Everyone knows the nagging pain of a tooth-related headache. Dental issues often pose harmful side effects to people that include headaches, bone loss, inflamed gums, bleeding and in some extreme cases, can even increase your chances of heart disease according to bulk billing doctors we spoke to. This is why paying attention to your dental health is of utmost importance. Whilst most of us engage in brushing twice a day, there are many other aspects of dental health that one should focus on. In today’s article, we look at avoidable dental issues to watch out for and what you can do to prevent them from occurring. Read on to find out more!
1. Those Darn Cavities
Cavities are by far the most common dental issue that people of all ages face. Whilst many people are under the impression that only children suffer from cavities, this is not true. In fact, up to 90% of adults between the ages of 20-64 are believed to suffer from cavities in permanent teeth. Cavities are something that are easily avoidable by taking good care of your teeth and gums. The first and best way to avoid cavities is to visit your dentist once every 6 months for a proper scaling/cleaning. Other preventative measures include avoiding high-sugar food and drinks, brushing at least 3 times a day, avoiding frequent snacking or sipping and using high fluoride toothpaste.
2. Gingivitis
Chances are you’ve heard about gingivitis on toothpaste ads. Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums and is often caused by plaque and bacteria that accumulates on teeth. Whilst gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease, left untreated it could progress into serious periodontitis. Signs of gingivitis include puffy gums and gums that bleed easily when you brush your teeth. The best way to prevent gingivitis from occurring is to practice good oral hygiene. Frequent brushing of teeth, using mouthwash and flossing are all fantastic methods of preventing gingivitis. One should also cut down on smoking and up their intake of nutrient and vitamin dense foods to help strengthen your teeth and gums and protect them from gum disease.
3. Sensitive Teeth
Have you ever felt a rush of pain or discomfort when drinking cold drinks or eating ice cream? If you answered yes to that question, chances are you’ve experienced sensitive teeth. Causes of tooth sensitivity include brushing too hard or with a hard bristled toothbrush, tooth grinding, plaque build up and cracked teeth. In order to prevent sensitive teeth, one should always use a soft to medium bristled toothbrush and avoid grinding your teeth. You should also visit the dentist regularly to remove any plaque buildup and fix any cracks that may exist. Eating too many acidic foods can also cause tooth sensitivity, so try to avoid juices, sodas, coffee, tea and any foods that are highly acidic in nature.
4. Worn Down Enamel
Another issue that many people face is worn down tooth enamel. Tooth enamel that is worn down can lead to issues such as cracked/thinned teeth, tooth discolouration, extreme sensitivity and even tooth loss. Enamel is worn down when individuals consume a high amount of acidic foods and drinks. Saliva in your mouth acts as a neutraliser to acids, but if you eat too high a quantity of acidic foods and don’t brush your teeth enough, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth will degrade over time. The best way to avoid this is to limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks, rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods, use straws when drinking juices or sodas and use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
5. Cracked or Broken Teeth
Last but certainly not least, let’s look at cracked or broken teeth. Cracked or broken teeth can be caused by an injury to the mouth, chewing on hard foods or by night time tooth grinding. A great way to prevent cracked or broken teeth is to always make sure that you aren’t biting down too hard on foods such as nuts, hard candies or any other food item that may cause your teeth to shatter. For those who grind their teeth at night, we highly recommend using a night guard on your teeth that create a barrier between your teeth and protect them from tooth grinding.
_______
We hope that this article has given you some valuable insight about avoidable dental issues to watch out for. By practicing good oral hygiene and consuming the right kinds of nutrient dense food, you can be sure that you’re doing all you can to keep your teeth and gums in top condition.
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.
