Your teeth serve many critical roles. You use them to chew food, and they also give your mouth a good shape. Teeth also help you articulate words properly. However, your pearly whites are highly susceptible to many ailments like decay and infections.
But you can take various steps to reduce your chances of developing dental problems. Keep reading to discover how to preserve your dental health and how HP Dental practitioners can assist.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay happens when bacteria in the mouth digest leftover food particles, producing an acid that wears out your enamel. If plaque accumulates on your teeth, your enamel could get so worn out that you get holes in your teeth called cavities. Cavities can be painful, and if left untreated, they could lead to tooth loss.
Although tooth decay has severe consequences, it is highly preventable. One way to prevent it is to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to floss at least once daily to remove food particles stuck between your teeth. Additionally, get regular check-ups from a general dentistry practitioner so that decay is detected and treated early.
Bad Breath
Medically known as halitosis, bad breath is a common yet highly embarrassing condition. It often points to deeper problems with your teeth, especially gum problems. Sometimes, however, halitosis can develop independently of other conditions.
If you have bad breath that doesn’t disappear even with regular brushing and flossing, you should bring it to your dentist’s attention. However, if the bad breath subsides after brushing your teeth, it might be a surface problem.
You may also want to avoid foods with revolting smells like garlic. If you eat them, brush your teeth immediately, or rinse your mouth with mouthwash. You could also gurgle some salty water to keep the bad smell away.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is yet another common dental problem that affects many people. It usually starts as mild gingivitis that worsens to periodontal disease. If left untreated, it could progress to advanced periodontal disease.
Gum disease needs to be treated early to prevent this advancement. At its worst, it could cause your teeth to fall off.
Be sure to talk to your dentist if you notice bleeding and swelling in your gums or bad breath. Early detection and treatment could certainly save your teeth.
Root Infection
One of the most severe dental problems is root infection. Left untreated, it can spread quickly, wreaking havoc in your mouth and causing extensive damage to your teeth.
One of the tell-tale signs of a root infection is consistent pain in your teeth. You may also notice pus and abscesses in your mouth. If you do, contact your dentist promptly so they can perform a root canal procedure to eliminate the infection.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth may not appear to be a big problem, but it actually is. If your mouth seems drier than usual, you should talk to your dentist immediately.
Certain medications, aging, and chemotherapy can cause a dry mouth. You might not need medical attention if this is the case for you. However, be sure to hydrate frequently to keep your mouth sufficiently moist.
Smoking can also make your mouth dry, so make every effort to stop the habit.
Most dental problems are highly preventable. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits can help fight many oral problems. Regular dental check-ups will also allow problems to be detected and treated early, saving you a lot of pain and agony.
Comments are closed.