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.
