Three Common Dental Complaints

Tooth decay occurs as a result of natural plaque build up on the surface enamel of teeth almost immediately after brushing

. Plaque is a form of bacteria and as such needs a source of energy in order to breed and survive; this energy is sourced from the sugary food and drink which we consume. Plaque not only breeds and survives but also produces acids which soften and dissolve the surface enamel of our teeth, creating cavities which may not at first be painful but can lead to the need for fillings, crowns, root canal treatment and even tooth removal.

The effects of tooth erosion are very similar to those described for tooth decay and it is also caused by the build up of acids, but rather than originating from plaque bacteria, the acid which causes tooth erosion comes from the sugary foods we eat as well as fizzy drinks and fruit juices. Dental health care is very important as, unlike skin and hair, teeth do not reproduce more than once and when your adult teeth are gone, theyre gone.

Gum disease is also a common dental problem which, according to The Journal of Dental Research, can be more than just a simple dental health problem, it can be a sign of potentially serious health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Gum disease is caused by a build up of bacteria and plaque which causes redness, swelling and bleeding but the good news is that these symptoms are reversible when treated in the early stages. Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash twice a day should return your gums to normal but if left untreated the diseased gums may start to recede, exposing nerves and making teeth loose and in these cases teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist.

Aside from the advice from the Dental Health Association to regularly brush your teeth and to avoid excessive smoking, drinking and consumption of sugary foods and drinks, nothing can replace the benefits of regular dental checkups and trips to the dental hygienist. Delaying checkups because of concerns around pain or costs can lead to minor problems becoming serious problems down the line and these in turn can increase the costs of dental health care. Dental plans are designed to help make routine checkups and treatment affordable for everyone and can be worth looking into for the whole family.

by: Jamie Francis

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