Tooth decay can cause a lot of trouble if not treated quickly but it can be difficult to spot without a dental examination. You may not notice any symptoms until decay has significantly affected you.
Almost everyone knows what a cavity is, but what causes tooth decay? Continue reading to learn more about tooth decay, its stages of development, and the possible treatments available.
WHAT IS TOOTH DECAY?
Tooth decay (or a cavity) is damage to your tooth’s surface, causing tiny holes or openings to develop. They can happen for several reasons, but poor oral hygiene is prominent in the development of cavities.
Tooth decay is one of the world’s most common health problems and is prominent in children and older adults. Cavities may seem insignificant at first, but the longer they go untreated, the worse they become.
They grow in size and severity with time, affecting the inner layers of your tooth. This can lead to severe toothache, infection, or tooth loss, and it’s important to watch for the symptoms of tooth decay.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay
With minor cavities, you may not experience any symptoms at all, but severe tooth decay can cause significant pain and discomfort. Common symptoms include:
Toothache
Pain while eating or drinking something hot or cold
Pain when you bite down
Visible holes in your teeth
Tooth sensitivity
Because tooth decay may not be immediately noticeable, regular dental visits (even if you feel fine) can catch any initial development. Also, daily brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay. Understanding tooth decay is important to protect your teeth, so what exactly causes it?
WHAT CAUSES TOOTH DECAY?
Tooth decay is caused by the formation of plaque on your teeth and typically develops in 5 stages:
Initial Plaque Formation
Plaque is a clear film coating your teeth after eating sugars, starches, and not brushing effectively. Sugar is present in many common foods and drinks you consume each day, including:
Baked goods
Soda
Fruit canned in syrup
Sweets & chocolate
Sugary cereals & bars
Jam
When sugars and scratches sit on your teeth, bacteria feed on them, creating plaque. This can appear as white areas on the tooth where plaque is developing.
Plaque can harden near the gum line and develop into tartar if it stays on your teeth for too long. A build-up of tartar makes plaque harder to remove and protects bacteria.
Enamel Decay
Eventually, plaque will begin to break the enamel, one of the layers of your tooth. Your tooth’s surface may break with persistent tooth decay if your body cannot naturally restore its enamel. This creates a cavity needing to be filled by your dentist.
Dentinal Decay
The more tooth decay persists, the deeper into your tooth bacteria can travel. Dentin is what sits between the enamel and pulp, and it makes up most of your tooth. Dentin is softer than enamel, so tooth decay can quickly affect it.
Pulp Damage
The centre of your tooth, the pulp, holds tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. Once tooth decay has reached the pulp, bacteria can cause a formation of pus within the tooth. This stage of decay is severe, and if not treated, can lead to the loss of your tooth.
Abscess
If an abscess develops within your tooth, there are several symptoms you will notice, including:
Severe toothache
Fever
Tender & swollen lymph nodes under your jaw
Tooth sensitivity
Facial swelling
An abscess requires medical attention as soon as possible. The infection present within your tooth can affect other areas of your body, and this can be a serious health concern.
Before you possibly develop an abscess, visit your dentist if you’re suffering from tooth decay and they can provide you with effective treatment.
TOOTH DECAY TREATMENTS
If you’re suffering from tooth decay, your dentist has several treatments they can provide you with. The type of treatment depends on the stage of tooth decay you’re experiencing, and what will most effectively help you. Possible treatments include:
Fluoride Treatments
In the initial stages of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend fluoride. This may help restore your tooth’s enamel and is more potent than the fluoride used in toothpaste and mouth rinses. It can come in liquid, gel, foam, or varnish form.
Fillings
Dentists use filling when tooth decay progresses past the initial stages. They are artificial substances used to fill in the holes within your enamel caused by tooth decay. There are various materials used for fillings.
Crowns
Crowns are custom-fitted coverings to replace the entirety of your tooth’s natural crown. They are used when your tooth is weakened or has suffered from severe decay. Your dentist will drill away any decayed areas and enough material to ensure a snug fit for your new crown.
