Don’t ignore your dental health!

Oral health is more important than you may realise. The health of your teeth, mouth and gums can affect your overall health! This is because the mouth is an entry point to the respiratory and digestive tracts. So bacteria in the mouth may cause disease. Moreover, improper oral hygiene may lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

 If you’re a resident of Berwick Dentist and looking for a trusted dentist in Berwick, instead of searching for a ‘dentist near me’ on the internet – try visiting a local dentist who is known to work hard to keep the local community smiling! A dentist like this will positively help solve any dental issues that you may be facing and will also help you maintain proper oral hygiene.

 It’s best to visit your dentist twice a year to rule out oral health issues and dental concerns. If there are any warning signs or symptoms of dental health issues make sure you drop in at the dentist’s at the earliest! Remember, most dental problems won’t crop up if you decide to maintain proper oral hygiene.

Symptoms of dental problems

• Loosening of teeth
• Bad breath
• Receding gums
• Pain while chewing
• Swelling on the cheeks
• Broken teeth
• Swollen or bleeding gums post brushing and flossing
• Teeth sensitivity to warm and cold temperatures
• Mouth sores that don’t heal
• Mouth dries up frequently

Causes of dental problems

Nowadays, a frantic internet search for ‘dentist near me’ usually takes place only when someone faces severe dental issues. However, this shouldn’t be the case. A dentist should be visited even if there is a minor dental health issue. Don’t hesitate to seek immediate help from a dental professional if you feel your oral health is at risk. Take a look at some of the factors that contribute to dental problems:

• Poor brushing habits
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Consumption of sugary food and drinks
• Family history of dental issues
• Hormonal changes in women
• Heartburn or acid reflux

Types of dental issues

• Cavities: Cavities or tooth decay is the process of permanent damage to the tooth. They occur when bacteria, food, and acid coat the teeth and form plaque. The enamel starts eroding followed by the connective tissue beneath.

• Gingivitis or gum disease:  Inflammation in the gums occurs as a result of plaque building up on the teeth due to poor oral hygiene. Seek help from a dentist to know more about maintaining proper oral hygiene.

• Broken teeth:  A tooth can break due to an injury inside the mouth. This can be very painful!  You can opt for dental implants of various types after removing your broken teeth.

• Teeth sensitivity: People with sensitive teeth feel pain or discomfort after having warm or cold food or beverages. This can be a result of gum disease, a cracked tooth or worn out tooth fillings.

• Oral cancer: This is a very serious health issue which is a result of heavy tobacco use such as smoking or chewing tobacco. The earlier such problems get identified the better! Seek professional advice and medication to treat this issue.

Tips to protect oral health

• Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush using fluoride toothpaste
• Practice flossing regularly
• Use mouthwash after flossing to help remove leftover food particles
• Limit consumption of foods with added sugar
• Replace toothbrushes as soon as they wear out
• Schedule dental checkups during regular intervals
• Avoid the use of tobacco
• Quit smoking