An engaging smile showing healthy teeth and gums with a hint of fresh breath is a sign that a person cares for his or her oral hygiene. Regular brushing and gargling are not enough to maintain maximum oral care. The help of a dentist or a dental hygienist is always needed, and the first step to maintaining a good set of teeth and gums is an oral exam.
An oral exam is a complete physical inspection of a person’s state of dental health which includes the teeth, gums, the insides of the mouth, lips, cheeks, tongue, jaw, and neck.
A licensed dentist or a dental hygienist performs the examination.
1. Pre-examination
Before physically assessing an individual’s oral cavity, the dentist must collect important information that may affect the oral examination procedure. The data gathered will also act as a guide for any oral health treatment plans and maintenance.
Personal details include:
– Habitual smoking/drinking
– Vitamins, health supplements, medication intake
– Food, antibiotics, anesthetics or other medicine allergies
– Past and present medical condition and surgeries
2. Examination
a. Tooth inspection
Every tooth is inspected for the presence of the following:
– Cracks and chips that might cause pain
– Enamel inspection for any potential formation of cavities
– The condition of any fillings and restorations
b. Gum inspection
The gums are inspected for any signs of bleeding. They are also checked for the current or potential presence of inflammation of the gums attached to the teeth (gingivitis) or of the bone and tissues of the teeth itself (periodontitis).
c. X-ray examination
If necessary, a tooth X-ray is performed to check any unseen problems that may exist within the tooth. An X-ray procedure will also help detect any hidden abnormalities, cysts, bone loss or tooth decay.
d. Bite Evaluation
A part of oral health is a person’s bite condition which is also called occlusion. The examination checks out for the presence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, excessive tooth wear, and loose teeth.
e. Cancer screening
The tissues inside the mouth, which include the tongue and cheek are also inspected for any presence of bleeding, ulcers, cysts or outgrowths that may indicate the early onset of cancer. Outside the mouth, the lips are inspected for sores, and the jaw and neck are pressed to check for hard areas or lumps. Early detection of the disease would result in a better chance of cure.
3. Cleaning
After a thorough inspection and evaluation of the mouth, the teeth are cleaned. Scoop-shaped instruments (Curets) and scaling tools (Scalers) are used to take out food debris and tartar deposits that are stuck between teeth and gums. After descaling and rinsing, the whole set of teeth is polished using a combination of baking soda and water or a gel toothpaste.
4. Post-examination
After the detailed inspection and cleaning, the patient is advised to:
– Visit the dentist for inspection and cleaning every six months
– Follow instructions on proper flossing and brushing
– Floss and brush the teeth every after meals
– Follow nutrition guides to avoid bad breath and maintain healthy oral health
An oral health kit is also given after an oral exam. The kit is for home use and includes a:
– Dental floss
– Toothbrush
– Tongue cleaner
– Rubber tip stimulator
To maintain that bright and wholesome smile, a visit to a dentist is a must.
Finding a dentist is easy but choosing the right one for your needs can be difficult. When searching for one, you must consider these suggestions from the ADA or American Dental Association:
– Talk to a pharmacist or visit your family physician to seek help.
– Are you are planning to move? Make sure you visit your current dentist and ask him or her for suggestions before you leave.
– Get recommendations from your relatives, friends, and neighbors.
– Know more about the community of local dentists in your area. You can get the details about them from the official website of the American Dental Association. Alternatively, you can look for their contact details in the telephone directory.
Also, the American Dental Association recommends visiting and contacting two dentists or more before choosing one.
What to Consider When Choosing a Good Dentist
Your dentist will be your lifetime partner when it comes to dental care. Thus, you must look for one who can make you feel comfortable. In finding a dentist who can meet your specific needs, consider asking these questions:
– What are their clinic hours? Do they match your schedule?
– Is the clinic located near your office or home?
– Where did he or she get his credentials and certifications?
– What is his or her approach to precautionary dentistry?
– Did he or she join any ongoing education workshops or conferences? How active was he or she in those activities?
