5 Dental Health Problems That Affect Your Teeth

Do you have dental health problems? You might not even realize it, but your bad habits could be negatively affecting your teeth and gums! Here are five of the most common dental health problems that affect your teeth, and what you can do to treat them.

1) Cavities

If you had to guess, how many teeth do humans have? While most people are certain that we have 32 teeth, in fact, we only have 28 permanent teeth in our mouths. And these 28 come with some problems: cavities are a major dental health problem for humans. When bacteria eats away at a tooth's enamel and then attacks its inner pulp tissue and dentin, a cavity forms. If left untreated, cavities can rot out pieces of your teeth, leaving them susceptible to painful tooth abscesses. In rare cases, they can even spread throughout your jaw bones. The best way to prevent cavities is by brushing twice per day and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash after meals.

2) Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious oral health condition. It occurs when plaque (the soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day) builds up and causes irritation to gums. If it’s not treated quickly and properly, periodontal disease can cause more severe tooth decay and even tooth loss. The best way to avoid periodontal disease is by practicing good dental hygiene. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily. You should also see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

3) Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a dental health problem in which an individual’s teeth develop cavities, or holes that make them weak. Tooth decay can be detrimental to one’s health because it may cause gum disease and other dental problems. It may also pose serious risks to one’s overall well-being if left untreated. To avoid tooth decay, you should brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily and visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and checkups.

4) Bruxism

People often don’t know they grind their teeth at night, and therefore can’t stop doing it. If you wear your down to nubs or crack your wisdom teeth, you may be dealing with bruxism—also known as grinding of teeth. The best way to treat bruxism is to address its root cause, whether it be stress, medication side effects or a number of other causes. You should also visit your dentist regularly for checkups, especially if you grind or clench your teeth during sleep.

5) Tongue Biting

Everyone knows that tongue-biting is annoying, but many don’t realize how bad it can be for your dental health. Biting your tongue can cause it to bleed, lead to gingivitis and expose you to diseases. While you may think it’s not a big deal, even one incident of tongue biting can lead to more serious problems in your mouth. Make sure you always keep an eye on your tongue—and make sure it doesn’t get bitten! If you notice any damage or swelling, go see your dentist right away. And if you bite your tongue often (like some people do), try taking smaller bites or chewing food slowly. If those tips don’t work, try getting rid of distractions while eating (turn off TVs or cell phones) or try cutting out hard foods like carrots and apples that are easy to bite into. When all else fails, try wearing a guard on your teeth at night when you sleep so they can heal properly overnight.

"Health Life Dental "