The condition of your teeth and gums depends on many factors. For example, the way you brush your teeth can make your oral cavity healthier or lead to the development of some complications. Here is a list of seven oral health facts that you should know about.
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Some of them are good while others can be quite harmful. If you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene, the number of bad bacteria can increase and lead to the development of the following conditions:
Bad breath
Gum disease
Teeth discoloration
Enamel wear
Tooth decay
Tartar accumulation
Dental abscess
Gum recession
That’s why it is essential to brush and floss your teeth regularly and thoroughly.
If you have broken a big part of the tooth or the entire tooth, you need to rinse it and take it to the dentist immediately. You also need to rinse the root off the tooth and place it into milk, saline, or saliva. In some cases, a dentist can reattach the broken tooth and fix it to heal. Otherwise, you may need to restore the part of the damaged tooth with the help of a dental filling or crown.
Tooth decay also called caries or cavities, is an extremely common condition that affects people all over the world. It is second only to the common cold and can occur in both children and adults. A cavity develops when the bacteria in your mouth produce too many acids that soften and remove your tooth enamel.
Many people think that gum disease is a condition that affects only your gums. But the reality is that gum disease can lead to many health issues, since it promotes the spread of infection throughout the body. So people with gum disease are more likely to get diabetes, respiratory infections, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and heart disease.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can help strengthen your teeth and make them less prone to cavities. Moreover, proper fluoride intake can even reverse the initial stages of tooth decay. Fluoride can be found in some kinds of toothpaste, mouthwashes, as well as bottled and tap water. You can also undergo fluoride treatment at the dentist’s office.
If you want to have healthy teeth and gums, you need to pay attention to the foods and drinks you consume daily or at least regularly. If you are fond of sweet, starchy, and acidic foods and drinks, you can increase the number of bacteria in your mouth and boost your risk of various oral issues. That’s why it is better to consume more oily fish, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
There is a common misconception that you don’t need to visit a dentist unless you have some symptoms. Indeed, making a dental appointment if you experience a toothache or your gums are bleeding is essential. But you also need to visit a dentist at least twice a year for exams. There are a lot of oral issues that can develop asymptomatically and only a dentist can recognize their early signs.
It may seem that taking care of your teeth and gums is quite complicated. But you should understand that it is much easier to prevent the development of various oral issues rather than treat them and cope with their complications.