Oral hygiene is not just important to you because you want to have a bright smile- it also affects your overall health. Indeed, oral disorders go beyond the mouth. Studies have shown that some oral diseases are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, for example. In this article, I will explain common oral disorders in people and the ways to avoid them.
Most of us lack the natural color in teeth. That is why teeth whitening procedures are ever in high demand. There are several ways to which teeth become discolored. Smoking and excessive drinking are some of the most common ones. Others are the failure to brush and floss teeth regularly, taking salty water and teeth discoloration due to old age. To keep your teeth in their natural white color, brush them at least twice daily, drink soft water and quit smoking.
Dental cavities or caries refers to the decay of teeth. It occurs when the hard outer part of teeth is corroded, exposing the inner, sensitive parts of the affected tooth. Corrosion of the hard outer part occurs when this outer part dissolves in the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Dental cavities lead to pain when chewing, teeth sensitivity, and inflammation of other parts of the mouth. It can be prevented by avoiding excessive consumption of sugary foods.
Periodontal disease or gum disease is more common in adults than in children and teenagers. It refers to inflammation of the gums- the part of the mouth that holds teeth in their right position. It starts as a mild infection, but if immediate medical attention is not sought, it can lead to serious problems, like loss of teeth. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque to form tartar on the teeth.
As tartar cements its grip onto the teeth, the gums are inflamed, making them appear red and swollen. This condition is commonly referred to as gingivitis and it leads to periodontitis if not treated. You should be very careful with your oral health to prevent gum disease. Remember that if you let plaque grow into tartar, you will not be able to remove it yourself- you will have to visit a dentist.
Lack of natural teeth
Tooth loss is an automatic consequence of all the afore-mentioned oral disorders. The most common way of loss of teeth is through extractions. Most people prefer tooth extraction to tooth filling whenever they have a dental cavity. When this extraction occurs after the milk teeth have been shed off, you don’t expect to have another natural tooth. You will have to get an artificial one if you must fill the gap. By preventing all the above oral disorders, you will have prevented tooth loss as well.
You will realize that most of these common problems are totally avoidable as long as you keep your teeth clean. You should also visit a dentist regularly so that any dental disorder you may have is nipped in the bud.