6 Oral Health Facts You Should Be Aware Of

Many people think that they take care of their teeth properly but they still face numerous oral issues. The point is that there are a lot of misconceptions and myths about oral health. As a result, you may simply not know that you maintain improper dental care. In this article, we have gathered six oral health facts you should be aware of.

1. Poor oral hygiene causes many oral issues
It is important to understand that poor oral hygiene can lead to the development of various oral issues. Your oral cavity is full of bacteria that live, eat, and multiply. If you don’t remove these bacteria in time, they can cause plaque build-up, bad breath, gum disease, cavities, gum recession, and enamel erosion. That’s why it is extremely important to brush your teeth twice a day, clear your interdental space with dental floss daily, and rinse your mouth after meals, to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.

2. Tooth decay is extremely common 
Many people discover that they have tooth decay only when it starts to cause pain and increased tooth sensitivity. But the reality is that cavities can develop asymptomatically for a long period of time until they reach inner sensitive layers of the teeth. Due to the fact that tooth decay is the second most common health issue that affects people (the first one is the common cold), many people already have cavities but don't know about them. 

3. A broken tooth can be reattached
If you have broken a tooth, you need to place it into the saliva, milk, or saline and rush to the dentist. During the first few hours after the accident, a broken part of the tooth can be reattached. Even if you can’t visit your dentist immediately, you still need to schedule an appointment since your tooth should be examined and repaired. Otherwise, it can be sensitive and develop tooth decay over time.

4. Gum disease can lead to severe complications
There is a common misconception that gum disease doesn’t cause severe complications and it can even be left untreated. But the truth is that untreated gum disease can significantly affect your oral and general health. In your oral cavity, it can cause bad breath, gum pockets, and tooth loss. As for your general health, gum disease can increase your risk of respiratory infections, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and heart disease. That’s why it is better to treat gum disease in time. 

5. Insufficient water consumption can affect your oral health
Indeed, if you don’t drink enough water, it can cause dehydration and affect your overall health. But not many people know how insufficient water consumption can worsen the condition of their teeth and gums. Dehydration decreases saliva production that results in bacteria overgrowth. As a result, you may develop bad breath, gum recession, and other complications. 

6. Tooth decay can be treated only by a dentist
Some people believe that they can successfully treat tooth decay at home with the help of home remedies, pain medications, or pastes that can seal a cavity. But the reality is that these remedies can temporarily mask the problem rather than treat it. The one and only effective way to treat tooth decay is to visit a dentist to remove the damaged tissue and get a tooth filling. 

The bottom line
If you want to have healthy teeth and gums, you need to follow a healthy diet, drink enough water, get rid of bad habits, and maintain proper oral hygiene. Additionally, regular dental check-ups and timely treatment can prevent the development of serious oral issues and their complications.