– What kind of anesthesia can he or she administer?
– What arrangements can he or she make in case of emergencies outside of clinic hours? Most dentists refer their patients to another professional or facility when they are unavailable.
– Are the details about the fees and payment options given before scheduling the treatment? Ask the dentist for estimates on a few common procedures like full-mouth X-rays and oral examination and cleaning.
– Does he or she take part in your oral health plan?
– What are the policies his or her office implements regarding missed appointments?
If you don’t have time to conduct the interview in person, you can talk to each dentist on the phone. Jot down the most important notes and details because you will need them when finalizing your decision. After the phone interview, you must set a date and time for visiting each dentist.
Observe how he or she deals with patients. Does he or she look professional in his or her words and actions? Observe the staff, too. Are they helpful and eager to answer your inquiries?
Walk around the entire office on your visit, and observe everything you see. Is the entire facility clean or messy? Lastly, observe the dentist and his or her team when wearing gloves and other protective equipment during the actual treatment. Do they follow the standard procedures for sanitation and prevention of infection?
The answers you get for these questions will tell you how good or bad the dentist is.
Conclusion
A good dentist will show you how he or she loves the job. You will see this in their actions and attitude. Look for a dentist who shows sincerity and professionalism when attending to patients.
Whether they like it or not, human beings are hardwired to judge people based on their smile. Some people prefer not to judge a book by its cover, but nothing can be done with how the human brain works. It is for this very bias that some people work so hard to have a beautiful smile. This need for a good smile is what begs the question, “What makes a beautiful smile?”
Most people do not really know how to answer. Dentists, however, being the profession most concerned with the teeth, have taken a great deal of time and attention to dissect what makes a beautiful smile. Understanding it does not require a degree in dentistry. Here is a brief discussion on the anatomy of a human smile.
Smile design
In the field of cosmetic dentistry, smiles are a matter that professionals take very seriously. The principles involved in the makeover of a smile are referred to as smile design. Taken together, these principles provide the total esthetic impact of a person’s smile. They are divided into four main categories: facial esthetics, gum esthetics, microesthetics, and macroesthetics.
Facial esthetics
This concerns the muscular and facial considerations. They vary from one patient to another. These are analyzed through photographic and visual analysis, and include how lips can frame a smile when a person speaks, laughs or smiles.
Gum esthetics
As the name gives away, this principle is primarily concerned with the appearance and health of a person’s gums. It is an essential component of smile design. It takes into account the amount of gum shown, whether or not the gums are even, inflammation and so much more.
Microesthetics
The devil is in the details, as the saying goes – and so are dentists. Microesthetics deals with the minute details of a person’s teeth that make them look the way they do. It takes into account matters such as how the light is reflected or the distinct colorations or marks.
Macroesthetics
This principle takes a look at the features and proportions in relation to one another, specifically the ones that exist between a person’s front teeth, facial characteristics, as well as tissue landmarks. This is done to make sure that the smile makeover is attractive and restorative.
Smile components
Aside from the principles that govern a person’s smile makeover, dentists deconstruct a person’s smile into components to make it easier to analyze.
The lips are considered to be the frame for a smile as it serves to frame the teeth and gums. The midline is base point for smile design and refers to the imaginary vertical line that exists between a person’s two front teeth. Smile line is the line created at the top of the lower lip, and should ideally be parallel to the two front teeth. Finally, the teeth should ideally be strait, white, properly spaced and without any stains.
Inlays and onlays are among the various methods of dental restoration available today. They are considered as the more conservative alternatives for dental crowns. Sometimes referred to as indirect fillings, they provide a strong, well-fitting, and long-lasting solution to tooth damages like tooth decay. The results are both aesthetic and functional.
Frequently used in lieu of the traditional dental filling for tooth structural damage repair, onlays and inlays offer a more practical solution today. Dental fillings may simply be molded into their proper place in your mouth by your dentist during a regular dental visit. Inlays and onlays, on the other hand, are indirectly made in a dental laboratory, after which they are fitted, and then bonded to the affected tooth or teeth by the dentist.
