A healthy mouth and positive oral health is good for the body and important for a person’s overall health. This includes taking care of the mouth, gums, and teeth and this is a goal that’s worthy in and of itself. Maintaining good oral health can help to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and even bad breath. It also is key to in order to help keep teeth in older age. Although no one likes to have dental health problems, many are easily treated and preventable with proper oral hygiene habits, a good diet, and regular visits to the dentist. Some of the most common oral problems are:
Bad Breath
Bad breath in the chronic form is known as halitosis. This is caused many times by oral problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bacteria.
Tooth Decay
Next to the common cold, in the United States, tooth decay is the second most prevalent disease. Tooth decay can be caused by plaque buildup, which can be treated and even prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is periodontal disease and it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Preventing gum disease can start with brushing twice daily and flossing as recommended. Since gum disease can be linked to various other health issues, also having regular dental check-ups is important in detecting gum disease early.
Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth are a common issue. An example could be having pain during consumption of cold or hot beverages or foods. In some cases it can be caused by vigorous brushing or it can even be a genetic issue. Sensitive teeth are treated using fluoride, which also aids in the prevention of tooth decay.
Toothache
Toothaches can be brought on by other common issues such as sensitivity or a cavity. Although irritating, regular visits to the dentist and recommended oral hygiene can manage and even prevent toothache.
Enamel Erosion
Tooth enamel erosion and weakening of the structure can be caused by some common foods and beverages that contain acid. This can cause chipping, cracking, as well as tooth sensitivity. A dental visit can help repair erosion. It can also be reversed through diet and fluoride treatments.
No matter how common or uncommon, by following proper oral hygiene, visiting the dentist regularly, and even implementing a good diet, the ability to treat and prevent oral health problems increases dramatically.