5 Common Oral Health Problems and How to Solve Them

Good oral health means good overall health too. Keeping your teeth and gums away from bacteria and other nuisance should be a priority for everyone. Remember, poor oral health is often a sign of severe chronic diseases, and it also has a major effect on confidence. So, what follows are a few tips about how to avoid common oral issues and end up with a healthy smile.

Tooth Decay

Healthy teeth have an outer layer, also known as enamel. It is a hard coating that protects your teeth from outside “invaders”. The biggest enemy for this protective layer is the dental plaque. It builds up daily, and the bacteria found in dental plaque actually cause cavities. Here is what you can do.

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First and foremost, brushing and flossing daily should go without saying. These healthy habits will prevent tooth decay. However, once you face cavities as a problem – you need to contact your dentist.

Second, opt for fluoride toothpaste and a mouth rinse as everyday tools for perfect oral health. And if you use dental appliances – don’t forget to use retainer brite. These will take care of bacteria that can build up in the appliance. These include crowns, bridges, braces, mouth guards and many more. Simply make sure that whatever you put in your mouth is properly sanitized and safe.

Gum Disease

The initial sign that you may suffer from gum disease is when plaque starts to appear along the gum line. If left untreated this build up plaque will lead to infections. Later those infections lead to gum and bone pains - the key elements that hold your teeth into place. In time your gums will become highly sensitive and prone to bleeding. If you do notice early signs and react quickly – simple daily brushing and flossing sessions should make the problem go away.

In cases when people ignore the early signs, the disease gets more severe, and the end result can even be teeth removal. In order to prevent this from happening, you should brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss once, make regular dentist visits, try to keep a well-balanced diet, and if you smoke – quit.

Dentures

Quite often, people decide to use dentures (false teeth) in order to replace severely damaged teeth. There are partial dentures that are advisable to use when you need to replace a tooth or two, not more. These will probably feel a bit odd once you start using them, and you will have to check with your dentist regularly to make sure they stay in place and properly fit.

There are a few things you need to consider when wearing dentures. First, you should be aware that you will not feel hot and cold foods as easily, so, you should probably start with non-sticky food. Cut it in small pieces, and chew slowly using both sides of the mouth. And lastly, maintenance. Keep the dentures clean by avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks, brush them daily with special products and use denture-cleansing water when you are taking them off at night.

Dry Mouth

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Dry mouth is a condition that appears once your mouth is left without enough saliva to keep it wet. What comes as the main issue from dry mouth is a difficulty with eating. Plus, it gets harder to swallow and even speak properly. Quite often, the root to this problem can be medicines.

So, what can you do in this case? Well, you should try drinking more water or any sugar-free drinks. Quit smoking, plus avoid alcohol and coffee as much as you can. Instead, go for sugar-free, hard candies or gums as a healthier option.

Oral Cancer

Cancer of any kind can be a serious issue, and oral (mouth) cancer is not an exception. It can appear anywhere in the mouth or throat, and it is more common in adults over 40. Make sure that you do your professional checkups on time and inform your dentist to take a closer and more detailed look for any possible signs or symptoms. Unfortunately, any pain you may feel in the mouth and throat area is not an early sign. So, don’t wait.

Treatments that a professional recommends will work best if the condition is discovered in the early stages. Luckily, there are a few things that can help lower the risk of getting the disease. Avoid tobacco products, including cigarettes. Drink alcohol in moderate quantities and use a lip balm that has a sun protection feature. And of course, the above mentioned daily habits apply here too.