The procedure is called an inlay if the material is applied inside the center of the teeth. It is called an onlay if the damage extends to the surface of the teeth, and the treatment would require including a tooth cusp (point) or more, or the entire biting surface.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Excellent Fit – The procedure can be considered as a conservative solution since it aims to preserve as much of the healthy natural teeth as possible. It is a recommended option for patients who only have moderate to minimal tooth decay, or tooth damage that reaches only up to the flossing area. Inlays and onlays, in this case, offer a better alternative to a full-coverage crown.
Flexible Tooth Color – You can have the color match the natural color of your teeth. In addition, you can expect inlays and onlays to maintain their color for a long time, unlike resin fillings that easily fade.
Tooth Structure Protection – Your healthy tooth structure is preserved, while the damaged areas are restored. Thus, you are assured of functional longevity.
Easy Cleaning – Since the fit is measured at all angles with minimal preparation required, you will find your teeth easier to clean than when using full coverage options such as dental crowns. While composite fillings tend to shrink during the process of cutting, pre-fabricated gold or porcelain onlays and inlays will not.
Tight Space Fulfillment – For cavities in-between teeth, an inlay is a better option instead of a direct composite filling. An inlay can better seal the tooth, keeping bacteria out in the process. It is easier to clean as well, is longer lasting, and does not stain.
Stability and Strength – The procedure is definitely a solid solution to remedy tooth decay. With their durable materials and superior fit, inlays and onlays are a good option that not only repairs damaged teeth, but strengthens them too.
Protection for Weak Tooth – The procedure does not involve a complete tooth reshaping, but it provides due protection for the weaker regions of the tooth.
Cosmetic dentistry is the general term used for a range of procedures that is designed to give you a better smile, and address cosmetic issues such as missing, stained or yellowed teeth, as well as discolored fillings. These procedures include teeth whitening, dental implants, veneers, and dental bonding. Having cosmetic surgery done can not only improve your smile, but also provide you with a wide range of other benefits. Here are some of them:
It can make you look younger. One of the indicators of age is yellowed teeth and dental erosion. Cosmetic dentistry can correct these minor flaws, and take away years from your appearance.
It can greatly improve your self-confidence. Having an imperfect smile can make you self-conscious and affect your social life since you may become reluctant to go out, and have a good time. Cosmetic dentistry can greatly improve your self-esteem, and boost your psychological outlook.
It has become more affordable. While cosmetic dental procedures are not cheap, the cost has been going down in recent years. In addition, many cosmetic dental procedures are being covered by dental insurance, as long as they are performed to deal with structural issues, which makes them more accessible to many people.
It can help prevent future dental problems. While cosmetic dentistry is primarily done to improve the appearance of your smile, some procedures can also help prevent problems in the future. For example, bonding covers up worn edges and hairline fractures in your teeth, strengthening them and preventing any future wear and tear.
It can prevent health problems related to dental problems. Misaligned teeth can actually cause headaches. By ensuring that your teeth are aligned, you can address or prevent these health problems.
It can help your career. When you have increased self-confidence, you are also more likely to advance in your career since you wonât be as concerned with putting yourself out there, and meeting with clients and other contacts.
Recovery from cosmetic dental procedures does not take that long. Unlike cosmetic surgical procedures such as facelifts, it takes a shorter time to recover from cosmetic dentistry, with less pain. In addition, there is a high success rate that means there is less possibility of future procedures to correct any problems.
Minor cosmetic dentistry can be done quickly. Unlike cosmetic surgery, minor issues related to your teeth can be addressed in as little as a single visit.
It can help improve your dental hygiene. Since you have invested so much money in cosmetic dentistry, you are more likely to spend time in maintaining your dental health. Thus, if you were too lazy before to regularly floss and brush your teeth, you will likely become more diligent with performing your dental hygiene routine.
