admin - February 16, 2016
Your mouth is sensitive and can easily deteriorate. You need to practise good oral hygiene as a part of routine. Once your mouth is affected it takes too much of time and money to heal. Here is a list of 8 problems that you should be aware of.
1. Cold Sores
Cold sores are also known as fever blisters. It is not developed from fevers or colds but they can trigger it. The virus which causes cold sores is passed usually by sharing utensils, or any other close contact. Cold sores are a top mouth problem. Ointments available over-the-counter may help in healing.
2. Thrush
Thrush is caused by candida yeast and is more commonly seen in babies or older people. Weakened immune system, diabetes, antibiotics, or certain medications can promote the growth of candida. Wiping away the patches on your own will cause soreness. Consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
3. Black Hairy Tongue
Black hairy tongue is a painless condition which occurs when the little bumps on your tongue grow and trap bacteria. This makes the tongue look black. Use of antibiotics, poor oral hygiene, drinking too much caffeine, smoking etc can lead to this. Using a tongue scraper and brushing the tongue is all that is needed to treat it. In case of worse condition, certain medications are necessary.
4. Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia occurs due to badly fitting dentures, rough teeth, smoking, and consuming tobacco. It is usually painless and can show up as plaque or white patches in the mouth. Leukoplakia can also be a precancerous condition and cannot be scrapped off. Consult a dentist in case of constant patches or other changes in your mouth.
5. Gum Disease
Gum disease occur due to unhygienic oral practices. Over the time bacteria in plaque accumulate along the gum line and leads to gingivitis. It is the first stage of gum disease. Red and bleeding gums are the symptoms of gum disease. Poor diet, smoking and stress can make the condition worse. Good oral hygiene will help in preventing periodontal disease.
6. Chipped Teeth
Munching on ice, clenching or grinding teeth, exposing teeth to extreme heat and cold can lead to chips and cracks in your teeth. Small chips and cracks are not bothersome but anything beyond that could lead to soreness or permanent tooth damage. To fix such badly damaged teeth, your dentist can offer tooth contouring, dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and crowns.
7. Bad Breath
Special attention should be given to bad breath as it can embarrass you in public. When teeth are not brushed, food particles remain within them that promote the growth of bacteria and cause bad breath. Constant bad breath in your mouth arises due to various reasons. Dry mouth, continuous breathing through your mouth, tooth decay, gum disease can all lead to bad breath. You can fight bad breath by regularly brushing your teeth and tongue, avoiding food triggers and drinking plenty of water.
8. Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the next stage of gum disease. Increased inflammation causes the gums to recede, and forms pockets between the gums and the teeth. These pockets trap plaque, tartar, and food debris which eventually makes way for infection and abscesses. Advanced gum disease damages the bone that supports teeth. Consult your dentist to treat receding gums as it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
