Dental problems can often come out of nowhere. However, the common thing is ignored oral hygiene. Infections that develop into big problems start very small. Also, people often oversee small infections and let them go away on their own. However, this is most often not the case. You need to care for your oral health in order to stay free from infections and painful treatments.
The easy solution often is to keep visiting your dentist every six months. They should be able to spot, diagnose and treat infections when they are still at initial stages. With this, you can avoid many complex treatments in the long-run. However, this is not the case for many. Most of us are too busy or just too scared of that dentist chair.
Understanding Oral Health
Oral health is quite different to rest of your body health. The biggest factor to lowered oral health is not perfect oral hygiene routine. However, other infections and problems may contribute as well. Also, oral health is directly related to many body conditions including blood pressure, heart conditions and many others. The complexity of these problems demands correct oral health treatment. So, here are some signs and problems that you should visit the dentist for immediately:
Tooth Cavities
The top layer of healthy teeth is called enamel. This layer may come off and regrow every day depending on certain factors. However, when it is weakened, inner softer layers of the teeth bone will be exposed. This is when bacteria and other infections can quickly target the teeth. People who ignore toothbrushing and flossing, usually develop cavities. Teeth with hurt and you will be able to see small gaps on teeth crowns. Visit the dentist as soon as you can for proper fix.
Tooth Sensitivity
Cavities and other underlying infections before they become cavities may give your sensitive teeth. Biggest indication for sensitivity is pains or sensations on cold or hot food and drinks consumption. Some sensitivity cases normalize after few weeks or months. However, at the core, there is always some kind of an infection. Make sure to visit the dentist if you have this problem.
Tooth Decay or Erosion
Cavities and infections, when left untreated can actually decay or erode the teeth or tooth away. Most tooth decay problems are actually your tooth bone being eaten from the inside. There are not many cases of tooth bone coming off white eating hard foods unless it has already developed decaying problem. Most often, early stages of tooth decay can be fixed with tooth crown. Some severe cases might require a full root removal and then dental implant as well.
Gum Disease or Infections
Gum disease or infections are probably the most painful of all oral conditions. Your gums are soft tissues that hold the teeth in place. Missing dental hygiene can give rise to gum disease and gum infections of different kinds. If you have bleeding gums or spot dark spots on any of your gums, these are signs of gum disease. When left untreated, these can become very severe problems. Your mouth taste will be unpleasant and you will not have any smile or eating confidence as well.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Impacts from sports or any other activities might chip or crack tooth or teeth. Especially, in younger ages, sports like boxing, other fighting sports, basketball, football and even racing sports can have impacts on the teeth. Chipped teeth are where a top part of any tooth or multiple teeth will get damaged and separate. Dentists will design some tooth crowns for you or may need to provide other treatments like teeth implants as required.
Yellow Discolored Teeth
When you talk about smile confidence, yellow or discolored teeth are probably the biggest enemies. Also, these are some of the most common teeth or oral problems for many. Smokers and tobacco chewers often develop yellow or even darker tints on teeth. There are smoker toothbrushes and toothpastes available. However, if you want a quick relief, make sure to get dentist teeth whitening appointment. There is no procedure involved in it and it only takes a few minutes.
Oral Cancer
Any kinds of cancers found in the mouth including on the lips, in the tonsils, on the tongue and other places are oral cancers. These are dreaded conditions that nobody wishes to ever go through. Common symptoms include lumps that do not heal or long-lasting sores in the mouth. Smoking and alcohol are linked to developing oral cancer faster than people who don’t do these. Early diagnosis can be curable. Make sure to get a checkup if you have any kind of lump in the mouth.
Tips to Prevent Oral Problems
- Toothbrushing is must. Brush your teeth twice a day every day. Early morning toothbrush and before going to bed are both necessary. Do not skip them on any day at all.
- Floss your teeth daily. Remove all that plaque from between teeth gaps. Floss after nighttime toothbrush for best results. Keep teeth clean and infection free.
- Sugary and acidic foods erode your teeth enamel. Make sure to limit them as much as possible. Also, do not brush teeth right after such foods at all when enamel is weakened.
- Cut down and completely eliminate your smoking, tobacco chewing or excessive alcohol consumption habits. These are not good for the teeth and the body.
- Use quality fluoride mouthwash after big meals. Fluoride strengthens enamel and mouthwash washes away the bacteria.
- Drink lots of plain water and eat natural organics with lots of fiber and calcium in them. Eat your fruits whole without juicing them up.
- Use mouthguards during sports days. Make this a habit for yourself and your young children any time of the year.