Have you ever felt a toothache in your head that was like a heavy jackhammer? You’re certainly not the only one. Toothaches are as common as April rain. We’ll look at some of your most common dental problems, and how to keep them away.
**Cavities: Sneaky Saboteurs**
Ah, cavities. They sneak up when you’re not expecting it. Give them time, and they will drill into your tooth as if it were gold. When plaque, a sticky film made of bacteria, adheres to the teeth it produces acids that erode the enamel. Like termites destroying wood.
Fluoride toothpaste is the best way to combat these invasive invaders. Use it twice a day and floss constantly. Watch your sugar intake. Sugary foods are the enemy of cavity-free teeth.
**Gum Disease – The Silent Assassin**
It’s like a sneaky ninja, the gum disease creeps in without much warning. Gingivitis is the first sign, when gums turn red and swollen because of plaque accumulation. Ignoring it can lead to periodontitis which can destroy the teeth-supporting bones.
Brushing and flossing regularly are essential in preventing gum disease. Do not skip your dental checkups. Cleaning your teeth professionally can remove tartar and plaque that you can’t get rid of by brushing.
**Bad Breath – The Unwanted Guests**
You’ve probably been around someone who has a breath that could knock down an elephant. Bad breath (or halitosis) is not just an embarrassing social problem. It’s also a sign there may be dental issues such as gum disease or cavities.
You should maintain regular oral hygiene. Use mouthwash, brush, floss and don’t overlook cleaning your tongue. Bad breath can be caused by dietary or medical conditions. If it persists after you’ve taken good care of your mouth, consult a dentist.
Ice Cream Enemy: Tooth Sensitivity
The sensitivity of your teeth can ruin an ice cream concoction faster. Imagine biting something cold, only to feel sharp pain shooting through your mouth. Tooth sensitivity is caused by the enamel wearing down or when gums recede and exposes the dentin beneath.
Changing to toothpaste for sensitive teeth will help. Avoid foods and drinks that are acidic as they can cause enamel to erode.
Teeth Grinding: the Nighttime Nuisance
Do you have jaw pain or headaches when you wake up? Bruxism is a condition that causes teeth grinding at night. Stress is a common cause of this nocturnal grinding.
You can sleep better with a mouthguard that is custom-made by your dentist. Relaxation techniques and stress reduction may help to ease the grind.
**Crooked Tooth: The Misaligned Threat**
Straight teeth look better, but they also increase the chances of getting cavities and gum diseases. Clear aligners or braces are popular solutions to straighten out teeth.
Talk to an orthodontist about your options if you want to fix misaligned molars. They’ll help you choose the best option for you.
Wisdom Teeth Woes
Wisdom teeth are like distant relatives who arrive uninvited. They can sometimes fit in perfectly, or they can cause all kinds of problems by growing crooked.
The removal of wisdom teeth may be required if the teeth are causing pain or crowding. You will be advised to take x rays by your dentist before taking any action.
Remember Jane? Jane once told her tale of woe when she ignored the pain in her wisdom teeth until she couldn’t eat steak any more!
Dental problems may seem overwhelming (oops!) It is important to tackle dental issues head on. A regular dentist visit and good oral hygiene will keep those teeth happy and healthy!