One of the things we have to do every day is taking care of our oral health. Not only does this ensure that our teeth remain healthy and strong, but also to keep a good presence and give a flawless impression to other people.
In today’s article, we will learn some of the most common oral health problems that Los Algodones dentists encounter on a daily basis.
Common Oral Health issues at the office
Tooth discoloration
Tooth stains and discoloration comes in many forms and from multiple sources. Although it is just a cosmetic issue, it is a reason to feel uneasy about, limiting the willingness to talk, laugh and smile.
There are different types of stains, and depending on that is where the dentist picks up to start working:
- Tooth stains on the outside. These are called extrinsic stains, and happen when pigments and components stick to the surface of our teeth. Some of the most common causes of this are through dark foods and smoking.
Usually, these are the most easy to treat by a dentist, where a short tooth whitening session will work wonders.
- Tooth stains in the inside. These are called intrinsic stains, when chemicals and pigments get to the dentin and stain it. Long exposure to dark foods as well as smoking are some of the causes why the dentin has acquired such a dark color.
For these scenarios, it is necessary to use bleaching products. These penetrate into the tooth and help cleaning the stains.
- Tooth stains related to age. And lastly, we have age-related stains. The dentin starts getting darker as we grow older, so having yellow teeth is not exactly a sign of a lack of oral habits.
Bad breath or halitosis
Also one of the most common issues that people deal with. To put it simply, it is a unpleasant smell on the mouth. Like tooth discoloration, it limits people’s willingness to interact with others.
- Bad breath can be caused by a number of things:
- Other dental problems, such as cavities and tooth decay.
- Food residues still strapped inside the mouth.
- Dry mouth and lack of hydration.
- Smoking and use of tobacco products.
- Poor oral hygiene.
Dry mouth or xerostomia
A lack of saliva production can not only feel uncomfortable, but also hits your oral health.
Saliva has many functions inside our mouths. It not only keeps our mouth moist and ready to break down food for consumption, saliva also helps at moving and neutralizing bacteria.
Through saliva we get many benefits, but one of the most important ones is also remineralization. Together with fluoride provide by your toothpaste, it makes a very sturdy line of defense against plaque.
Tooth decay and cavities
Tooth decay usually starts without our knowledge, when the bacteria is merely targeting the surface. But once it gets further in into the nerves of the teeth is when we start feeling pain.
Tooth decay and cavities are a problem as it leaves the tooth exposed. Not only are changes in temperature uncomfortable, but it can lead to a tooth abscess. In the worst of cases the tooth needs to be extracted.
Periodontitis and gum disease
You are sure to have heard gum disease or even gingivitis around. Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue and ligaments. Later stages of this disease wears down the supporting bone and tissue leading to many complications.
Gum disease usually happens due plaque and tartar forming very close to the gums. This makes the gums swell and get red, giving more space for pockets to form where food and plaque reside.
Los Algodones dentists recommend brushing your teeth with attention. A helpful tip is to turn the brush 45° against your gums, so the bristles can target these areas where buildup plaque sticks.