We’ve all experienced that late night hanging with pals with increasingly bad breath as the tortilla chips and tequila shots accumulate and the night carries on. We are all too knowledgeable about that sour aftertaste after consuming a delightful bowl of Frosted Flakes. Why does our breath seem to so deeply enjoy being the party pooper? Why is it so … bad?
CHOOSE YOUR FRAGRANCE
Scientists have identified around 150 different molecules in human breath. Above are exactly what a few of the more smelly compounds smell like.
GRAM UNFAVOURABLE BACTERIA ARE THE STINKERS
About 85% of foul breath cases arise from oral conditions– the outcome of foul-smelling substances excreted by the countless germs delighting in food and dead cell particles in our mouth. You’ll be pleased to discover that our mouth has 100-200 bacterial species (and numerous millions to hundreds of billions of private bacteria) populating it at any provided time.
Above the gum line, gram-positive germs form the majority of oral plaque– the living movie of germs and polysaccharides finishing your teeth. These species love sugar and secrete acid that can trigger cavities, however they are not heavy manufacturers of stinky smelling substances.
In contrast, gram-negative bacteria, the stinky types that burrow listed below the gum line, are much gassier. They thrive in spaces in between the gum and tooth and in the crevices of your tongue. These little guys produce gassy smelling volatile sulphuric compounds– the genuine culprits behind halitosis.
Gram negative bacteria make up the smelly ones. They enjoy to hang under your gum line, so it is necessary to floss for fresher breath. Gram negative germs consist of the stinky ones. They love to hang under your gum line, so it is necessary to floss for fresher breath.
THE STINKERS FLOURISH IN ACIDIC ENVIRONMENTS
Our gram unfavourable germs– the stinkers– thrive in acidic, oxygen-poor environments. These guys are the genuine bad breath culprits. In acidic environments (a pH of lower than 7), gram-negative bacteria thrive and displace our oral-health related, pH neutral caring bacterial types.
THE STINKERS ENJOY DEHYDRATION
Our saliva, which is oxygen-rich and pH neutralising, naturally keeps the development of our stinky bacteria and foul breath in check. Our smelly germs thus LOVE it when we dehydrate ourselves because dehydration lowers our saliva flow (our body’s natural defence). Lowered saliva circulation generally leads to increased level of acidity (aka lower pH).
COMMON WAYS WE DEHYDRATE OURSELVES (AND GET FOUL BREATH).
COFFEE.
Caffeine dehydrates our mouth. This dehydrating effect integrated with the fermentation of milk or sugar residue in our mouth typically contributes to dry, sour breath.
If you can’t cut back on coffee, just drink a lot of water after you consume coffee to counterbalance dehydration. In fact, if you consume sufficient water with your coffee, it may be a good thing. Scientists from Tel Aviv University discovered that coffee may even hinder germs that lead to halitosis.
ALCOHOL.
Alcohol actually dries out your mouth. The germs merely enjoy it.
Tips:.
Have a glass of water for every single beverage consumed to prevent bad breath.
Select your mouthwash thoroughly. Numerous brand names consist of up to 27% alcohol. When the minty fresh subsides in an hour or two, mouthwashes can leave your mouth drier and more stale.
STUFFY NOSE.
Colds can require you to breathe through your mouth, which dries your tissues and lowers saliva circulation. With decreased saliva circulation your mouth becomes more acidic. The acid-loving, stinky bacteria grow in this acidic environment and can cause bad breath.
Gram negative bacteria– the stinkers– love alcohol. Here’s why:.
Here’s why:. 1. Alcohol dehydrates you. 2. Salivary flow reduces. 3. Acidity in your mouth boosts. 4. Stinkers party and increase.
THE STINKERS LOVE SUGAR.
Smelly germs have a craving for sweets. When you consume sugary foods, your germs feasts on the sugar. They ferment sugar (transform sugar to acid), releasing acids that lower the pH of your mouth.
OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES OF HALITOSIS.
Bad breath does not constantly originated from your mouth. Other possibilities consist of, but are not restricted to: Medications, diet plan (garlic, onions), infections, metabolic conditions or conditions.
