Ever since you were a child your parents have told you to brush your teeth before going to bed. Why do you think that is? Is it because monsters will crawl out from underneath your bed and attack you? Or is it simply because you’ll lose your teeth early on in life? There’s a reason why most adults suffer from oral health problems, because they never listened to their parents when they were children. And now they’re paying the price. There are many oral health problems waiting to claim your teeth and they can be easily avoided. Here are 5 common oral health problems that people tend to face.
Tartar
Tartar is that not so wonderful wall of plaque that has formed between your teeth and your gums. If you neglect your teeth long enough, then this will happen to you. Apart from horribly disfiguring your smile it also causes other problems. It can cause your gums to recede and make the foundations of your teeth weak. This will ultimately result in loss of teeth and an inability to enjoy a good steak dinner. The easiest way to avoid tartar is to brush your teeth regularly using the proper technique. And if you’ve already got tartar deposits then your best bet is to get them cleaned.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are a result of tartar deposits on your teeth. It’s a sign telling you that things have gone from bad to worse. If you see blood while you’re brushing your teeth it’s time you started worrying. It means that your teeth and gums are a critical stage and you have very little time to rectify the problem. Due to hormonal changes women may suffer from bleeding gums during pregnancy. Undergoing oral treatment is the only way of dealing with bleeding gums.
Cavities
It’s a no-brainer why cavities are caused in your teeth. Even you with your limited knowledge about oral health problems should know how it happens. It happens when you fail to give your teeth the proper attention they deserve. Avoiding brushing, flossing and general oral health practices can cause cavities. You can either pick up a brush to avoid them or your dentist can pick up a drill to fill them, your choice. Avoiding sticky food and sweets can also help you avoid cavities. Keep that in mind the next time you have an éclair.
Tooth Enamel Erosion
Your tooth enamel is a protective covering that safeguards your teeth from the onslaught of germs and bacteria. However, it’s not as strong as you might think. It’s kind of like the ozone layer. It can very easily be eroded away. This can happen due to one of many reasons. Improper brushing techniques can erode your tooth enamel along with the plaque on your teeth. Clenching and grinding your teeth can also make them weak. Translucent teeth are a sign of enamel erosion and they’re generally followed by chipping. It’s preferable that you visit a dentist before you reach this stage.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you feel a sharp pain when you consume cold food or beverages then your teeth have become sensitive. It’s caused due to enamel erosion allowing the cold to directly affect your gums. This condition can make you cringe at the sight of a generous bowl of ice cream. There are a variety of desensitizing toothpastes that can help you avoid the pain related to tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can also be a symptom of an underlying problem, so it’s best to get an oral checkup. After all, you don’t want to stay away from ice cream for the rest of your life, do you?
Oral health problems can just as easily be avoided as they can be caused. All you need to do is be careful. The oral health problems mentioned here are just a few of many that you can be faced with. It’s important that you pay close attention to your teeth and take all the necessary precautions to avoid these problems. Your teeth are one of the most important things that you can stand to lose. And if that happens, it’ll make all your future meals difficult to enjoy. After all, you’re supposed to chew your meal, not suck it through a straw.
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This article is contributed by John Miller, an employee at Duncraig Village Dental, a reputable dentistry in Perth. John loves Italian cuisine and enjoys cooking in his spare time.
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