Your mouth may be small, but it is a complex system of parts that work together to help you chew, speak, taste food, and more. Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong with it. The good news is that many of the most common oral health problems are preventable. In this blog post, you will learn about five common issues and how you can reduce your risk of developing them.
Cavities
According to some estimates, more than 90% of adults have had at least one cavity in their lifetime. Cavities occur when harmful bacteria in the mouth produce acid, which in turn wears away at the outer layer of teeth (the enamel) until small pits form.
You can minimize your risk of cavities by sticking to a good oral hygiene routine, eating a nutritious diet (calcium and vitamin D are both vital), and visiting your dentist for regular checkups. When you brush and floss, be sure to clean the backs of your teeth and the tight interdental spaces (between your teeth).
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the pink tissue around your teeth; it afflicts roughly half of adults in the U.S. Left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, like tooth loss and an increased risk of systemic health problems.
Fortunately, most cases of gum disease can be prevented via some basic oral care practices. For example, thorough oral hygiene and routine dental visits are extremely important. A diet rich in healthful nutrients, such as vitamin C and vitamin D, is also helpful.
Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth are not a dental problem in themselves; rather they are a symptom of an underlying issue. This issue could be due to enamel erosion, cavities, an infection, or other problems.
Again, good oral hygiene can be a key to prevention. Be sure to use a fluoridated toothpaste, which can help to fortify your tooth enamel. You should also be mindful of your diet; overindulging in acidic foods and drinks, like sports beverages, soda, and citrus fruits, can contribute to sensitivity.
Infections
There are numerous types of dental infections that could develop. For example, one common problem is an infection in the interior portion of a tooth, known as its pulp. This can cause severe pain and might even lead to systemic illness.
Often, infections can be prevented via thorough oral hygiene. You should also wear protective gear for your teeth if you play sports; a crack or chip could allow bacteria to invade your tooth’s inner portion.
Mechanical Damage
Mechanical damage to your teeth is any type of damage that is caused by outside forces, rather than bacteria or acid erosion. It could include chips, cracks, broken teeth, and even avulsed (knocked-out) teeth.
To lower your risk of this type of damage, you should be very cautious when eating hard foods (if you choose to eat them at all). You should also wear a mouthguard when you play sports or if you tend to grind your teeth at night.
Visit Your Dentist to Maintain Your Oral Health
Your dentist wants to help you maintain a healthy smile! They can offer personalized advice on how to prevent common oral health problems. And if you ever do develop a problem, they can provide timely treatment that prevents additional harm to your smile. Hopefully, you will enjoy a lifetime of sound oral health!
Meet the Practice
At Brookside Dental Care, Drs. Bryan Griffith and Alex Hartgrove are proud to provide a broad range of services for the Prestonsburg community, including preventive and restorative care. Our team has a special focus on offering comfortable treatment in a welcoming environment. If you would like our assistance as you strive to maintain your oral health, we would be pleased to serve you. Contact us at 606-874-9311.