It is said that the mouth is the dirtiest part of your body. It’s for this reason why it can be very easy for anyone to suffer from an assortment of dental problems. Fortunately, a lot of these mouth-related woes can be kept at bay just by having proper oral hygiene. You can keep them from wreaking havoc to your life simply by brushing regularly, flossing daily, regularly visiting the dental clinic and having proper eating habits.
Below are some of the common dental issues faced by many. It is a good idea to be familiar with them as well as some very simple ways to prevent them. Read on!
Halitosis
Commonly known as bad breath, anyone is likely to end up with reeking mouth after a while. However, there are people who suffer from persistent bad breath. Experts say that about 85% of them have some form of dental problems like gum disease and oral cancer. It’s important to have these underlying issues detected and treated because the use of mouthwashes will only mask them and not really make chronic bad breath go away.
Periodontal Disease
This is gum disease in layman’s term. Periodontal disease is simply the infection and inflammation of the gums surrounding your teeth. It is also the major cause of tooth loss among adults. Periodontal disease comes in a couple of stages — gingivitis (swelling of the gums) and periodontitis (gum inflammation that causes destruction of the soft tissues and even the bones supporting your teeth). Regular brushing and flossing can help keep periodontal disease from showing up.
Cavities
Also referred to as tooth decay, it is said that cavities is the second to the common cold on the list of the most prevalent diseases in the US. Cavities develop when plaque combines with sugar or starch in the diet, making the environment in your mouth highly acidic. That is why brushing your teeth or rinsing the mouth with water after every meal matters in order to prevent tooth decay from ruining your smile. Regular trips to the dental clinic count too.
Tooth Erosion
Every tooth of yours is protected by the enamel. Although it is a very strong substance, the enamel is not impervious to being eroded especially if the environment in your mouth is always acidic. Tooth erosions may lead to sensitivity of your teeth. Since the enamel gives your pearly whites their characteristic shade, discoloration of the teeth may also occur. Luckily, everyday brushing and regular flossing can keep this common dental problem at bay.
Mouth Sores
Because they are painful, the presence of mouth sores can keep you from properly cleaning your oral cavity. The good news is mouth sores usually resolve on their own in about under a couple of weeks. Otherwise, it’s important for your mouth to be inspected by a specialist to determine the causative factor. Some common mouth sores that may develop and bug you for days include cold sores, fever blisters and canker sores.
Xerostomia
Outside the medical world, xerostomia is simply dryness of the mouth. Naturally, this dental problem is due to the reduced production of saliva. Excessive mouth dryness can cause additional problems such as bad breath and tooth decay because one of the functions of your saliva is to wash off bacteria. Certain medications and health conditions may cause xerostomia. Drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum, and avoiding coffee and alcohol are some solutions.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Because the name of this particular condition is a mouthful, it is commonly referred to as TMJ. It is basically a group of problems affecting the joint between the teeth and your jaw. Tooth sensitivity, pain in the neck, face and shoulders, and limited movement of the jaw may be experienced. A dentist may prescribe pain killers and recommend cold compresses. It’s also possible for you to be fitted with a mouth guard to protect the teeth during bedtime.
Oral Cancer
If you’re a smoker, you are at high risk of suffering from oral cancer. Experts say that about 1/3 of all oral cancer cases in the US is brought about by cigarette smoking. Quitting smoking is certainly the best way to keep this scary disease at bay. It’s also important to have the dentist check that dentures fit perfectly because constant irritation of the mouth is also regarded as a causative factor.
