The mouth is one of the most used parts of our body. We use it to eat, talk, laugh, and many more. Because we use it a lot, it is important to take proper care of it too, including the teeth, gums, and all its other parts. Proper oral hygiene is the first step in taking care of our teeth. It is important to brush, floss, and clean all the surfaces thoroughly to lessen the chances of cavities and other oral health problems from occurring.
While most dental problems can be prevented with good oral hygiene, there are still times when you would experience an oral health problem one way or another. Here are some of the most common dental and oral health problems that one might encounter in a lifetime.
Cavities
Cavities or tooth decay is the most common dental problem across all ages. Cavities are caused by bacteria that eat away the enamel of the tooth, causing holes on the teeth and damaging the tissues that surround it. It commonly forms on hard-to-reach areas of the mouth where food debris can build up and form plaque.
When left untreated, it can cause bigger damage to the teeth and could even reach deeper into the connective tissue of the teeth. With regular visits to the dentist, this problem can be detected and treated early on to prevent it from progressing further. Book an appointment with a clinic offering local dental practice Townsville has some good dentists you could trust.
Broken Teeth
Cracked or broken teeth is another common dental problem. It may not be a serious problem at first but the crack or break in the tooth can serve as a starting point for other tooth problems. Cracks and breaks can be caused by a variety of reasons – from an injury to the mouth, biting or chewing hard foods, and many more. Severely cracked tooth can be painful and needs an immediate visit to the dentist.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis or gum disease refers to the inflammation of the gums. Poor oral hygiene is usually the cause of gingivitis since plaque build-up on the gum line causes the gums to get infected and inflamed. The first signs of gingivitis are swollen or tender gums and bleeding when brushing or flossing.
It is important to treat gingivitis early on to prevent it from progressing into a more serious infection called periodontitis. This disease is more serious and could spread to the jaw and bones around the mouth causing bigger infection and more problem.
Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity is caused by a lot of factors – from cracked tooth, receding gums, and many more. Your teeth are sensitive when you feel pain or discomfort while eating cold or hot foods and drinks. There are some toothpaste brands that are formulated for people with sensitive teeth. If it still continues, you can consult your dentist to know the underlying cause of your tooth sensitivity.
While following a good dental hygiene helps a lot in maintaining oral health, you also need to visit your dentist regularly to detect problems early on and treat them immediately.
