Smiling is the sweetest form of expressing happiness. Most people find their teeth appearance affects smile. How you look depends on your teeth condition and this can cause oral health problems if not treated on time. As a result, you will get self conscious on how your smile appears and this will lower the self esteem too. With the help of proper treatment and practicing good oral hygiene will regain your gorgeous smile.
Oral health issues you can commonly find
There are several common oral health issues that people may experience at some point in their lives. Here are some of the most common oral health issues:
Cavities
Cavities, also known as tooth decay, occur when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that damage the tooth enamel. Symptoms include tooth pain, sensitivity, and visible holes in the teeth.
Gum disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the gums. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, as well as bad breath and tooth loss.
Tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common condition where the teeth become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods, or even just brushing. It can be caused by thinning tooth enamel, receding gums, or tooth decay.
Bad breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is often caused by poor oral hygiene or gum disease. Other causes include dry mouth, smoking, and certain medical conditions.
Oral cancer
Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and throat. Symptoms include mouth sores, persistent mouth pain, and difficulty swallowing or speaking.
Toothaches
Toothaches are a common dental problem caused by a variety of factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, a cracked tooth, or an abscessed tooth.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth is a condition where there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. It can be caused by certain medications, medical conditions, or simply aging. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, a dry or sticky feeling in the mouth, and bad breath.
Tooth grinding
Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition where a person unconsciously grinds or clenches their teeth, often while sleeping. It can cause tooth damage, jaw pain, and headaches.
The following dental hygiene tips can help you look your best keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Brush your teeth gently twice every day
Brushing your teeth before going to bed at night and any other time in the day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaques on the teeth. Plaques are thin bacteria films that accumulate on the teeth and cause tooth decay.
Clean between your teeth
Leftover food and bacteria between your teeth can increase your risk of tooth decay because the bacteria in plaque feed on leftovers. Starches and sugar can also react with bacteria to produce acid, which causes cavities and decay.
Spit after brushing
After brushing your teeth, spit, but don’t rinse. Rinsing your mouth removes fluoride from toothpaste, and fluoride on the teeth is necessary to protect your teeth from acid attacks and remineralise the teeth.
Avoid rinsing your mouth with mouthwash immediately after brushing
Rinsing your mouth using a mouthwash after brushing your teeth has the same effect as rinsing your mouth with water. You can use mouthwash but not immediately after brushing.
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Reduce sugary foods
Many foods contain sugar, so cutting off sugar from your diet may be difficult. However, you can limit your sugar intake to minimise acid attacks on the teeth. Opt for regular meals instead of snacking, but if you must eat a snack, eat them during meal times and drink a glass of water afterwards.
Avoid fizzy and sugar drinks
Avoiding fizzy and sugary drinks may not be easy, but these drinks contain a lot of sugar which damages your enamel and compromises your oral health. Sugar in fizzy drinks encourages the breeding of bacteria in your mouth.
Visit your dentist often
The recommendation for dental visits is at least once in 12 months. This may be sufficient if you take proper care of your teeth, but if you notice plaque build-up on your teeth, you may have to schedule another appointment.
Accumulation of plaque leads to tartar which forms on the gum line. If left untreated, tartar may lead to bleeding and swollen gums.
Keep brushing if you have bleeding gums
If you notice your gums bleeding, you may have an infection resulting from accumulated plaque that has hardened over time. Ensure you keep brushing the bleeding area to remove plaques but if the bleeding persists for several days, consult your dentist.
Change your toothbrush
When your toothbrush wears off, its effectiveness reduces and may lead to plaque build-up on your teeth. Plaques have a detrimental effect on your oral health, such as bad breath and decay.
Opt for an electric toothbrush
Different studies show that electric toothbrushes can clean the teeth better than manual toothbrushes. Using an electric toothbrush can remove plaques on your teeth and prevent tartar, leading to gum and teeth issues.
For other tips on caring for your teeth, you can contact London braces on 020 3745 7520 or call to schedule an appointment with our dental hygienist for your oral health.
