Oral and dental health is one of the most important parts of your physical well-being and overall health. If you lead poor dental hygiene, you might end up experiencing gum disease and dental cavities. As per many reports, these issues are also linked to cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Maintaining healthy gums and teeth is a long-term commitment. The more you learn about the proper dental hygiene habits such as flossing, brushing, or avoiding sugar intake, the easier it will be to stay away from costly dental surgeries and health problems.
Some Facts about Oral and Dental Health
Gum diseases and dental cavities are extremely common. As per various reports, more than 60% of school children experience at least one dental cavity. Dental and gum diseases are extremely painful and unpleasant due to the dental nerves. If you trigger the nerves slightly, you will cause toothaches and the pain will be unbearable. Make sure you discuss with a doctor if you cannot bear the toothache pain.
There are multiple steps you need to remember to maintain proper oral health, says Dr. Roland Pagniano Jr. For instance, you can reduce dental problems if you manage to follow these steps;
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
- Decrease the sugar intake.
- Drinking fluoridated water.
- Flossing the teeth at least once a day.
- Seeking professional dental care.
- Avoid smoking and other tobacco products.
- Eating a well-balanced diet.
Symptoms of Oral and Dental Problems
You should not wait to make the symptoms of dental problems more severe to visit a dentist. When you go to the dentist twice a year, they will be able to catch the problem even before the beginning of the symptoms.
If you face any of these oral issues, make sure you contact the emergency dentist in Kona as soon as possible:
- Chronic bad breath
- Sores, ulcers, and tenders areas in the gum and mouth
- Receding gums
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- The clicking of the jaw
- Toothache or pain
- Extreme teeth sensitivity
- Frequent dry mouth
- Broken or cracked teeth
If you notice these symptoms accompanied by neck or facial swelling and high fever, make sure you seek emergency medical treatment as quickly as possible.
Causes of Oral and Dental Diseases
Your teeth and gum collect all types of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Some of them belong in your mouth. Most of the time, those bacteria or fungi are harmless in small quantities. However, if you eat foods that have higher sugar levels, you will develop some conditions where the acid-producing bacteria will start dominating your mouth. The acid will dissolve tooth enamel and make your teeth vulnerable to cavities. As per Healthline, tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body.
Sometimes, plaque will be accumulated on the surface of your teeth. They will harden and decrease the length of the tooth if you fail to remove the plaque daily by flossing and brushing.
On the other hand, increased inflammation can also cause gum problems. The inflammation can cause severe gum problems such as periodontitis. Here are some factors that will contribute to periodontitis:
- Smoking
- Improper brushing skills
- AIDS or HIV
- Diabetes
- Heartburn or acid reflux
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about oral and dental health, it’s time to take proper care of your teeth and gum. If you have any oral issues, make sure you contact us.