Root Canals
If tooth decay has reached your tooth’s pulp, you may need a root canal. Your dentist repairs your infected tooth by removing the diseased pulp and then replacing it with a filling.
Tooth Extractions
If teeth are beyond repair, extraction is the best option. You can receive a bridge or implant as an alternative after your tooth’s removal.
While there are many treatments for tooth decay, prevention is your best method of dealing with cavities. Brush and floss your teeth daily while maintaining regular visits with your dentist.
DEAL WITH TOOTH DECAY AT ITS SOURCE
While daily brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay, regular visits with your dentist are essential to maintaining your oral health. Dental exams can catch any decay in its initial stages, and your dental team can effectively treat your cavity. If you have any symptoms of tooth decay or need a regular exam, book an appointment with your dentist.
A bad tooth may be from an abscess, a cavity, a fracture, chip, or several different reasons. One thing is the same, however. A bad tooth can cause a lot of problems relating to your oral health and your health in general. If you suspect that you have a bad tooth, you should consult with a dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’re not only putting your teeth in jeopardy. You’re putting your entire health at risk. So how do you know if you should see a dentist about a tooth problem? Here are five telltale signs that you have a bad tooth.
1. You Have Chronic Halitosis
A rotting tooth commonly causes the smell of rotten breath. It’s possible to have a severe cavity in one of your teeth without being able to see or feel it. But if you seem to have chronic bad breath even though you brush and floss regularly, it’s likely that you have a bad tooth somewhere. A dentist should be able to locate and treat it for you.
2. You Have Severe Pain
A tooth that gives you pain is likely in very bad shape. Your teeth should never hurt. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, then the nerve endings on that tooth are either exposed or being inflamed by some oral health condition. You can usually get temporary relief with an over-the-counter medication. But for long term treatment, consult a dental professional.
3. The Tooth is Loose
If you have a permanent tooth that is loose, that’s not normal. Your permanent teeth should all be firmly rooted in place. If one or more of your permanent teeth is loose, it’s a strong indicator that the tooth is bad and needs to be checked out by a professional.
4. The Tooth is Discolored
It’s common for teeth to get a little discolored from foods you eat or beverages you drink. But stained teeth and discolored bad teeth look different. First, bad teeth discoloration won’t respond to teeth whitening products or heavy brushing. If your tooth is starting to look gray, brown or black, it’s a bad tooth that needs to be treated immediately.
5. The Tooth Has a Pit or Hole in It
If you can visibly see a pit or a hole in a tooth, or even feel it with your tongue, you probably have a bad tooth that needs to be looked at by a dental professional. Pits or holes are called cavities. Left untreated, they can lead to severe periodontal conditions that only get worse the longer you put it off.
6. You Have Pain When Biting Down
If an area of your teeth gives you pain when you bite down, there’s a bad tooth in there somewhere. The pain may be from an exposed nerve, a chip in the tooth or a jagged edge. Whatever it is, it needs to be remedied as soon as possible.
Whenever you suspect that you have a bad tooth, make sure you consult with your dentist. Otherwise, the condition may spread to adjacent teeth, causing even more problems down the line.
Understandably, no one wants to see a dentist unless they really have to. But while you would clearly schedule a visit if you’re in pain, what if you have a toothache that comes and goes? Or one that flares up for only a day or two and then goes away entirely? It may be tempting to chalk this up to good luck and consider the problem solved. But, in this blog, you’ll find out why a “disappearing toothache” could actually be a serious problem and why seeing an emergency dentist is still essential. Keep reading below to learn more!
Why Would a Toothache Go Away?
Some toothaches have ongoing symptoms that don’t go away until they’re treated. Other toothaches are more “random” and may only flare up for a short time. Here are some possible reasons for toothaches that seems to go away on their own:
Mild toothaches – In some cases, tooth pain is caused by gum recession, where the gums pull back and expose the sensitive root of the tooth. This is usually fairly mild and may even improve over time on its own. Another potential cause for pain that comes and goes is a small cavity that’s only starting to be symptomatic.
