Dental problems are a few of the most common health concerns most people will indeed experience in their lives. Most people in the US currently have or will at a given point in time suffer from gingivitis, or gum disease, or rather tooth disease.
Decay does occur when the enamel and/or dentin of the tooth does begin to break down due to the release of acid by bacteria that consume glucose. This will indeed happen if the teeth are not properly cleaned regularly and/or are also exposed to a diet high in glucose.
The simplest way to prevent tooth decay is, of course, to brush one’s teeth thoroughly at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and floss daily. Regular checkups with the dentist will also help identify any teeth that might not be getting enough attention.
Keeping sugary and starchy foods in check will also help to minimize the risk of tooth disease. It is often felt that it is the sugar itself that causes cavities. In reality, the sugar does feed the bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria then produce acid as a by-product that results in tooth decay.
Tooth decay needs to be treated by a dentist as soon as possible to avoid long-term complications.
Causes of Tooth Disease:
- Sugary and acidic foods: Frequent consumption of candies, sodas, and also fruit juices tends to promote bacterial growth and also acid production, leading to enamel erosion.
- Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing as well as flossing does allow plaque to build up, increasing the risk of cavities.
- Lack of fluoride: Fluoride does help re-mineralize enamel and also prevent tooth decay.
How to Prevent Common Dental Problems?
Few problems mentioned above are fairly benign. Others can indeed have potentially serious health complications if allowed to be untreated.
Yet, most of the issues can be solved with a very simple oral hygiene routine:
- Brush at least twice a day for two minutes.
- Floss between teeth at least, say, once a day.
- Visit the dentist, of course, every 3-12 months.
- Most of the issues above are due to either infection or decay. Both of these can, for the most part, be effectively prevented via brushing and flossing alone.
Lifestyle changes can also help prevent issues.
- Alcohol and smoking can make a person more susceptible to infection and decay, so it is best to avoid them.
- Foods like berries, wine, tea, and coffee can stain one’s teeth, so it is best to avoid them.
- Sports can also cause trauma to one’s teeth, so it is best to wear a mouthguard during contact sports and/or if grinding one’s teeth.
It also needs to be noted that genetics can play a part in oral health. Crooked teeth are usually a result of genetics rather than environmental factors. Also, genetics can make us more susceptible to infection and decay. The natural shape of one’s mouth might make them more likely to grind their teeth.
Conclusion
There is a lot to do to prevent tooth disease. Yet, sometimes, things are beyond one’s control. It is important to see the dentist regularly. They can identify problem areas long before they have a serious effect on health.
If experiencing tooth disease, it is better to try to prevent it. It helps to go in for a thorough examination and cleaning and, if necessary, a treatment plan that can be used to get one’s dental health back on track.