The Most Common Dental Health Problems and How to Fix Them

We’ve all heard the saying that “you are what you eat.” But in all honesty, most of us don’t put a lot of thought into our food choices. We grab whatever’s convenient, whether it be a bag of chips or a sandwich. But the consequences of poor food choices aren’t just physical-they can impact our health, moods, and even our self-esteem. That’s why it’s important to take proper care of our teeth-they’re the first thing people notice when they look at us. And with so many bad options out there, it’s no wonder that many folks are worried about their smile and because of this, their health is suffering.

Everyone wants to have a good smile, which is why you should make it a priority to take care of your teeth. A properly maintained set of teeth can make you look better and reduce the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and complications during pregnancy.

So, if you’re worried about the state of your teeth, you should know some of the most common dental health problems and how to fix them.

Let’s learn more.

Common Dental Problems

• Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is a type of dental disease that primarily affects the sanctity of our teeth. It is caused by the buildup of plaque, which is an accumulation of bacteria that, if not removed, will ruin the tooth’s enamel, making it weak and susceptible to decay.

• Gum Disease

Gum disease occurs when there is an excessive amount of plaque and tartar around the teeth and gum areas. In extreme cases, gum disease can spread to other parts of the body, causing many problems, particularly tooth loss, if it is not treated early enough.

• Bad Breath

Many people don’t realize it, but bad breath is a common dental problem. But is it really as bad as what people say? Well, yes and no. The cause of bad breath can be from many things, such as something you eat or drink, like garlic and onions. While you can use special mouthwashes for bad breath, in most cases, it is temporary and will go away on its own.

• Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is caused by dental issues like tooth decay, gum recession, exposed roots, and cracked teeth. They can also result from the use of certain medications, such as antibiotics, nitrates, antihistamines, or antidepressants.

• Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth can be caused by a lot of things, including sports injuries and accidents, but also things such as grinding or clenching your teeth. Other issues that can cause a broken tooth are cavities, gum disease, and infection.

• Receding Gums

If you have receding gums, you may experience painful bleeding gums, sore or tender gums, or gums that are puffy or red. Receding gums are caused by several different factors, though poor dental hygiene and genetics are two of the main causes. Gum disease is preventable, though, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to reduce your risk.

• Root Infection

Root infection occurs when bacteria in the mouth gets inside the root tip, causing the gum to swell and the bone to pull away from the tooth. Once a tooth is infected, tooth pain and sensitivity are common symptoms that you may experience.

Tips for Having a Healthy Dental Routine

• Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day

Brushing your teeth twice a day is a proven way of warding off gum disease and other subsequent dental issues.

• Use dental floss

Dental floss is a great and inexpensive way to prevent dental problems. All you need to do is simply wrap the floss around your thumbs and forefingers, and use a gentle rocking motion to get between your teeth and clean those hard to reach areas.

• Use mouthwash

Like dental floss, mouthwash can also help clean your mouth, but did you know that you can also use it to help kill any germs that may be lingering? To benefit, you should rinse your mouth out with your desired wash at least twice a day.

• Visit your dentist

Did you know that taking care of your teeth is important for your overall health? However, this is only the case if you are practicing healthy dental habits, like visiting your dentist regularly. Many people only need to go once a year, whereas others may be required to make an appointment twice a year to help keep an eye on any problems that you have, or are at danger of having, due to poor oral hygiene.

Taking good care of your teeth extends far beyond just brushing and flossing regularly. Regular dental exams and preventative care are key to maintaining the health of your mouth. But, when things do go wrong, your dentist will be the only one to get you healthy once again.