What Are The Most Common Dental Issues And How To Prevent Them?

It can be difficult to know where to start with your oral health so in this post we will outline the most common problems our patients face and the advice we give them to prevent them in the future.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by the sticky film that forms over your teeth, called plaque. The plaque contains bacteria that breaks down sugar to form acid. The acid then wears down your enamel, causing your teeth to become weaker.

To prevent tooth decay occurring you should:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean in between your teeth either using floss or an interdental brush.
• Visit your dentist regularly.
• Avoid sugary snacks.

Gum Disease

In the early stage, gum disease is called gingivitis. You will experience swollen, tender, bleeding gums. If it progresses, it develops into periodontitis which causes bone loss, leading to tooth loss. Periodontitis is irreversible. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque that release toxins, causing the gums to become inflamed.

To prevent gum disease:

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Clean in between your teeth once a day using floss or interdental brushes.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months.
• See your dentist and hygienist for regular check-ups.

Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by multiple things:

• Bacteria breaks down food particles in the mouth. The decaying food and bacteria can contribute to the bad odour. If you are not practicing good oral hygiene, by brushing and flossing, the food will remain in your mouth for longer.
• Smoking causes a bad odour and dries out your mouth, making the problem even worse.
• Saliva helps to keep your mouth clean and reduces odour. If you are suffering with dry mouth, you may notice a problem with bad breath.
• If you have gum disease, pockets can form between the teeth and the gums. Food and bacteria can collect in these pockets, causing a bad smell.
• Bad breath could also be a sign of a sinus infection and certain diseases such as diabetes and liver failure. If your bad breath does not go away after treating it yourself for a couple of weeks, it is important that you visit your dentist.

How to prevent bad breath:

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss daily.
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash daily (at a different time to brushing).
• Brush your tongue to remove any leftover food.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking water helps to wash away any food particles and prevents dry mouth.
• Clean dentures, mouth guards and retainers daily.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months.
• Visit your dentist regularly.

Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is pain or discomfort in the teeth caused by certain stimuli. For example, sensitivity to hot and cold or to pressure when eating or brushing your teeth.

Some people naturally have sensitive teeth due to having thinner enamel. It can also be caused by acid reflux which weakens the enamel. Gum recession can leave parts of the tooth exposed and unprotected which can cause sensitivity. Tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth can leave the dentine exposed which can cause localised sensitivity.

How to prevent sensitivity:

• Don’t brush straight after eating. Some foods can weaken the enamel of your teeth so leave it for an hour before you brush.
• Reduce the frequency of eating sugary snacks. If you are going to have them, try to eat them at meal times to reduce the number of acid attacks on your teeth.
• If you grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend that you wear a mouthguard at night.
• Brush your teeth twice a day. Consider trying a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.
• If the problem doesn’t resolve, visit your dentist.