REMEDIES FOR BAD BREATH.
MANICURE YOUR TONGUE.
Our gram unfavourable germs love the dark, wet crevices on our tongue’s surface area. Up to 70%+ of the bacteria that cause bad breath live and breed here. You can attempt carefully scraping your tongue with a soft tooth brush or tongue scraper.
EAT FRESH.
The contemporary diet is full of sweet processed foods( consider those tasty snickerdoodles, wheat thins, Joe Joes and so on). 2 halitosis triggering things occur when we consume processed foods.
Initially, we chew less so there is less friction to dislodge germs in the food digestion procedure and less salivary circulation.
Second, bacteria love the processed sugar. As bacteria ferment the sugars in your mouth, they launch acids and volatile sulphuric compounds (think garlic, fish, rotten eggs). Remember that sour taste in your mouth after consuming a bowl of cereal or a doughnut?
Replace processed foods with fresh fruit, proteins and vegetables and you ought to notice a substantial difference in your breath quality.
CONSUME YOGURT.
In a study performed by the International Association for Dental Research Study, those who ate yogurt two times a day for 6 weeks saw an 80% drop in the levels of hydrogen sulphide– a major cause of foul breath.
DRINK MORE WATER.
Staying hydrated helps us preserve optimum salivary circulation. Water likewise helps neutralise the pH to keep stinky bacterial colonies (that love acidic environments) and halitosis in check.
MOUTHWASH.
Mouthwashes work by means of one (or both) of the list below mechanisms to mask or neutralise foul breath:.
Mask smells:.
A lot of mouthwashes do not enhance oral ecology, but contain compounds that help mask undesirable odours.
Carpet bombing:.
Mouthwashes, such as those containing Chlorhexidine, target and eliminate all germs. While carpet bombing isn’t the perfect technique given that it eliminates the great and bad germs alike (basically reducing bacterial counts– the good and the bad), it can momentarily minimise bad breath. A number of scientists are dealing with more perfect alternatives to particularly target the stinkers.
OIL PULLING.
Oil pulling is a folk treatment that came from India. It initially appeared in an early text of Ayurvedic medication (aka Indian standard medication). Via this technique, you are encouraged to gargle one tablespoon of oil (coconut, sesame, sunflower etc.) for 20 minutes when daily.
Practicers of oil pulling have actually noted fresher breath among a myriad of extra, supposed benefits. It’s believed that the swishing action of oil pulling may loosen bacteria via a soap-like mechanism which the medium chain fats in coconut oil might prevent bacterial growth.
FLOSS.
Do not let the germs party in your mouth! Floss daily to beat bad breath!
It is very important to have white teeth. White teeth are an indicator of a healthy mouth and clean teeth. White teeth are likewise an indication of a lovely and brilliant smile.
Checked out the pointers in the following article if you would like help with whitening your teeth.
You can make an easy natural home remedy for teeth lightening by blending table salt with lemon juice. This mixture can be saved and utilized for many months. Use this paste on your toothbrush simply as you would regular tooth paste. This helps to separate tartar, which adds
to discolorations, on your teeth, providing a whiter surface.
This natural lightening technique with lemon juice and salt that many people use us highly effective. Fresh squeezed lemon juice is best as the acid is at its peak. Mix the juice from a lemon with a half teaspoon of salt and brush your teeth with the mix. The acid will eat at
the spots and the salt will include abrasion to scrub them away. Brush normally after this treatment to remove the citric acid.
A great way to naturally whiten your teeth without turning to harsh chemicals is to use a baking soda and salt mixture. This is a method that has actually been utilized by lots of people for a long period of time, that is both safe and easy on the wallet. There are plenty of
toothpaste products that use baking soda in them.
Brushing your teeth is an excellent thing, do not do it too frequently if you want white teeth. By over brushing, you could wear away the enamel of your teeth which can cause staining. Many dental practitioners recommend it is best to brush your teeth two times a day, once in
the early morning and once prior to bed.
