There is always a good reason to smile. However, a lot of people find it difficult to do so due to dental problems. Dental problems are annoying but they can be prevented. Preventing dental problems can be as simple as brushing and flossing after every meal, eating properly, drinking enough water, and seeing a dentist regularly. It is important to learn about common dental problems so you can not only help ensure they do not appear but to also know what to do in case they do.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also called cavities, is very common the world over but the good news is that it is preventable. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on the surface of the teeth and when it combines with sugars, it produces acids that can damage the tooth enamel.
Cavities do not only appear in children; anyone can get them. The best way to prevent cavities is by brushing after every meal and seeing the dentist regularly. It is also important to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it has been shown to help in reversing cavities in adults losing their enamel as they age.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Although everyone is at risk of gum disease, it often appears in people who are over 30 years old. Some of the factors that increase the risk for periodontal disease include smoking, a dry mouth, and diabetes.
Its symptoms include redness, swelling, bad breath, sensitive teeth, pain when chewing, and bleeding gums.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid complications such as tooth loss and heart disease.
Misaligned Teeth
Misaligned or crooked teeth are very common in both adults and children. A lot of people do not see any problem with having their teeth slightly misaligned but if the problem is a bit more pronounced, some people feel like they need to have them straightened.
Misaligned teeth can cause a lot of problems including gum disease and tooth decay when one is not able to clean between their teeth properly, poor chewing and digesting, excess wear of the teeth or gums, speech difficulties, or self-esteem issues.
Fortunately, there are lots of options to correct misaligned teeth. The most popular of these is wearing braces. Braces apply continuous pressure on the teeth to help them move to where they are supposed to be. Although braces work best in children, they are also recommended for adults.
Although there are different types of braces, invisible braces have become popular for several reasons. First, they are a lot more discreet than other options such as metal braces. Second, there are affordable options for those who cannot afford expensive Invisalign braces. Using new technology, companies like Straight My Teeth have developed invisible braces that work just as well as other more expensive options. Because of this new development, the clear brace cost UK is affordable for most people.
Tooth Sensitivity
Another very common dental problem, tooth sensitivity causes sharp pain or discomfort due to consuming hot or cold drinks, cold air, sweets, or ice cream. In some people, teeth sensitivity may manifest in discomfort or pain during flossing or brushing the teeth.
Tooth sensitivity can also be a symptom of a larger issue such as tooth abscess or a cracked tooth. Fortunately, teeth sensitivity can be treated. A visit to the dentist should provide you with a course of action. In severe cases, the dentist may be able to prevent tooth loss or an infection of the jawbone, a much more serious problem.
Bad Breath
Bad breath can be very embarrassing and is a common oral problem for people of all ages. Also called halitosis, bad breath is usually a pointer of some other issue that has gone undetected. Some of the common culprits include a dry mouth, bacteria, gum disease, oral cancer, cavities, and bacteria on the tongue and mouth.
Although mouthwash can help in some instances where dental hygiene is the issue, a visit to the dentist is still important. This is so that they can have a better look at your mouth and see if there is cause for concern or a bigger issue that needs treatment.
Dry Mouth
This is a condition where there is not enough saliva being produced. Dry mouth can be caused by things like prescription medication, smoking, stress, or ageing. People on chemotherapy are also at a higher risk for dry mouth.
Dry mouth can cause other dental issues including tooth decay and cavities.
Although there is no cure for dry mouth, drinking a lot of water has been shown to help.
Dental problems can be embarrassing and should be taken care of as soon as they appear. This is because they can get worse and cause complications that will be costly and time-consuming to fix.
