You can avoid the majority of dental problems nowadays. Brushing twice daily, flossing every day, eating a balanced diet, and having regular dental check-ups are all necessary. Educating yourself on common dental disorders and their causes can help prevent them.
This article discusses the most common dental problems and how they can be avoided and treated.
Bad Breath
Bad breath, medically known as Halitosis, is marked by an unpleasant odor in the mouth. Food particles, residue from certain smelly food products, dry mouth, and poor oral care are all potential causes.
There are several treatments to address and prevent bad breath, which is a common dental problem. The most popular way to accomplish this is to practice good dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash are ideal ways to start. Brushing helps remove plaque build-up. Another method is the cleaning and scraping the tongue with a scraper or a toothbrush to remove microorganisms.
Bad breath caused by a dry mouth is best treated with bubble gum or mints and drinking water at regular times. If the source of the strong stench is a condition or a dental infection, consult your >dentist for treatment.
Gum (Periodontal) Disease
The gums are the connective tissue that holds your teeth together. If they are not properly cared for, they might cause problems with your teeth, such as Periodontitis. The gums are affected by two types of disorders, the severity of which varies.
The first is gingivitis, a milder version of gum disease that involves swollen, red gums with irregular bleeding. Periodontitis is the advanced stage in which plaque has built up beyond the gum line. It means the germs might weaken the gums and tissues that maintain the teeth.
The easiest approach to avoid this is to practice good dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis. Ensure that plaque and bacteria are exterminated during cleaning, as these treatments are costly. Antibiotics, scraping, and surgical procedures may be used to treat gum disease.
Cavities and Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is another common dental condition you may encounter and is as widespread as the common cold. It occurs when plaque generates acids. These acids cause enamel to deteriorate and can result in cavities, which are tiny holes in the tooth.
Cavities can be avoided by practicing good dental hygiene. It involves brushing and flossing your teeth after each meal. Also, use fluoride toothpaste, which aids in the hardening of the tooth enamel. Treatment for tooth decay may vary depending on the extent of the damage.
One method entails removing the decay and replacing the hole with a dental filling. Another option is to use a crown to replace a portion of the tooth. There is also root canal treatment, which involves the extraction of a tooth’s damaged pulp.
Dry Mouth
The absence of saliva in the mouth causes this condition, also known as xerostomia. It can happen for various reasons, one of which is using prescription medication. When taking the required medications, you should ask your doctors if this will be an issue.
The concern is that it will leave your gums and teeth dry and without saliva. Saliva is crucial because it lubricates and moistens your teeth. This disorder is more likely to affect the elderly and those on prescription medications.
However, there is no specific treatment for dry mouth. If the problem is caused by medicine, stopping use may help. In other situations, drinking extra water may be beneficial.
Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion is one of the most prevalent dental disorders in children. This condition damages the enamel layer of a tooth.
Acids contained in certain foods and drinks, such as soda and juice, are corrosive and can cause tooth enamel to decrease and erode. Other causes include digestive issues such as vomiting caused by caustic stomach acids.
Brushing after meals is the most effective way to reduce tooth erosion because it removes bacteria and residual food fragments that stick to the teeth. Consuming milk or a slice of cheese might also assist in neutralizing acids in the tongue. Reduced consumption of acidic beverages and chewing gum containing xylitol would be another protective approach.
Tooth Sensitivity
Dentin is a covering that protects the nerves of the teeth. Eating certain foods might cause pain and discomfort when the dentin layer becomes exposed due to receding gums or other factors such as age. Hot, cold, sugary, or acidic meals can be hard to enjoy. Tooth sensitivity can be avoided with proper oral hygiene.
Brushing and flossing properly, and avoiding sweet and acidic foods, should help to prevent this problem. However, a professional dental evaluation is strongly recommended to determine the severity of any dental disease. The use of fluoride toothpaste or fluoride varnish on the root surface may be used as dental therapy.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
This condition is characterized by involuntary tooth grinding during sleeping. While this is more common in women than in males, anyone prone to stress may develop this disorder. It is psychological, which means that it is neither permanent nor chronic.
It might necessitate the assistance of a dentist in order to be treated. If left alone, it can thin and wear down the tooth surface. It can also cause severe discomfort in the jaw, including the neck and face.
Constant tension can harm the muscles even when sleeping. To remedy this, consult your dentist about wearing a nighttime mouthguard. It is flexible and pleasant, so you can wear it while sleeping.