Moderate to severe toothaches – If you have moderate or severe pain, it’s usually a sign that the nerve of your tooth is badly inflamed or infected. This can occur from a cavity or some type of trauma to the tooth. If this type of toothache goes away, it’s typically because the nerve of the tooth has “died” or been destroyed by the infection, which is why the pain goes away. But the infection is still there and can lead to serious problems if it isn’t treated.
The Importance of Seeing a Dentist, Even If a Toothache Goes Away
If the nerve of a tooth has died, but an infection is still there, the infection will continue spreading and destroy the bone that surrounds the root. This may make an extraction necessary, along with additional treatment to replace the missing tooth such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. Even worse, it can spread to other areas of the body such as the brain and become dangerous or even fatal.
Simply put, any type of tooth pain is an indication that something is wrong. To determine if the problem is minor or serious, you must see an emergency dentist for an evaluation, diagnosis, and possible treatment. Although the pain may have subsided, you’re always better off safe than sorry, especially with the potential consequences of not getting treatment!
Toothaches can range from dull and constant to sharp and throbbing. Many people complain about tooth pain while eating or right before going to bed, but a toothache can happen any time, any place. Most of the time, people don’t know why they’re tooth is hurting or where exactly the pain is coming from. Understanding the type of pain you’re experiencing is one of the first steps in determining what’s causing the pain.
The best way to know what’s causing your toothache is to visit with your family dentist. X-rays and a thorough examination will help her decide on the proper treatment to relieve your pain.
Here are the four most common types of toothaches and what they mean:
1. Dull, Persistent Ache
This is the most common type of toothache pain. Though it can seem scary, the cause can be something as simple as having food stuck in your teeth. The following issues may be the source of this type of tooth pain:
Something lodged between your teeth
Something stuck in your gums
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
An abscessed tooth
Flossing and rinsing your mouth can remove food that has lodged itself in your teeth or gums. If the issue is bruxism, talk to your dentist about a mouthguard and other treatment options. An abscessed tooth needs to be addressed immediately.
2. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Dental sensitivity is common, but it can be a serious issue. Pay attention to what triggers the toothache and how long the pain lasts. If the pain is minor and fleeting, you most likely have worn down enamel. Try using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoid extremely hot or cold foods for a week to see if the issue subsides.
If your pain is severe and lasts for more than thirty seconds, the cause is likely much more serious. Tooth decay, fractures, exposed roots, worn fillings, and gum disease can lead to more painful sensitivity. Call your dentist to schedule an appointment today.
3. Sharp Pain
In nearly every circumstance, sharp or jabbing pain requires a visit to the dentist. This type of toothache usually indicates that a filling is loose or a crown has fallen off. If you don’t have a filling or crown, the pain could be due to a fracture, decay, or wear. The enamel of a tooth may have cracked, or you may have a cavity.
Whatever is causing your pain, your dentist should be able to identify the problem and relieve the pain quickly.
4. Severe, Throbbing Pain
Anytime a toothache is distracting or unbearable, you should contact an emergency dentist immediately. If she doesn’t think the problem needs urgent attention, she will schedule an appointment for another day and give you instructions on how to deal with the pain now.
If you are experiencing other symptoms like discolored gums, bleeding gums, or a weird taste in your mouth, she will most likely have you to go to the office for emergency care.
Other Types of Toothaches
If none of these types of tooth pain are what you’re experiencing, contact your dentist anyway. Describe the pain as best you can, and she will provide specific instructions on how to relieve the pain.
Regardless of the cause of your tooth pain, our family dentist is confident that she can find the issue and effectively treat it.
Cavities have long been the most common concern for healthy, natural teeth, and most people recognize what they are. The good news is that preventing cavities from forming is a lot more successful than it used to be, thanks to advanced dental care and dental hygiene practices. However, they still remain common for many people, and treating them may be an important part of your dental care at some point. At our Grand Prairie, TX, dental office, we can help you improve your chances of avoiding cavities with regular preventive care, as well as treat any cavities that develop quickly and naturally with a tooth-colored filling.
