We like to think that as long as we do our minimum duties of brushing and flossing regularly, we are safe from most dental issues that commonly occur. But there are so many other things that might affect our oral health. Almost any part of our lives, from genes to the soda we drink with our lunch, plays a part in the state of our teeth.
And when something does come up, it might seem quite scary. But you should rest easy, since nearly any problem one might have today is fixable, and you should talk to your dentist to review your options. To ease your mind, here are the most common dental problems and their solutions.
Tooth decay
Most of the things we eat, and especially highly processed foods, along with poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, also known as cavities. It happens when the plaque on your teeth combines with food and drinks, converting into acid and attacking your teeth. This is why it’s imperative to brush your teeth regularly, since it will get rid of any food residue stuck in between your teeth. You should also drink plenty of water to prevent a dry mouth, which can also lead to cavities, and try to stick to natural foods, low in sugar. Visit your dentist regularly, because cavities are easiest to treat when they’re in their early stages, but they’re not impossible to solve even after some time.
Mouth sores
Small sores on the inner parts of your cheeks and around your lips are usually nothing to worry about. They are a common occurrence, triggered in many ways. Yes, they are annoying, but do your best not to pick at them, and they should go away in two weeks. If they persist longer than that, you should visit a doctor. However, if you notice cold sores or fever blisters, then you are probably infected by herpes, which isn’t treatable – but it’s manageable. Make sure you keep in mind that you are infectious and that you can easily spread the virus if you’re not careful.
Tooth loss
People lose their teeth for all kinds of reasons – from accident and injuries to gum problems.
Most of the time, if it’s only a matter of one tooth, it can easily be replaced with a fake tooth that will look just as real as the rest of them, and no one will know it’s not yours. More problems can appear if you need a full set of dentures, because some people aren’t good candidates and get turned away. But that isn’t the end of the world, since a new method called all on 4 allows you to have perfect dentures without any bone grafting, so it can be an option for people not eligible for standard dentures, allowing you to have a perfect smile.
Gum disease
A huge part of oral health is your gum health, since they are literally what is holding all of your teeth together. Gum disease occurs mostly in people over the age of thirty, but everyone is at risk of contracting it, with smokers having a higher chance than others. Signs to look for are swollen or tender gums, bad breath, sensitive teeth, painful chewing and redness in the area. It is treatable and seeing a dentist as soon as you notice symptoms will help you prevent any further damage like tooth loss.
Having a perfect smile isn’t always easy, but if we manage to practice good habits and leave the rest to our dentists, we will have beautiful, healthy smiles. Remember to visit your dentist at least three times per year to make sure you catch any potential problems in the very beginning.
