We all want healthy teeth and gums for a winning smile, fresh breath and an increase in our confidence level. 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 is the most common dental problem that 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 sugars in foods which permanently corrode and damage the enamel, or outer layer, of the tooth. The acids then begin to act on the softer layer of dentin under the enamel.
Dental care begins with evaluating the extent of tooth decay and recommending a course of action. This may include fillings, crowns, or a root canal. The option chosen may be extraction followed by dental implants or dentures. You can help prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly (twice a day).
Also, get regular checkups with your dentist to scrape plaque off your teeth. Gingivitis is the mild, early form of periodontal or gum disease. It is a bacterial infection caused by plaque build-up. 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 smoking, pregnancy, and diabetes.
If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. This occurs when gum pockets become infected which 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 conduct a thorough evaluation and prescribe the course of action that best suits your case.
You may 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 a fluoride treatment, a crown, a gum graft, or a root canal. The treatment chosen depends on the severity of your case.
Gum shrinkage can also be genetic, meaning the condition is inherited. Dental care for receding gums includes a thorough cleaning of the teeth by a dental professional. They may also show you the 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 swollen with bacteria. This most often occurs due to decay, 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. A chronic throbbing toothache (long-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 beverages. In some cases, the area of the face surrounding the infection also becomes inflamed. A root infection is treated using a root canal. And, although many of us shudder with fear at the thought of having a root canal done, the procedure is actually very safe and causes minimal pain since dentists use anesthesia while performing root canals.
Oral health refers to the health of the teeth, gums and entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, talk and chew. Some of the most common diseases affecting our oral health include tooth decay (tooth decay), gum disease (periodontal) and oral cancer. Periodontitis is the most advanced form of gum disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults according to CDC nearly half of U. S.
UU. The disease can be reversed in early stages but damage can be permanent if left untreated for too long. Although you may not be aware of gum disease in your mouth abscesses can develop which are usually painful symptoms include bleeding swollen gums persistent bad breath or bad taste loose permanent teeth changes in bite your teeth may look like they get longer as your gums and bones recede there are many treatments available including deep cleanings known as scraping and root straightening talk to your dentist to find out what's best for you The good news is that you can prevent most common oral diseases in your home these diseases include tooth decay gum disease oral infectious diseases and oral cancer although they are not diseases in themselves oral injuries are preventable since they are mostly result from unsafe conditions accidents and social disease violence certain chronic conditions increase risk periodontal disease such as diabetes weakened immune systems poor oral hygiene heredity if you can't prevent them most oral diseases injuries can be treated successfully especially if identified early an estimated 3 5 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases reports World Health Organization WHO use this visual guide learn more about some common dental health problems symptoms watch for possible treatments available While tooth decay is largely preventable it is one most common chronic diseases throughout life some oral diseases can be prevented by practicing good daily oral hygiene scheduling regular dental exams avoiding certain behaviors oral conditions are often considered separate.
Leave Reply