We all want healthy teeth and gums for a winning smile, fresh breath and an increase in our level of confidence. But did you know that about half of adults have or have ever had halitosis (also known as bad breath)? It is one of the most common dental problems and also one of the most treatable. Tooth decay is also known as tooth decay or tooth decay. It's the most common dental problem dentists see in patients.
Practically everyone, at some point in their life, has experienced tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria form a film, called plaque, on the surface of the teeth. Bacteria produce acids from the sugars in food. Acids permanently corrode and damage the enamel, or outer layer, of the tooth.
The acids then begin to act on the softer dentin layer that lies beneath the enamel.Dental care begins with evaluating the extent of tooth decay and recommending a course of action. This can include fillings, crowns, or a root canal. The option chosen may be extraction followed by dental implants or dentures. You can help prevent cavities by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly (twice a day).
In addition, have regular checkups with your dentist to scrape the plaque off your teeth.Gingivitis is the mild, early form of periodontal or gum disease. It is a bacterial infection caused by plaque buildup. The most common symptoms are red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. You may also experience bad breath and sensitive teeth that hurt when you chew.
Skipping brushing and using poor brushing techniques can contribute to gum disease. So can crooked teeth that are difficult to brush properly. Other risk factors include tobacco use, pregnancy, and diabetes. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports the teeth.
This occurs when the gum bags become infected. This can cause damage to the bone and tissue that support the teeth, as they also become infected. Dental care for periodontitis includes topical antibiotics to treat the infection or referral to a periodontist, a specialist in gum disease.Because the causes of bad breath are so varied, your dentist will perform a full evaluation and prescribe the course of action that best suits your case. You can also have sensitive teeth because the enamel layer on your teeth is naturally thin.
There are types of toothpaste and mouthwashes specifically designed for use with sensitive teeth. Your dentist may also recommend fluoride treatment, a crown, a gum graft, or a root canal. The treatment chosen depends on the severity of your case.Gum retraction can also be genetic, meaning the condition is hereditary. Dental care for retracted gums includes a thorough cleaning of the teeth by a dental professional.
They may also show you proper brushing techniques. Serious cases may need to be treated with a gum graft or other type of surgery.The base or root of the tooth can become infected and swell with bacteria. This happens most often due to cavities, cracks, or fractures in the tooth. Root infection can cause damage to the tissues and nerves of the tooth and, eventually, to the development of abscesses.
Chronic throbbing toothache (lasting and persistent) is a sure sign of a root infection. Both chewing and biting will be painful, and the part of the mouth where the infection is found will be very sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. In some cases, the area of the face around the infection also becomes inflamed. A root infection is treated with a root canal.And while many of us shudder in fear at the thought of having a root canal performed, it is actually very safe and causes minimal pain since dentists use anesthesia while performing root canals.
Mouthwash only masks odors caused by these problems; if you have chronic bad breath visit your dentist to see what's behind it.Tooth decay is the second most common health problem in America; only the common cold surpasses it in prevalence. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush your teeth twice daily, floss every day, and have regular dental checkups.Bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease are common problems that can be avoided by brushing and flossing regularly and having regular dental exams. Chronic bad breath can be caused by many different oral diseases; tooth decay is caused by plaque interacting with sugar or starch.Your risk for gum disease increases if you smoke; one person in America dies from oral cancer every hour; however this disease is often curable if diagnosed early on - regular visits to your dentist can help detect oral cancer early - ask your dentist if an oral cancer exam is part of your regular checkup.There are several types of mouth sores that can be annoying; they're not usually cause for concern unless they last longer than two weeks; tooth erosion is loss of tooth structure caused by acid attacking enamel - symptoms range from tenderness to more serious problems such as cracking - it's common but easily preventable with proper oral care.Oral cancer is both common and fatal; see your dentist right away if you have sores or difficulty moving your tongue or jaw - mouth sores can be canker sores cold sores or oral thrush - if sore doesn't go away on its own in two weeks see your dentist - too much acid in mouth can cause tooth erosion - it can make teeth sensitive or even crack them - if you suddenly develop tooth sensitivity make an appointment with dentist.
Leave a Comment