Have you ever wondered what is preventing you from having a beautiful and healthy smile? There are several factors that impact one’s dental health: these include discoloration, smoking, misalignment, cavities, among others. Even though some of these factors only cause aesthetic issues, others can threaten your dental health. You can learn more about the biggest threats to your oral health and how you can keep your smile beautiful.
PLAQUE
Until plaque is removed with good oral hygiene, it can build up and cause tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque, also known as microbial biofilm, is a sticky substance that can cover every surface of your teeth, including under the gumline. Foods or drinks containing carbohydrates can trigger the formation of plaque, especially those high in sugar. The natural bacteria in your mouth, combined with the carbohydrates create plaque.
Because of the acidity in plaque, it actually eats away at tooth enamel and will destroy the healthy structure of teeth and create cavities. It’s important to get your teeth cleaned on a regular basis to prevent plaque damage. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring plaque because when it’s ignored, it can lead to more serious problems like gum disease. You’ll want to schedule a dental exam and cleaning every 6 months to remove plaque and keep your smile healthy and strong.
TEETH GRINDING
If you grind your teeth at night, you’re not alone. Approximately 8% of Americans suffer from the condition of nighttime teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. In some cases you could be among the millions of adults with this sleep disorder, and not even know it. In fact, you may be dealing with side effects like jaw pain, headaches, and tooth sensitivity without even knowing the root cause. Teeth grinding is a dangerous habit, so here’s what you need to know about it and how you can stop.
Teeth grinding during sleep or nighttime grinding is tricky to identify because it occurs when you’re completely unaware of the behavior. Since chronic clenching and grinding place so much pressure on the teeth, muscles, tissue and other structures surrounding the jaw, symptoms can be felt long after the sun rises.
The most common symptoms of bruxism include the following:
- Jaw pain/stiffness
- Sensitive or cracked teeth
- Soreness in your gumline
- Clicking within the jaw joints
- Earaches
- Chronic headaches
- Short, blunt or flat teeth surfaces
If you have been experiencing frequent jaw pain or discomfort, dull headaches, or daytime fatigue, ask your dentist to examine your teeth for signs of grinding. If left untreated, bruxism can cause chronic pain and premature wear in your teeth. Your dentist will be able to identify the extent of your bruxism with a clinical examination and can identify potential causes. Whether you need to use a mouth guard, treat underlying health problems, or align your bite, your dentist can help you get some relief.
CROOKED TEETH
In addition to aesthetic reasons, there are many important dental health benefits to fixing misaligned teeth. Common issues with misalignment like spacing, crowding, and poor bite make it difficult to keep teeth free of plaque build up. If plaque is not properly removed, it can spread and cause gum inflammation and tooth decay. If ignored, it will eventually turn into gingivitis which is the early stage of gum disease. So when deciding whether or not to straighten your teeth, it’s important to understand a crooked smile puts you at a higher risk for disease and decay.
GUM DISEASE
There are several different causes for dangerous bacteria to build in your mouth; poor brushing, smoking and a high-sugar diet. Eventually the bacteria, acids, and sugar will form plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t remove. Side affects like tender gums can quickly develop into the two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
If you are currently experiencing any of these signs/symptoms, it’s time to talk to your dentist about the treatment for gum disease:
- Persistent bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
- Loose or separating teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Tooth loss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Receding gumlines
- Multiple cavities or infections
Damage caused by gum disease isn’t just limited to your mouth, it can also have a significant affect on your overall health. Researchers have found a link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. Studies indicate individuals with gum disease are far more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular problems.
STOP THE THREATS TO YOUR ORAL HEALTH
You can stop the threats to you oral health by contacting your dentist today! By keeping your appointments every six months and receiving any treatments your dentist suggests, you can restore health and balance to your smile. Put yourself on the path to better oral health by contacting Cyprus Family Dental in Magna, UT. To schedule an appointment or find out more about our services, give us a call today at 801-250-0203 or contact us here.