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Oral health is vital for a number of reasons. Proper oral hygiene can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and even tooth loss. Poor oral health has also been linked to other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Maintaining good oral health involves brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly. Along with dentists, cosmetic dentists are providing excellent services for maintaining the shape of teeth and improving your smile. It’s also important to eat a healthy diet and avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can harm your oral health. Taking care of your oral health is an important aspect of overall health and well-being.
Here are some common oral health problems that people are facing nowadays due to poor oral hygiene.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the most common type of oral health issue that can occur at any stage of life, from childhood to old age. This occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acid that eats away at the enamel on the teeth. It can lead to cavities, which are holes in the teeth. If not treated in time, tooth decay can cause infections in the gum, roots of the tooth, and mouth, and the situation may lead to root canal surgery.
Gum Disease
Gum disease refers to the infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It is caused by bacteria in the mouth and can be triggered by poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, and certain medications. Gums can get swollen and often bleed causing intense pain.
Bad Breath
This condition is also known as halitosis. Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods, and certain medical conditions. Infections or issues in the stomach and gut can also lead to bad breath.
Oral Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cells. This is a type of cancer that can occur in the mouth, tongue, or throat. It is often caused by tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. Oral cancer is difficult to treat as the mouth and tongue become unable to perform their respective functions and even taking medications can be tough.
Dry Mouth
The condition of dry mouth is medically known as xerostomia. A dry mouth is a condition in which there is not enough saliva in the mouth as a result of which swallowing food becomes rough, and the tongue and internal lining of the mouth get injured and flaky. It can be caused by certain medications, medical conditions, and dehydration. Oral lubricants are often used to treat the condition.
Tooth Sensitivity
This occurs when the nerves inside the teeth become exposed, causing pain or discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods or beverages. A sensation of constant pain remains prevalent in the mouth, especially extreme uneasiness occurs while food intake. It can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or the wearing away of the enamel on the teeth.