Stop any tooth whitening strategy right away if you discover your teeth ending up being more delicate or if they begin to develop spots or stained areas. The majority of teeth lightening treatments do not hurt the teeth, but there is always a possibility the enamel might become
damaged. Increasing sensitivity or staining is an early sign of damage and a caution for you to stop any bleaching technique.
When whitening your teeth, you’ll discover that you get the best outcomes if your teeth are currently yellowing. Keep this in mind when you’re shelling out money to bleach your teeth. You can also use dried, crushed holy basil leaves to whiten your teeth. This is a known technique
for naturally lightening your teeth and is extremely effective.
In conclusion, white teeth are necessary. Clean teeth and a healthy mouth are shown by white teeth. The brightest and most beautiful smiles have white teeth. Using the ideas from the post above, you can lighten your teeth and have a healthy, brilliant, and beautiful smile. It is
always best to consult with a dental expert when it comes to teeth whitening. They can guide you in the right direction for your current situation and prevent any damage to your gums and teeth.
Dental implants are artificial components that oral surgeons insert into a person’s gums. A tooth has to be replaced when it falls out, or gets damaged beyond repair. An artificial tooth has three main components: the crown, the abutment and then the implant.
The implant is an important part of an artificial tooth that people know nothing about. They walk in without the slightest clue what an implant is, and what it does for their teeth. Below is a short in-depth discussion that will go into the details of dental implants.
What are they for?
Dental implants, as briefly mentioned above, serve as the foundation of an artificial tooth. The crown is the replacement tooth. The abutment is where the crown is set or placed. Finally, the implant is what keeps the entire thing rooted in the gums. Without the implant, the tooth will not stay in place.
Who can get them?
A person healthy enough, or in a condition to deal with a normal oral surgery or dental extraction may receive a dental implant. A good bone structure and healthy gums are the only real considerations. People may get dental implants so long as both are in tip-top shape. Poor gums or bone structure automatically makes a person ineligible for any sort of dental operation.
Smokers, people who are at risk of diabetes, people undergoing radiation therapy, or have a history of heart disease, are often disqualified from having implants. They must first undergo evaluation to determine whether or not they may have dental surgery. People are strongly urged to consult first with a healthcare professional before undergoing any surgery that involves dental implants, as to avoid any health risks or complications.
How to get a dental implant?
The first thing a person should do is to approach an oral surgeon, so he can make a dental treatment plan. These treatment plans are tailor made for each individual. The oral surgeon checks to see the condition of the patient, and determine the best approach for placing the implant.
The next step is to place a root implant into the gum. The implant is placed exactly where the missing tooth used to be. The oral surgeon leaves the implant alone for several weeks to give the jawbone some time to heal. The healing period usually lasts about six to twelve weeks. As it heals, the gum and bone begin to surround the implant. The healing process actually anchors the implant in place. The implant may anchor a single tooth, or a set of dentures.
Once the implant is secured, the oral surgeon makes a mold of the patient’s teeth. This will be placed on top of the abutment. Oral surgeons will also match the color of the new tooth or dentures to the patient’s natural tooth color to make it look natural.
The molar and premolar teeth are predisposed to decay. Their chewing surfaces have fissures or grooves that are usually deep and narrow. Plaque can easily accumulate in these surfaces. The bacterial acids in plaque are likely to attack the enamel, and cause tooth decay.
Regular brushing of these surfaces helps in getting rid of most of the plaque. Fluoride also helps in protecting the surfaces and preventing dental caries. If you want to double up on the protection, you may want to consider using dental sealants on these pitted and grooved areas.
Your dentist will put sealants, or plastic coatings, on the chewing surface of your premolars and molars. The sealants make the surfaces smoother, preventing food debris and plaque from accumulating on them and causing decay.
When are sealants used?
Ideally, you should have dental sealants applied when the permanent molars appear and their chewing surfaces have fully erupted past the gum. The dental sealants seal the surfaces and give them the protection they need against the persistent buildup of plaque.