THEY CAN DEVELOP NATURALLY
There are a lot of things that can raise your risks of developing a cavity, but the root cause of a cavity is a condition known as tooth decay. This is an infection that begins when oral bacteria infect your tooth structure, which is made possible when tooth enamel becomes weak and compromised. The fact that cavities develop naturally from oral bacteria is one of the most important reasons why they’re so common. The same bacteria that cause them also make up a significant part of the plaque that develops on your teeth every day. All it takes is to let plaque calcify into tartar and remain your teeth long enough, and a cavity will develop on its own.
THE EARLIEST SIGNS CAN GO UNNOTICED
As a hole in your tooth structure, a cavity is a more serious condition than you might realize at first. If allowed to grow severe, the cavity will affect a majority of your tooth structure, and the underlying tooth decay can infect the tissues and structures at the center of your tooth. However, before this occurs, the early stages of a cavity will exhibit a few warning signs. Slight tooth sensitivity, barely noticeable discoloration in your tooth, and more might be easy to miss on your own, which is why sticking to a schedule of checkups and cleanings is especially important to preventing cavities or treating them as early as possible.
THEY CAN DEVELOP MULTIPLE TIMES
Once you or your dentist notices the signs of a cavity, you can have it treated to stop it from becoming more severe and restore the healthy, natural tooth structure that remains. This can save your tooth and restore your smile with optimal results, but it doesn’t mean that smile is now safe from cavities forever. Oral bacteria will always be a part of your oral health, and so will the risks they pose. Even after treating your cavity, maintaining excellent hygiene and preventive dental practices will be important to ensuring your smile remains cavity-free in the future.
Take care of your teeth, while you still have them. Or, alternatively, if you want to have them forever.
Strengthening your teeth can be achieved by proper oral hygiene, abolishing some bad habits, and eating healthier foods. See how I avoided using the word “diet”. I know everyone hates it, but any positive physiological change (and often mental) begins with the intake of vitamin and mineral rich foods.
10 Ways to Make Your Teeth Strong
Limit the intake of sugar (any kind, not just artificial);
Eat calcium-rich foods;
Stay away from acidic foods;
Floss twice a day, every day;
Do not over-brush your teeth;
Fluorite rich toothpaste is good;
Make sure your mouth is not dry;
Stop clenching your teeth;
Don’t use your teeth as can openers and such;
Stop smoking;
Chew xylitol gum;
Regular dental checkups (if affordable)!
I suggest you remember the bullet points but bookmark this article because all the knowledge will be dropped below.
To understand teeth strengthening, it is important to know the role of enamel.
Enamel is a substance that covers the outer layer of every tooth in your mouth. It is made out of super hard matter. In fact, the enamel is the hardest and most mineralized substance that scientists have found in our bodies.
Enamel is extremely important because it protects your teeth from erosion. It is the strongest barrier between bacteria and the inner layers of teeth. Therefore, taking care of your enamel will inevitably strengthen your teeth.
Mind What You Eat
You do not have to go on an all food restricting diet to have healthy and strong teeth. But, you do need to be careful what you eat, and how much of what you eat.
Sugary foods – all oral bacteria feed on the sugar that you consume through foods and drinks. This includes artificial sweeteners and non-artificial (fructose) sugars.
Once the bacteria has had enough to eat, it begins to form acids in your mouth. These freshly formed acids then begin to soften and wear down your enamel. Chewy candies and soft drinks are particularly hazardous to your enamel.
Most acidic foods to be avoided:
Sugar
Ice Cream
Trans-Fats
Coffee
Carbonated Water (Yeah!)
So, if no more candy and sugary drinks, then what?
Calcium has the ability to counter the acids in your mouth. Milk, cheese, and various other dairy products are usually associated with a positive effect on the bones. However, they are also an excellent choice to slow down tooth decay.
Not a fan of dairy? Here is a list of 7 foods that will better fit your diet.
Floss Regularly
Brushing is good, but flossing necessary. If you cannot do it every day, make sure you floss every 2-3 days at the very least. Especially if you are not using a fluoride-rich toothpaste.
Brush Regularly, But Not Too Regularly
Sounds crazy, I know. Over-brushing your teeth can cause the destruction of enamel as well. It can also irritate your gums and cause a variety of other mouth related diseases.
