subject: Preventing Common Dental Problems [print this page] The majority of dental problems are not those that require a large amount of money or extensive surgery; many issues are simply small hiccups that can easily be fixed or prevented. Those that practice proper hygiene, as well as pay frequent visits to the dentist, are less likely to experience these problems.
Good oral hygiene calls for individuals to brush at least twice daily, preferably after each meal, and floss once. Those that do not practice this are more likely to experience dental issues.
There are several fairly common problems that can usually be prevented easily through proper care. Tooth decay is one of the most common ailments that patients visit their dentist regarding.
It creates cavities and causes all kinds of pain and discomfort. Usually, it is brought on by forgetting to floss and not brushing one's teeth as regularly as they should.
Decay eats away at the enamel on teeth, or the hard protective layer that keeps them from being ground day. It can eat through all the way to the root and cause a lot of sensitivity and discomfort.
It occurs when plaque combines with sugars and starches in the foods that we eat; it then turns into an acid that attacks the enamel and causes it to break down. Visiting the dentist for checkups often can help reduce your chances of cavities.
It is also a good idea to avoid eating very sugary snacks and drinks that can easily stick to plaque and cause you problems. If you do choose to ingest these substances, you may want to brush your teeth immediately after, so that the sugars do not sit on them for an extended period of time.
Sensitivity is another common occurrence that causes patients grief. This happens when individuals experience pain or discomfort because of sweets, hot or cold drinks, ice cream, or cold air.
Often, people will even notice pain when they are brushing or flossing. This can be very frustrating, because the issue is often hard to fix.
However, the majority of the time, it is caused by weakened enamel; the use of fluoride can help strengthen it and improve sensitivity. Whether you use a fluoride toothpaste or rinse, you should notice an improvement with discomfort.
If you are having this problem and are unsure about what it is, make sure to pay a trip to your hygienist or dental professional and get help to fix it. This problem is very similar to a toothache; some may experience almost immediate sensitivity or pain and need to go to the doctor for some reason or another.
Another problem that is embarrassing but quite common is halitosis, or chronic bad breath. Many individual experience this, and must try to cover it up with mints, chewing gum, and mouthwashes.
Most patients, about eighty percent in fact, can attribute halitosis to a persistent dental condition. Cancer, gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, and bacteria on the tongue are all things that potentially cause an individual to suffer from bad breath on a consistent basis.
When there is a deeper issue at the base of halitosis, cover ups like mouthwashes and mints will only temporarily solve it. It is best to visit a hygienist and get on your way to fixing the more serious condition.
Once this is mended and your mouth is healthy once more, you should notice that your halitosis diminishes and you do not need as much help from other agents. Brushing and flossing is essential if you want to keep your breath fresh and appealing.
These are daily care regimens that will really make a difference in how your mouth feels and looks. You can also make use of a tongue scraper, which will rid the area of any extra bacteria that cause an unappealing taste or smell.
Though it is more cosmetic, another common problem that patients complain about is the attractiveness and whiteness of their smile. Those that ingest liquids with caramel coloring or drink a lot of coffee are especially prone to experiencing a yellowed smile.
Many whitening methods are available, both over the counter and through a dental professional. Taking care of your teeth will almost always save you a lot of discomfort and doctor's visits in the long run.
