Oral health is of great importance to everyone. It has a direct impact on your overall body health too. Also, many bodily conditions and problems can have direct implications on your oral health as well. Oral diseases and problems can be kept in check with quality oral hygiene. In addition to that, there are many other factors that will contribute to overall oral health too.
There are also some common oral diseases that plague many people. Especially, people stepping into older age tend to get many different oral health problems. However, keeping most of these problems away is easier than many people might think. So, here are some of the most common oral diseases and some tips to keep them away very efficiently:
Common Oral Problems and Diseases
Both your teeth and gums can get separate diseases and conditions. The mouth itself can develop certain problems and issues over time. Let’s take a closer look into some of the most common oral diseases that haunt many people today:
Tooth Decay
Decaying teeth is one of the most common oral conditions according to this expert dentist in Keene. There are many factors at play with this one. Sugary, starchy foods that are rich in carbohydrates fast pace bacteria growth. Natural mouth bacteria break these foods down easily into acids. These acids then attack teeth enamel decaying them quicker. Dry mouth syndrome also accelerates tooth decay. One of the first signs you’ll see in this disease is a chalky white spot on one or several teeth. However, at this stage, the decay process can be reversed. If not reversed, you will need procedures like teeth crowns, implants, or others.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is also a very common oral health problem. It is also caused by plaque and bacteria buildup inside the mouth and on the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease. The prior is the early stage when plaque builds up on the teeth and around the gumline. Bleeding gums, redness, and/or swollen gums are signs of this stage.
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease and is a continuation of gingivitis if left untreated. The tooth in that bad gum area will become weaker allowing bacteria to be trapped between the gum and tooth. The soft tissue that connects teeth and jaw bones, can be damaged by loosening the teeth.
Oral Cancer
Cancer that may develop in the gums, lips, tongue, roof, or floor of the mouth is oral cancer. Too much alcohol and tobacco consumption are the main risk factors for oral cancer. Its symptoms include a visible lump that may or may not be painful in any part of the mouth. A mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal and white or red patches in the mouth, on the tongue or gums too.
If you lose sensation anywhere in the mouth, it can be an oral cancer sign. In such cases, you require emergency dental care if you have missing teeth, painful gums, trouble swallowing, difficulty moving your tongue or jaw, or if your taste has changed. Swollen lymph glands are signs of oral cancer too.
Take Care of Mouth Hygiene for Greater Oral Health
Easy home oral hygiene can keep many mouth diseases at bay. Most oral diseases are results of plaque and bacteria buildup or eating the wrong foods. Also, food bits left uncleaned in the mouth will contribute to oral health greatly as well. Cleaning your mouth at home is very important. You should also have the right oral hygiene habits and routines at all times. Make sure to:
· Toothbrushing and Flossing Routine Necessary
Toothbrushing is very important. It is the first step of oral hygiene and the most important one as well. Brush the teeth twice a day. Morning and nighttime toothbrushes are very important. Make sure to brush your teeth before going to bed and don’t eat anything or have sugary drinks after it. Floss daily to remove all that food particles and plaque buildup between the teeth. Don’t miss these oral hygiene routines and excuse all the excuses for performing both of these every day.
· Eat and Drink Well for Healthier Gums and Teeth
Sugary foods including chocolates, snacks, cheesy processed baked items, and all processed foods are bad for oral health. For one, these foods leave too many bits inside the mouth. Secondly, these are missing essential fibers for your oral and body health. The same is the story with sugary drinks like colas, even alcoholic drinks, and also fruit juices. Eat your fruits whole and focus more on crunchy green organics. Celery, cucumbers, whole fruits, carrots, and salads are always best for oral and body health.
· Use Mouthguards for Teeth Protection
Sports days can be exhausting. In addition to that, they can be teeth damaging as well. Chipped teeth are usually found in people who play physical sports a great deal. Boxing, wrestling, rugby, football, basketball, racing sports, and others can give you mouth impacts. These can chip some bits off of the frontal teeth often. So, make sure to use mouth and teeth guards for sports days. Make sure your young ones also use mouthguards for sports days to boost teeth protection.
· Regular Dental Visits Are What You Need
If you want to avoid expensive too frequent dental visits, regular visits will help greatly. Make sure to visit the dentist every six months. They will be in the best place to spot any ulcers, lumps, decaying teeth or gum problems. Visit regularly even if there is no problem with your oral health. There might be hidden problems that will become big quicker if left unchecked.