As you know, strong oral health is paramount to your overall well-being; however, many residents of Montville, NJ are experiencing general dental problems that may be hindering their quality of life as explained by a family dentist in Montville, NJ. Knowing about these can help the residents take care of any problem they are experiencing with their teeth and maintain a beautiful smile throughout their lives. Down below is a list of common dental problems faced by Montville residents
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common dental problem that ranges from simple gum inflammation, called gingivitis, to serious infection which can damage soft tissues and bone supporting the teeth making periodontitis. Gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause, diabetes, and some medications. Symptoms that your gums might be infected with are red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. Good oral hygiene, not smoking, and regular dental check-ups are key to the enjoyment of a lifetime of gum disease prevention. If your gum disease is advanced, treatment options can include deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), medications, or surgery.
Tooth Sensitivity
Another common finding is tooth sensitivity which leads to pain or discomfort due to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic food or drink intake. It occurs when the dentin—that lies just below the enamel—becomes exposed, often due to receding gums, worn tooth enamel, or cavities. This can be done by using desensitizing toothpaste, avoiding aggressive scrubbing of teeth, choosing a soft-bristled brush, and visiting your dentist regularly. For more extreme cases of discomfort, there are professional treatments like fluoride applications and dental bonding to help combat sensitivity.
Halitosis
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath, a widespread and embarrassing dental issue that occurs when bacteria are present in the mouth in plentiful amounts. Various factors can cause halitosis, including poor oral hygiene, periodontal (gum) disease, dry mouth (xerostomia), tobacco use, consumption of pungent foods or beverages, or an underlying condition like a sinus infection or diabetes.
Practicing good oral hygiene such as regular brushing and flossing, cleaning the tongue, hydration, and avoiding tobacco products. In addition to the above, one must go for regular dental check-ups to have an underlying cause (leading to bad breath) detected and treated.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a major dental health problem and it can be found in any part of the mouth like lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Oral cancer has risks such as tobacco use, overuse of alcohol, HPV infection, sun exposure to lips, and family history of cancer. Common symptoms of oral cancer include non-healing sores in your mouth, lumps or thickening of the mouth, red or white patches, problems with chewing, swallowing, and moving the tongue or jaw, and a sore throat that does not go away. Preventative methods consist of staying away from tobacco and minimizing alcohol use, shielding the lips from extreme sunlight
Tooth erosion
Eating acidic foods and drinks regularly, acid reflux disease and eating disorders such as bulimia can all lead to tooth erosion. These include sensitivity, discoloration, round teeth, and transparent or thin enamel. Preventative measures include restricting acidic foods and drinks, washing your mouth with water after eating acidic substances, sipping through a straw to reduce contact with teeth, and utilizing fluoride toothpaste and treatments. You should also get checked by the dentist regularly to keep an eye on tooth erosion.
To summarize, oral health is an important aspect of our overall well-being and common dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, sensitivity, bad breath, oral cancer, and erosion may affect it to a great extent.
