Even people with a fantastic dental routine can experience dental issues at some point in their lives. There are a few common issues people deal with, and there are a few things that can be done to prevent them from happening. Here’s what you need to know.
Discoloured teeth
Teeth can be discoloured due to diet, ageing, smoking or even genetics. To prevent your teeth from becoming discoloured there are a few things you can do. The first is to cut back on foods that may cause discolouration – like coffee and wine – as well as cutting back on smoking or quitting altogether. If you need something extra, you may also want to try some over-the-counter teeth whitening products or professional teeth whitening. If these don’t work you may want to make an appointment with your dentist to see if there’s an underlying issue.
Your dentist may recommend putting a crown or veneer on a discoloured tooth, especially if it’s one or two that just seem to stay discoloured no matter what you do. A dental crown can give you that brilliant smile.
Bad breath
This can happen if you eat garlic and onions, of course, but if you find you have bad breath even without eating these items there could be something else going on. If you find that you consistently have bad breath, you can try using mouthwash or rinsing your mouth on a regular basis to see if this helps. You may also want to consider keeping gum or breath mints close by. If the problem gets worse, or these tips don’t help, make an appointment with your dentist as this can be a sign of a bigger problem with your dental health.
Plaque
Plaque can build on your teeth when the bacteria in your mouth mixes with sugar and starches from the foods you consume. Now, this sticky substance may not be entirely preventable in itself, but you can take steps to prevent permanent damage. If plaque is left on your teeth, it can easily wear away at the enamel on your teeth, break it down and eventually cause cavities or gum disease. Brushing your teeth, as per dentist recommendations, is the best way to stop plaque from building up on your teeth.
Sensitive teeth
Taking that first sip of a hot or cold drink can sometimes give you a little jolt because of tooth sensitivity. There are a few reasons teeth can be sensitive to hot or cold, including brushing too hard, eating foods that are too acidic, or even grinding or clenching your teeth (even while you sleep).
You can try using a softer brush or remove the acidic drinks from your diet to see if that helps lessen the sensitivity. However, if this doesn’t work – or it gets worse – it could mean you have a root that is exposed, or a tooth has been damaged. In these cases, you will need to make an appointment with your dentist to seek treatment.
Bleeding gums
If you are experiencing bleeding gums, it can be due to brushing or flossing too aggressively but it can also be a result of plaque-causing inflammation and irritation. Make sure you have a soft bristle brush and are gentle when flossing to avoid making your gums bleed. If you find that your gums are bleeding excessively or they are too sore to brush effectively, make sure you book an appointment with your dentist for a check-up on your dental health.
Contact Dental Square today
Are you experiencing any of these or other dental issues? If so, contact us today to make an appointment with one of our dentists.