Common Dental Problems and How to Prevent Them
There’s always a good reason to smile! One would be knowing you have a great set of teeth to smile with. But, not everybody has the luxury of possessing that killer smile. Many people all over the world suffer from the most common dental problems because of negligence or financial capacities.
Our teeth are to be treasured. They are much like every other part of our body – they can’t be easily replaced. With the strain they get from all the chewing, biting or grinding, they will also wear and tear if not take care of.
Caring for them means brushing three times a day or every after meal. It means flossing regularly. It means regular visits to your dentist and staying away from food that can harm them.
Here are some of the common dental problems and how to prevent them
- Cavities/Tooth Decay
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in or around the surface of your tooth that result in tiny holes. This is one of the most common dental problems and can happen even to infants.
They are caused by plaque from food high in sugar or starch content settling on the surface of the teeth. Bacteria inside your mouth feed on sugar and starch thus leading to the protective coat of your teeth (enamel) to slowly deteriorate. This then leads to tooth decay which will most likely need fillings.
How do you prevent cavities?
- Avoid food with high sugar or starch content – food and drinks like soda, ice cream, cakes, candy cookies, etc. are very high in both starch and sugar.
- Make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly – if you do consume these foods, brush your teeth after eating to prevent plaque buildup.
- Rinse your mouth – if you can’t brush right then and there, rinse your mouth with clean water.
- Drink more water – if you can stay away from other beverages that aren’t water, do so. Manufactured drinks have chemicals and loads of sugar that causes plaque.
- Visit your dentist regularly – ask for tooth sealant options or fluoride gels
- Bad Breath
Nothing is more embarrassing than bad breath. Sadly, bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common oral problem across all ages. But, as much as we might think this is common, it’s usually a sign of other dental problems.
Studies show about 85% of people with bad breath are suffering some other dental problem that is to blame. Bad breath is a common symptom of gum disease, cavities or oral cancer.
But, don’t fret! Just because you have bad breath does not automatically mean that you have a serious dental problem. It could be caused by what you’ve been eating. There are certain foods that cause bad breath such as garlic, onions, sweets or liquor among many others.
Some spices also cause an odor in your breath. For instance, you’ve been eating meals with lots of garlic. The strong garlic smell will eventually stick to the surfaces inside your mouth and cannot be easily removed with one or two brushes. Same is to be said for cumin.
This is why brushing after every meal helps control bad breath as well as other oral problems. Bring a small bottle of mouthwash with you as well if you can’t brush right after. Or at least gargle with fresh water after you eat. If the odor persists, visit your dentist just so other serious oral conditions can be ruled out.
These 2 are just the most common dental problems that a lot of people are suffering. However, it can be prevented and completely avoided if you are responsible for your oral health. Keeping your oral health up by staying away from food that contributes to plaque buildup.
By following the preventive measures, you can surely save up instead of going to your dentist.