Why is Oral Health Important?

Proper oral health and hygiene can help avoid gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. It can also keep your teeth strong and healthy for as long as possible. Generally, establishing good oral hygiene and health is vital in achieving and maintaining overall physical well-being.

Ways that individuals can improve their oral health and hygiene include:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily
• Floss at least once daily
• Visit the dentist regularly
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco products
• Eat well. 

Moreover, avoid certain foods that are bad for your teeth, such as

• Sweets, candy, and other sugary foods
• Alcohol
• Carbonated drinks,
• Ice
• Citrus.

The damage these foods can cause will depend on your consumption pattern, oral hygiene routine, and (to a lesser extent) genetics. Visit a dentist to advise you on proper oral hygiene practices to minimize the risk of tooth damage from your lifestyle and diet.

What are Common Dental Problems?

Common dental conditions and problems can include:

• Tooth Decay: Also known as cavities – tooth decay is a major dental concern that occurs when plaque with sugar/ starch in your food stays on the teeth and is converted to acid by the bacteria in your mouth. This acid eats through the enamel and dissolves the tooth from the inside.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease is an infection in the gums surrounding the teeth caused by excessive plaque and tartar buildup. It is the early stage and often mild form of periodontal disease. 
• Cracked or Chipped Teeth: Common causes of cracked or chipped teeth include chewing hard foods, injury, mouth piercing, teeth grinding while asleep, and improper tooth positioning/bite.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity involves discomfort or pain from cold and hot drinks, cold air, sweets, and ice cream. Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of a cracked or decaying tooth. It could also be a symptom of clenching and grinding or an irritated nerve from recent dental work.
• Severe Bad Breath: Causes of severe bad breath may include bacteria on the tongue, dry mouth, oral cancer, cavities, and gum disease. 
• Tooth Erosion: This is the loss of tooth structure and is caused by acid attacking the enamel.  

How Can Tooth Problems be Avoided?

Most dental problems can be avoided by exercising proper dental habits. Ways to avoid common tooth problems include:

• Brushing and Flossing: Regular teeth cleaning can help prevent the buildup of bacteria, dirt, and plaque that can cause a dental infection and other problems. Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily to keep your mouth clean, fresh, and healthy. 
• Scheduling Routine Dental Appointments: A dentist can help discover underlying dental problems invisible to the naked eye. When you go to the dentist, you may be subjected to a series of tests to check for signs of dental concerns. By scheduling regular dental visits, you can discover potential dental problems at their early stages and address them promptly. 

Recap of Common Dental Problems

Dental problems vary in type and intensity. They include severe bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, cracked teeth, tooth sensitivity, and tooth erosion. Some of these dental problems can cause symptoms of discomfort, while most others cause no symptoms until they have become severe. Common signs and symptoms of dental problems to watch out for include:

• Extreme sensitivity to acidic, cold, sugary, or hot foods
• Severe bad breath or sour taste in your mouth
• Swelling of the gum, jaw, face, or nearby lymph nodes
• Difficulty in moving your mouth or jaws
• Raised swelling around your tooth, resembling a pimple
• Change in tooth color. 

If you notice these telltale signs of common dental problems, visit your dentist immediately. Regular dental checkups and oral hygiene can help you avoid these problems.