Oral Health

Oral health is just as important as the health of any other body area. A lot of dental problems and the misery and embarrassment they bring can be prevented by with daily oral hygiene habits at home and regular checks by a dentist. Dental problems can range from embarrassing to outright agonising and even life-threatening.

Tooth enamel is the white outer coating on teeth that protects them. It is one of the hardest substances in the body, but it still needs to be looked after. Problems with the enamel lead to other problems with the teeth.

Bad breath or halitosis as it is medically known, can be caused by an underlying dental issue such as gum disease, cavities and oral cancer. Regular trips to the dentist are essential to rule these out and to catch the problems before they become serious. Dry mouth and bacteria on the tongue can also cause bad breath. If the cause of bad breath isn't serious a mouthwash may be recommended or for severe cases, a prescription mouthwash. Bad breath can be the first sign that something is wrong. It can also indicate a severe underlying medical issue of a different source.

Cavities or tooth decay aren't just for children. Adults experience them too. Cavities are little holes that appear in the teeth and occur when plaque meets sugar and carbs to produce an acid that attacks the enamel. As the body ages, enamel also breaks down. Cavities can be very painful and become worse if left untreated.

Gum disease is a gum and tooth infection that can lead to tooth loss. Watch for bleeding gums. Smoking, diabetes and some medication side effects can increase the risk. Other symptoms to watch for include bad breath, red, swollen or tender gums, they don't always bleed, sensitive teeth and pain while chewing.

A dentist can spot oral cancers. If caught early, they can be treated and even cured. Watch out for sores, lumps and rough areas. Tobacco products and an infection with HPV increase the risk.

Mouth sores are one of those annoying things that aren't typically anything to worry about. There are many underlying causes. A common mouth sore is a cold sore found on the outside of the lips. These are highly contagious and babies need to be avoided as it is a herpes infection, which can be fatal to babies. Also, avoid kissing anyone or touching the sore to stop cold sores from spreading. Over-the-counter treatments are available.

When the tooth enamel wears away is called tooth erosion. Look out for yellow teeth because that is what is under the enamel. Some lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking coffee can also lead to yellow looking teeth from staining. Beneath the enamel, the tooth is porous, which can lead to tooth sensitivity as well as increased risk of cracked and broken teeth.

Prevent problems with regular trips to the dentist. The dentist can help with the very common problems as well as spotting and treating the very rare. The dentist can provide specialist advice if there are any risk factors for bad teeth involved. The dentist might be the first person to spot a serious underlying health issue.

Develop oral hygiene habits at home. Brush at least twice per day for a minimum of two minutes, followed by flossing. Mouthwash may be used. Children need to be supervised so they don't swallow the toothpaste or mouthwash. Always check the label to ensure the product can be used by children.

Use a soft-bristled brush with a fluoride toothpaste. Brush teeth in a circular motion and don't ignore the gums or tongue, which also need to be brushed to prevent infection and embarrassing bad breath. Don't brush so hard the gums recede; you'll hurt yourself and your tooth enamel. Use a length of dental floss, not sewing thread or a strand of hair that is around 18 inches long. Form it into a "C" shape and floss between each tooth right down to the gum to scrape out any trapped food or bacteria.

Reduce sugar and carb intake. Sugar and carbs provide fuel for the bacteria that lurk in mouths. Avoid foods with a high acid content such as tomatoes as these can break down tooth enamel. Once the enamel is gone, it is gone. Don't snack on anything sugar between meals or have fizzy drinks.

Various oral hygiene products are available from dentists and retail outlets including supermarkets, which often have an entire aisle dedicated to oral health, pharmacies and online outlets — select toothpaste based on taste and fluoride content. More expensive kinds of toothpaste are just as good as the cheaper ones. It is all about the toothbrush. More inexpensive brushes tend to be harder, which can scrape away enamel and the bristles fall out more quickly. Younger children will need toothpaste with lower fluoride. There are various manual and electric toothbrushes available. A dentist may recommend an electric toothbrush; these are more effective at removing plaque without damaging enamel. Some of them even have a timer to make sure brushing occurs for the correct amount of time and ones for children come in fun designs.

Dental problems can be prevented and treated if caught early. They can lead to embarrassment and missing teeth. Start children on a path to good oral hygiene habits early on to avoid a lifetime of embarrassment and misery.