Fluoride For the Win
Often referred to as nature’s cavity fighter, fluoride has been recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) as essential for enamel strengthening. In this order of things, the ADA has approved the use of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth shows up.
Gum Disease
Statistically speaking, gum disease is responsible for the loss of more teeth than tooth decay itself. Gingivitis, for example, can cause the gums to redden, swell and bleed. Bleeding gums open the gates of hell and bacteria begins to settle in. This inevitably leads to tooth decay and often a loss of teeth.
Make sure you consume foods high in vitamin C. If not, take supplements.
Watch Out for Eating Disorders and Heartburn
Acids are not only formed inside your mouth.
Severe heartburn or stomach related disorders can help acids escape and reach your mouth and begin to destroy the enamel. Bulimia, or any other similar disorder that cause vomiting, can also attribute to acids reaching your mouth.
Stop Making Those Teeth Grinding Faces
Clenching your teeth is not just unattractive, but it also leads to attrition. Teeth-to-teeth contact wears down the dentin and makes it exposed to all elements (food, cold, hot, etc…). This causes tooth sensitivity.
Stop Biting and Chewing Stuff
Unless it is delicious food meant to go down your tummy, stop chewing it.
Pens, books, nails, coffee cup lids, and other objects that are not food related can abrade your enamel over time. The biting surfaces of the teeth will eventually wear down and result in loss of enamel.
Quit Smoking
This is probably not the place to lecture you about this particular self-destructive habit.
Smoking does not only make your teeth look yellow or give you life-shatteringly bad breath that can take down epic dragons and monsters from loving childhood books. Smoking makes you breathe through your mouth, slows down the reproduction of saliva and opens the gates of hell for bacteria to join the party.
I am not even going to talk about the possibility of cancer. Just stop smoking, please.
Either way, now we’re having a really bad tooth pain and we want to get rid of it as soon as possible. We ask our friends and family for tips and advices and the suggestion of a root canal comes up often.
But do YOU really need it? How do you know it’s the correct procedure for you?
The short answer is: You can’t know until a dentist evaluates you.
But how does the dentist know that you need a root canal?
The usual reasons for a root canal are the following:In short, any damage to the tooth’s pulp can be reason to need a root canal. But since you need to see the inside of your tooth to know if there’s pulp damage, it’s advised to visit your dentist and have an X-Ray of the affected area to determine what’s causing your pain and how it can be solved.
A cavity has reached the tooth’s pulp. Cavities are made by, putting it simply, tooth-eating bacteria. They chomp their way down to the tooth’s pulp, and they’re starting to infect the area. A root canal will be needed to remove the tooth’s nerve and stop the pain.
A cavity is about to reach the tooth’s pulp. Sometimes you don’t feel pain, but you’re sensitive. The good news is that you don’t have an infection because the cavity hasn’t completely reached the nerve, but it’s close enough to cause sensitivity and filling the cavity might cause more harm than good in terms of pain. The dentist has to take into account the extent and depth of the cavity, and might consider that it’s better for you to have a root canal done rather than risking more sensitivity and ending up needing a root canal later once the pain worsens.
A deep crack or chip in the tooth. Cracks and chips can be caused by external forces like biting hard candy or having an accident with a football. If these injuries go deep enough into the teeth’s pulp, they might cause pain and become a reason to do a root canal.
Does a Root Canal hurt?
During the procedure you will be under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the treatment. Maybe, once the procedure is over and the anesthesia wears out, there will be some pain that can be calmed with painkillers. Your dentist will give you a prescription if necessary.
How long does a Root Canal take? How many appointments will I need?
This depends on the amount of roots that your tooth has. Anterior or frontal teeth have only one root, and the procedure takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour. Posterior or molar teeth have two or three roots, so the procedure takes between one and one and half hour
Most root canals take only one appointment to be done. If the tooth is infected, your dentist will place medication inside your tooth to deal with the infection and ask you to return one or two weeks later to finish the treatment. In some cases where the infection is too strong, your dentist will use the second appointment to renew the medication inside your tooth and ask you to return for a third and hopefully final appointment.
