Maintaining good oral health is one of the most important things you can do to keep your body healthy. Unfortunately, many individuals experience common dental problems that can cause discomfort and potentially lead to more serious issues. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common dental problems and provide effective tips on preventing them, ensuring a healthy mouth.
Common Dental Problems and How to Prevent Them
Bad Breath
Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and may be seen as common. Bad breath may indicate underlying oral care problems such as gum disease, cavities, or oral cancer. If you deal with bad breath, this doesn’t mean you suffer from these issues; it could also be caused by the foods you’re eating, such as garlic, sweets, or liquor. Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash are great places to start to remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth, and utilizing a tongue scraper helps remove bacteria and bad breath from your tongue. If you think underlying issues may cause this, consider consulting your dentist.
Gum Disease
Not taking proper care of your gums can lead to gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that consists of swollen and red gums and occasional bleeding. The advanced stage of gum disease is called periodontitis, where plaque builds up so much that it can deteriorate the bones in your teeth. You can prevent this by brushing and flossing, but additional cleaning or surgery may be necessary for full plaque removal.
Cavities and Tooth Decay
Tooth decay and cavities are caused when plaque builds up and forms acid on your teeth, weakening your enamel and developing cavities. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste can prevent cavities. Treatments for tooth decay and cavities can be anywhere from nothing to getting a crown put on or having the cavity filled, depending on the severity of the issue.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when there’s a lack of saliva. Individuals who take prescription medication and those that are older are at a higher risk for developing this condition. It is important that your mouth stays lubricated to protect your teeth from plaque, tooth decay, and cavities. There is no real cure for this condition, but you could try drinking water or halting prescription medications may help your condition improve.
Tooth Sensitivity
With age or by eating certain foods, it may make you more susceptible to tooth sensitivity. This can occur when the outer layers of your teeth weaken, and the layer that covers the nerves in your teeth becomes exposed. If this layer is exposed, it may become very uncomfortable to enjoy hot, cold, or sweet foods. However, you can reduce tooth sensitivity with good oral care, like brushing and flossing, reducing sugar and acidic food intake, and brushing using fluoride toothpaste.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is the worst and most severe oral hygiene problem you can experience. It can often be hard to catch on your own as it begins with a small pink growth in your mouth, which can be hard to spot because our mouths are naturally pink. Typically, this condition is caught by dentists, which is why it is so important to visit your dentist regularly. The number of cases of oral cancer is rising, and those who smoke or drink are more likely to develop oral cancer.
Visit Desert Sky Dental
When visiting a dentist to ensure your mouth is healthy, choose an expert with decades of experience. Desert Sky Dental has decades of experience and takes pride in creating a safe and comfortable environment for our patients. Our staff is very knowledgeable and is happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have.
Visit our website to learn more about our dentistry services and how we can help with your oral care needs. To schedule an appointment, call 702.433.8400 or fill out our request form.
