Everyone loves to spread joy, and a genuine smile has a positive impact on those around you. But if you don’t have the confidence to flash your pearly whites, it can be difficult to express your happiness.
This is just one of the many reasons to prioritize oral health. If you aren’t taking proper care of your teeth, there is a good chance that they will fall out when you get older. While there are a plethora of solutions to lost teeth, holding onto your natural chompers is what’s best. Good dental care will save you time, hassle, and money in the long-run.
Six Dental Problems and How to Avoid Them
- Bad Breath: Many people suffer from this condition, which is sometimes called halitosis. To combat this, make sure you’re visiting your dentist every 6 months, flossing your teeth daily, and brushing twice a day. And don’t forget to brush your tongue! Odor-causing bacteria tend to collect here. Keep in mind, bad breath goes hand in hand with dry mouth, so make sure you’re also staying hydrated throughout the day. If you are still experiencing bad breath after keeping up with these rules, let your dentist know.
- Gum Disease: Periodontal, or gum disease, is very common. According to the Academy of Periodontology, half of US adults suffer from the condition. Gum disease is the main cause of lost teeth, because it loosens the seal between your teeth and gums. The easiest way to prevent gum disease is to floss daily, brush twice a day, and visit your dentist twice a year. If you catch gum disease in its early stages, it’s very easy to reverse.
- Crooked Teeth: A misaligned bite isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It can affect the way you speak and eat. Plus, it can cause your teeth to wear unevenly. Fortunately, there are many ways to correct your smile, including metal braces and Invisalign.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities are another very common problem. Fortunately, it’s very easy to avoid. Just keep your teeth clean! That means brushing twice daily. You should also avoid sugary and high carbohydrate foods, because these feed the bacteria in your mouth, giving off an acid that eats away at your teeth. If you do eat a sugary or high-carb meal, it’s a good idea to add an extra brushing. Just be sure to wait 30 minutes so that the PH balance in your mouth has time to settle down. It’s also important to floss every day to remove plaque from under your gumline. If you do get a cavity, it can be easily corrected at the dentist office, but your dentist can only catch them if you keep your twice yearly appointments!
- Oral Cancer: The American Cancer Association estimates that by the end of 2018, 51,540 people will get oral cancer, and that the disease will kill 10,030. The best way to prevent this is to avoid smoking and drinking. You should also be sure to get your Gardasil vaccination. This is currently only offered to females, but a male vaccination is in the works.
The main takeaway from avoiding oral problems is to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist twice a year. These three things will take you so far toward avoiding these issues.