Do I have to use antibiotics after a Root Canal?
It’s not always necessary to take antibiotics, only in the case that the treated tooth is infected.
For how long will it hurt after the Root Canal?
There might not be any pain after the treatment, or there might be pain for 4 to 5 days after the treatment. Painkillers will help to relieve it.
Can I drive and/or work after a Root Canal?
Yes, you can. Only the left or right side of your mouth will be numb, depending on the treated tooth's location. If you're getting two or more teeth done in a single appointment and they're in opposite sides of your mouth, then your dentist will have to numb your whole mouth. This will not affect your motor skills or your mental efficiency, the sensation (or lack thereof) might be a bit distracting, but you'll be perfectly fine. The numbness will go away in 30 minutes to one hour.
Keeping your teeth bright and white is the best way to bring out your smile. While professional teeth whitening treatments are a great way to keep your teeth looking their best, preventative care is always preferred. Here are five easy ways to prevent yellow teeth in your day-to-day life.
1. Drink water
You may be wondering why you need to be reminded about how important it is to drink water. There’s no doubt that water improves your overall health, but let’s discuss why it’s so important for your oral health and hygiene.
Sipping water in between bites of food, and drinking a glass after each meal, rinses out your mouth and helps get rid of bits of food that stick around, until you get a chance to brush them again before bed. Drinking fluoridated water is even more beneficial as fluoride protects your teeth against tooth decay and yellow staining.
Water is preferred over any other drink, as it’s the only drink that doesn’t have some type of negative effect on your teeth. Acidic drinks, such as soft drinks, energy drinks and alcohol have high levels of sugar and acid, which can soften the tooth enamel and make the teeth more prone to stains.
2. Cut down on coffees and black tea
As much of a staple coffee and tea are every day, these drinks are both culprits for stained, yellow teeth. Dark pigments in coffee, called chromogens, stick to the tooth enamel surface and can cause the teeth to darken over time. Black tea is also known to have this staining effect.
Cutting down your twice-daily, or even three-times-daily coffees will make a big difference. However, if you’re not too keen on cutting down, there are some simple ways to reduce the risks of both drinks causing stained teeth.
One way is to sip water after you’re done with either drink. Similar to my first dot point, this rinses your mouth out a little, until it’s time to brush your teeth again before bed.
Another way is to add milk to your tea or coffee. This dilutes the beverages and reduces the risks of the dark pigments causing stains. Plus, milk is a great source of calcium which strengthens your teeth!
3. Have a proper cleaning routine
A proper oral hygiene routine is paramount to achieving beautiful pearly whites. Dentists recommend you brush your teeth twice daily, for at least two minutes each brush. It is also recommended you use fluoride toothpaste and mouth wash once a day. Flossing is an important part of the routine that some people tend to neglect. It helps reach parts of the teeth that the brush cannot – and getting rid of those little bits of food will give you an overall, whiter smile.
4. Quit smoking
One of the many effects of smoking is staining your teeth. This is caused by the tar and nicotine in cigarettes that can make your teeth yellow in a short period of time, and even brown over a longer period of time.
Smoking can also cause oral health problems far worse than yellow teeth, including gum disease and oral cancer.
5. Visit the dentist regularly
It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months for a regular check-up, however you should visit more often if you begin to notice any concerns. Dentists are able to detect any early signs of teeth or gum problems, and can give you advice on how to best maintain your oral health and hygiene to prevent yellow teeth.
Even if you have a great twice-daily teeth cleaning routine in place, a professional teeth clean is also a great addition to your regular dental check-ups. A professional clean will remove the build-up of plaque on your teeth that your regular daily routines may not be reaching, leaving your them freshly polished.
Is it ever too late to start flossing? The good news is that it is never too late to start flossing whatever is your age. Keeping your teeth in top condition is crucial to your dental health and hygiene. Flossing is one way you can achieve the best state for your teeth. It will keep your mouth clean and give you good breath.
Know that brushing is not enough to achieve good dental hygiene; you need to floss regularly. While you can get your teeth flooded at a dental clinic, you can learn to floss at home and get it done with a couple of minutes.
