Common Dental Conditions and How to Avoid Them

Many people want to avoid dental problems but aren’t aware of how their daily habits can increase their risk for common oral issues. Little lifestyle changes can go a long way towards preventing oral health problems in the future. Below is a list of common dental problems and what you can do to avoid them.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is caused by bacteria in your mouth. If you go too long without eating or don’t keep up on your oral hygiene, you might notice that your breath has an unpleasant odor. The easiest way to prevent bad breath is to brush and floss your teeth regularly and to eat a healthy diet.

Cavities

Cavities are a result of tooth decay. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day to remove plaque is the best way to stay cavity-free. If you’d like to take your prevention a step further, use fluoride toothpaste and a fluoride mouthwash to help your teeth keep cavities at bay. Preventative dentistry techniques such as fluoride treatments can also help.

Gum Disease

Poor oral hygiene is the number-one cause of gum disease. It’s not enough to simply floss—you have to floss correctly. Pull the floss up and under your gums in a C-shape to remove any plaque that might build up underneath.

Oral Cancer

One of the most common causes of oral cancer is tobacco. Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco to greatly reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Tooth Erosion

Tooth erosion can lead to tooth sensitivity and is caused by consuming too many acidic foods as well as brushing your teeth too forcefully. Try to avoid eating too many foods that are high in acid, such as fizzy sodas and fruits, and brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush.

The staff at Willow Park Dental is able to provide any dental treatment to fix these common oral health issues. Unfortunately, it’s harder to prevent dental emergencies that seem to come out of nowhere. Dental emergencies, such as toothaches, broken or missing teeth, or excessive bleeding, can happen for a variety of unforeseen reasons. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call our office to make an appointment as soon as possible. We’re always happy to help.