Dental sealants are commonly placed on the chewing surfaces of permanent molars and premolars. These areas normally have deep crevices vulnerable to plaque. If you have other permanent teeth with deep pits or grooves, you can also ask your dentist to put sealants on these teeth for protection. Some parents have their family dentists put sealants even on their kid’s baby teeth (molars) to protect them from decay, and save money on further dental visits and cleaning.
Kids and teenagers are the ideal candidates for dental sealants. They can avoid decay in the grooves and depressions found in their premolar and molar teeth. If you are an adult, and you do not have fillings or decay in your molars, you can also have your dentist put dental sealants to reduce the risk of dental caries.
What is the procedure for applying dental sealants?
Your dentist will prepare your tooth for the sealants by removing food particles and plaque from the surface. He will use a rotating brush and paste to do this. He will then wash the tooth with water, and allow it to dry.
He will then put an acidic solution on the pitted region of the chewing surface, leaving it there for a few seconds before rinsing it off completely. The acid creates microscopic rough surfaces ideal for making the dental sealant adhere to the tooth.
Once the tooth becomes dry, your dentist will put dental sealant in liquid form on the chewing surface. To harden the sealant, your dentist will use a light designed for this purpose. He may also opt to use a two-component sealant that does not require the use of light to set.
When the sealant hardens, it becomes a tough coating of plastic lacquer over the toothÕs depressions, effectively shielding the area from plaque, and protecting it from decay.
There are many types of dental problems. You can avoid many of them. Eat properly. Brush your teeth diligently. Floss your teeth regularly. Visit your dentist semi-annually for thorough checkups. These are the basic steps to prevent dental problems.
What are the common dental problems you should watch out for?
Halitosis or Bad Breath
It is absolutely embarrassing to have bad breath. You can try to use mouthwash to mask the foul odor but you cannot really cure it. Research shows that bad breath, also known as halitosis, is typically a result of some dental problem. Bad breath can be a symptom of oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, bacteria on your tongue, or dry mouth. If you do not address the real problem that causes bad breath, you cannot cure bad breath.
Tooth Decay
Next to the common cold, tooth decay is the second most widespread disease in the USA. Tooth decay causes cavities. When the plaque (the sticky clear film composed of natural oral bacteria) on your teeth comes together with the sugar or starch from the food particles in your mouth, it produces acids that wear away at the tooth enamel, and causes tooth decay.
You can prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth to make sure that you get rid of the food particles in your mouth. Eat the right food, and stay away from sugar-laden food and drinks. Go to your dentist for routine cleaning to prevent plaque buildup.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is closely associated with strokes and heart disease. It is a dental condition that is common among older people.
Gum disease affects the gums that surround the teeth. It starts off as gingivitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the gums. When left untreated, the condition can become aggravated, and become periodontitis, a severe infection of the bone and soft tissue supporting the teeth.
You can prevent gum disease by regular brushing and flossing. You also need to visit the dentist regularly so he can check your gums for any signs of gum disease, and address symptoms right away.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is considered one of the most prevalent deadly diseases that threaten people by the millions. It is a form of cancer that affects the throat, lips, or mouth.
Mouth Sores
Thrush, cold sores, ulcers, fever blisters, and canker sores are the more common types of mouth sores. The condition can be uncomfortable and annoying. In most cases, however, a mouth sore will heal on its own in about a couple of weeks. You will need to practice effective oral hygiene to ensure healing.
Tooth Erosion
When acids attack the tooth enamel, the tooth may wear away, and lose its structure. This can lead to sensitivity to cold or hot food and drinks, pain, and cracking.
Tooth Sensitivity
Millions of individuals suffer from tooth sensitivity. When you have this condition, you will experience discomfort and pain from ice-cream, cold beverages, hot drinks, sweets, and even cold air. You may even find it painful to brush or floss your teeth.
Unattractive Smile
If you have unattractive teeth, you are said to have an unattractive smile. The condition can be helped by dental treatments ranging from teeth whitening, orthodontics, dental implants, and other cosmetic dental interventions.
