Many people may find it hard to believe dental problems, but your dental health actually plays a significant role in your overall health and well-being. Poor dental care can lead to many health issues in the long run. Your mouth is literally the home to countless germs and bacteria that are known to cause cavities and disease. However, the good news is that most dental issues can be easily prevented. Regular tooth brushing and flossing, a healthy diet and regular dental check-ups are vital steps in preventing dental problems. While these habits are important to avoid dental problems, that’s not all. You can’t stop there. Educating yourself about what causes common dental issues can go a long way in prevention. Read on to uncover the most common oral health that people experience in their lifetime and ways to prevent them.
Common Dental Problems and their Solutions
It’s always upsetting when we encounter any problems with our teeth. Listed below are the most common oral health issues and ways to prevent them.
1. Gum Disease
Also referred to as periodontal disease and gingivitis, gum disease is the bacterial infection of the gums surrounding the teeth, caused due to plaque build-up in your mouth. It is also one of the major causes of tooth loss. This highly common dental has in fact been linked to severe health issues such as heart attack and stroke. The infection of the gums can occur at any age but is particularly common among adults. The most common risk factor is smoking. The symptoms include painful chewing, red, swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath, and sensitive teeth. Frequent dental check-ups along with regular brushing and flossing play an important role in preventing gum disease
2. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a prevalent dental problem that affects many people around the world. Tooth decay occurs when plaque, a sticky substance trapped between the teeth, combines with sugary and starchy foods you eat. This combination produces acids that begin to eat away the tooth enamel leaving your teeth vulnerable. People of all ages are at risk of tooth decay but this dental issue usually occurs in kids. To prevent cavities from forming, good dental hygiene and maintenance is the key. This includes brushing teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and attending regular dental check-ups.
3. Bad Breath
Medically referred to as Halitosis, bad breath is a dental problems characterized by an unpleasant odour in the mouth. Sure, this can be due to eating a salad with onions or your favorite dish with lots of garlic, but when you experience this issue on a regular basis, it can be quite humiliating. Dry mouth, bacteria on the tongue, oral cancer, tooth decay and gum disease are some of the dental issues that can cause bad breath. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste after meals and using mouthwash can help fight off the problem to some extent, but it won’t cure an underlying issue. See your dentist for a dental check-up if you have any concerns.
Keeping up good oral hygiene at home is an imperative step to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent other dental problems. Keep up with your frequent dental check-ups and talk to your dentist if you experience any dental issues like the ones above.