems.
