How To Avoid Common Oral Health Issues
The basics of good oral hygiene are important to us all. A healthy mouth and teeth doesn’t just mean a great smile and more social confidence, it’s also related to things like heart disease. Our teeth are not indestructible. They require proper daily treatment and regular visits to a dentist in Nashua in order to remain effective and trouble free. If you haven’t been trained in proper habits before, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks of not maintaining good oral health. So, what can go wrong if you don’t pay enough attention to your teeth?
Gum Disease
The risk of gum disease is very serious if you don’t maintain your teeth and gums properly. Periodontal disease is caused when the toxins produced by plaque on teeth infect the mouth. You may notice that your gums become red, inflamed, swollen and sore to the touch. There can be some bleeding as well, especially when you brush your teeth. If left untreated, it may lead to erosion of the jaw bones supporting the teeth and cause tooth loss and other problems. Gingivitis, periodontitis and gum disease in general can be easily prevented with regular brushing and flossing each day. If the situation is already bad, treatment may involve gum graft surgery or periodontal pocket reduction, alongside scaling, root planing and a course of antibiotics to halt infection.
Tooth Sensitivity
Our teeth are covered in a fine upper layer called dentin. When this gets exposed due to receding gums, overzealous brushing or home tooth whitening kits, teeth may become unbearably sensitive. This is due to the microscopic channels in the dentin that lead to the inner part of the tooth and all it’s nerves. Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush, using a re-enameling toothpaste, avoiding acidic, sugary or very cold food and drinks can all help. A good dentist in Nashua can help with a fluoride varnish, fillings to cover over exposed roots or dentin sealers using a plastic resin.
Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a condition that can really affect your confidence. It can be caused by a range of things, such as eating strong-smelling foods, having a dry mouth, bad dental hygiene, illness or infection. If disease is the case, your halitosis will require treatment from a dentist. You can also try using a water jet flosser, a tongue scraper to remove deposits, sipping water and chewing on gum to improve the situation.
Decaying Teeth
When food sits on the surface of our teeth for too long, it produces plaque. This substance secretes acid which can damage the enamel of the teeth over time. Small holes called cavities can appear in the surface of the teeth. Health conditions such as diabetes can cause tooth decay, along with smoking, a lack of fluoride or bad dental hygiene. The treatments available to you really depend on the severity of the decay. Some patients may be able to salvage the situation with better and more frequent brushing and using a daily fluoride mouth rinse. Others might need procedures such as filling, extraction, replacing part of the tooth with a crown or a root canal. Sometimes the decay is so bad, the tooth cannot be saved.
The best way to prevent any of these dental issues is simple – brushing, flossing and using mouthwash three times a day, and booking regular check ups and hygiene appointments with your dentist to address any issues quickly.
When you experience any of the above issues, or a less common problem, Rose Dental Nashua will find a way to restore your smile in style.