Flossing removes food particles and plaque build-up between the teeth. It is common knowledge that food residue usually get stuck in-between teeth and become the breeding ground for bacteria that cause bad breath. The best way to remove the stuck food residue and plaque is flossing. And it is not too late to start flossing even if you have not done it for a long time. The plaque should be removed regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum issues, and flossing is the best way to go.
If you have not been flossing, your gums are likely to bleed when you start. However, it will stop after a few days; if it does not stop, visit a dental clinic for an examination and treatment. Regardless, if you have never flossed before, you should start now.
Benefits of Flossing
Flossing offers several benefits to your teeth and gums and overall health.
Be Healthier
Flossing protects the gum from gum diseases and decay. Besides, there are links between gum diseases and diabetes, lung infections, and heart conditions. Therefore, flossing helps to get rid of one of the health risk factors.
Good Breath
Flossing will improve your breath, and it will smell better. If your breath is terrible, start flossing today.
Better Look
If you have gum disease, it will cause bleeding and may result in a tooth loss. While a lost tooth is not attractive to look at, it is also expensive to replace.
Fewer Dental Clinic Visits
Flossing helps to prevent plaque build-up that causes gum diseases and tooth decay. Regular flossing will enable you to be free from dental issues that make you visit a dental clinic often.
As long as you have not lost all your teeth, it is never too late to start flossing. Enjoy the overall benefits of flossing and stay healthy. Preserve your beautiful smile and remain attractive by flossing regularly.
Even dentists know that your dental visits aren’t the most fun thing to do, but you still need to keep up with your oral health. Tarheel Family Dentistry in Chapel Hill, NC offers complete dentistry for patients of all ages, whether you need regular office visits or more complex care. Do you know the signs your body is telling you it may be time for a dentist visit?
1. YOU HAVE A CONSTANT BAD TASTE IN YOUR MOUTH
If you feel like there is a bad taste in your mouth that just won’t go away even after brushing, you may have advanced tooth decay. Oral bacteria produce foul-smelling acids that can cause bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. Tooth decay needs to be addressed in its early stages to avoid gingivitis, infection, or even tooth loss.
2. YOUR TEETH ARE DISCOLORED
If your teeth are significantly discolored or have yellow deposits along the gum line, see a dentist. Discolored teeth can be an indication of a problem inside the teeth, but it also happens naturally over time as we eat highly-pigmented foods. Yellow deposits along the gums indicate hardened plaque, called tartar, that needs to be removed to avoid tooth decay.
3. YOU HAVE PAIN IN YOUR MOUTH
Pain is the body’s way of letting you know when something is wrong. Mouth pain is not normal, and could be an indication of a problem in the teeth or jaw bone. It’s important not to let mouth pain go untreated, because many dental problems are linked to problems in other parts of the body.
4. YOU FEEL A TINGLING SENSATION WHEN YOU EAT SWEET FOOD OR BRUSH YOUR TEETH
Cavities don’t always cause pain right away. An early indication that you have a cavity may be sensitivity to temperature or sweet food. If you feel a tingling sensation when eating sweet food or brushing your teeth, see a dentist, because it could be an indication of a cavity.
5. YOU HAVE COSMETIC DENTISTRY QUESTIONS
Have you been wondering about teeth whitening, dentures, implants, or fixing crooked teeth? Your dentist will be able to answer any questions you have about your cosmetic goals and design a unique treatment plan to help you refresh your smile.
6. YOU ARE MISSING ONE OR MORE TEETH
Tooth loss can happen for many reasons and is not necessarily a result of poor oral hygiene. Regardless of the reason, missing teeth should be replaced to preserve your oral health. Your dentist can talk to you about tooth replacement options such as implants, bridges, or even dentures.
7. IT HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE YOUR LAST EXAM
Most dentists recommend dental exams every six months. This gives them the opportunity to check for cavities, remove hardened plaque from teeth, and catch any minor issues before they become more complicated. If you haven’t seen the dentist in a while, it might be time to schedule an appointment.
