It is important to make oral health a priority every day. Even doing so, it is likely you will experience dental issues at some point in life. The key is prevention, by being proactive about maintaining your mouth health so that when problems arise, they can be easily treated and won’t develop into serious medical conditions.
Common dental issues
Some common dental issues can be tough to recognize in the early stages. Here are the top three concerns and how to avoid them:- Teeth staining: Over time teeth darken and may appear yellowish or gray. This unsightly discoloration is often caused by consuming richly pigmented foods and drinks such as blueberries, red wine, coffee and tea. Smoking and the use of certain antibiotics will also stain your teeth. Other factors include aging and genetics. Although you can’t eliminate discoloration completely, the best approach is to avoid foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth, stop smoking and thoroughly clean your teeth after eating. Also, keep your routine dental appointments and professional cleanings every six months.
- Gingivitis: Symptoms of gingivitis are gum inflammation and bleeding, particularly while brushing your teeth. Left untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, a serious condition that spreads to the underlying tissue and bone.The best way to avoid developing this common dental problem is to simply clean your teeth properly, floss consistently and effectively, and see your dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleaning.
- Halitosis:Better known as bad breath, halitosis is often caused by the foods we eat but is more commonly the result of poor oral hygiene. Like gingivitis, the solution to this dental issue is to improve your teeth cleaning habits. Brush your teeth and tongue thoroughly after each meal, floss correctly and get regular dental cleanings.
