Dental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being. Understanding the most common dental issues and how to prevent them can save you from pain, inconvenience and expensive treatments. Last month we took a deep dive into dental plaque causing cavities; this month, we analyze four additional top dental problems and offer effective strategies geared toward their prevention.
1. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Analysis: Periodontal disease (advanced gum disease) is an infection impacting your gums. Left untreated, it can eventually damage the bone supporting the teeth, leading to tooth loss. Signs of gingivitis (the early stage of this condition) show up as red, swollen and bleeding gums, another reason why regular dental checkups help keep gum disease from gaining traction in your mouth.
Prevention:
- Good Oral Hygiene: The most important thing you can do is take the time each day to brush and floss your pearly whites, clearing away plaque and preventing gum infection.
- Give Up Smoking: This insidious habit is a major risk factor when it comes to damaging gums. Cutting this habit out of your life will go a long way to boosting gum health.
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet that supports your immune system and maintains gum health, including leafy greens, citrus fruits, berries, green tea, onions, yogurt, garlic, almonds and salmon.
- Regular Dental Visits: Professional cleanings effectively remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone can’t.
2. Tooth Sensitivity
Analysis: Tooth sensitivity involves discomfort or pain in the teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet or acidic stimuli. Over time, you could end up with worn tooth enamel, exposed tooth roots, cavities, cracked teeth or gum disease. Overzealous brushing and heavy consumption of acidic foods and drinks can also contribute to this sensitivity.
Prevention:
- Gentle Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently to avoid enamel wear and gum recession.
- Desensitizing Toothpaste: Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to reduce discomfort. Feel free to ask our team which tooth products we can recommend to boost your oral health.
- Fluoride Boost: Use fluoride toothpaste and consider fluoride treatments or supplements if your water supply lacks sufficient amounts of this mineral.
- Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks: Try your best to limit the consumption of acidic foods and liquids including citrus fruits, soda and wine.
- Regular Dental Care: Address any dental issues promptly to prevent worsening sensitivity.
3. Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Analysis: Bad breath (halitosis) can be disconcerting and socially isolating. It often stems from poor oral hygiene, which allows bacteria to thrive in the mouth. Other causes include gum disease, dry mouth, eating garlic, onions, spicy foods, tuna and other fish, drinking dehydrating coffee and alcoholic beverages, using tobacco and underlying health conditions (diabetes, gastric reflux, respiratory infections).
Prevention:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Make good habits a part of your daily routine. Brushing and flossing regularly clears out stray food particles and lingering bacteria, boosting your oral health.
- Tongue Cleaning: Enlist the help of a tongue scraper or toothbrush to get rid of bacteria.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth, which can worsen bad breath.
- Avoid Tobacco: Quit smoking and avoid all tobacco products in their various forms.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Regular visits to the dentist help identify and address any underlying issues early when they are quickest and easiest to remove.
4. Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)
Analysis: Bruxism (tooth grinding) often occurs during sleep and can lead to tooth damage, jaw pain and headaches. Constant stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth and even sleep disorders are common causes of this painful condition.
Prevention:
- Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises.
- Mouth Guards: Use a custom-fitted mouth guard at night to protect your teeth from grinding together.
- Correct Dental Issues: Address any dental alignment problems with orthodontic treatment if necessary.
- Healthy Sleep Habits: Maintain a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
Schedule Dental Check-up
Preventing dental problems requires consistent and proactive care and is worth every bit of effort. Our experienced dental team invites you to schedule your next preventative dental check-up, and ask us about dental products we recommend to keep your smile healthy and bright!