It’s never fun to experience any dental issues, but the good news is that you don’t have to. Most of them are quite preventable and treatable, especially if you know what to look for and how to tackle them. Brushing, flossing, eating cleanly and having regular dentist appointments will save you a lot of trouble in the future. But, before you grab your toothbrush, it’s time to get educated. Here are the most common dental issues to watch out for.
Tooth decay
Also known as cavities, this is probably the most common dental issue for people of all ages. Tooth decay occurs when the grime from your teeth combines with sugars and starch from your food and produces acid that attacks and penetrates tooth enamel. While kids are the most susceptible to cavities, adults also often get them. Plus, as you age, your tooth enamel erodes naturally which can cause decay. Also, certain medication can also boost cavity occurrence. The best way to keep your teeth cavity-free is to brush, floss and use mouthwash daily, preferably after every meal.
Gum disease
Periodontal disease or simply gum disease is an infection of the soft tissue surrounding your teeth. While it can be very painful, it’s also the main reason why adults lose teeth, so it’s definitely very dangerous. Even though it usually occurs after 30, everyone can suffer from gum infection. Some of the most significant causes of gum disease are diabetes, smoking and dry mouth. So, if you know you’re at risk and notice any redness, swelling, bleeding or gum tenderness, make sure to visit your dentist. Regular brushing and flossing are key to keeping your gums healthy, but make sure to also ditch cigarettes and control your diabetes.
Tooth erosion
Serious damage to tooth structure caused by acids attacking the enamel causes tooth erosion. While it can only result in tooth sensitivity, erosion can also cause tooth cracking and tooth loss. Regular brushing and flossing can prevent the symptoms from occurring, but in case you experience tooth loss, don’t despair. Today, you can find excellent experts in all on 4 dental implants who can provide you with a full set of functioning, stable and beautiful teeth in only a few days. If you can’t prevent your tooth loss, at least you can end up with a new set of new pearly whites.
Tooth sensitivity
This common problem includes feeling pain or discomfort when eating sweets, breathing in cold air or drinking hot or cold beverages. Some people even feel pain when brushing and gurgling! However, this condition can be treated. In some cases, teeth sensitivity stems from cracks in your teeth which need to be looked at by your dentist.
Crooked smile
While not technically a dental issue, the aesthetic appearance of teeth is one of the most common reasons why people see their dentist. An imperfect smile can affect people’s self-esteem and cause many mental issues. Luckily, today we have braces, Invisalign and various other cosmetic dental procedures that can give you a perfect smile.
Bad breath
Halitosis or bad breath can be very embarrassing, but it can also be easily treated. According to specialists, most people with persistent halitosis suffer from an underlying dental condition. Issues like cavities, gum disease, dry mouth, bacteria on the tongue and oral cancer can all cause bad breath. You can try treating this at home with mouthwash and brushing, but this will only mask the odor instead of curing it. Chronic bad breath requires a visit to your dentist who will treat or rule out any of these halitosis triggers.
Now that you know what to keep an eye on and how to tackle the most common dental issues, you’ll be able to react quickly and prevent any real emergency. A radiant smile is worth all the trouble!
