Tooth problems 101

Your teeth are the most important part of your mouth. They not only help chew down the food but also contribute towards our facial looks and aesthetics, especially our smile. So, it is quite important to take good care of them. However, in our fast-paced busy lives, we tend to forget about our overall health let alone oral care.

As per WHO statistics on oral health, an average person suffers from at least one dental problem in his lifetime. Poor hygiene practice and insufficient exposure to the necessary minerals have ill effects on oral health.

So, how many types of oral problems are there to be concerned about? Well, there are a lot to worry about.

For starters, we have the most common one - ‘Toothache’. It is caused due to multiple reasons. Less attention to your dental hygiene, poor eating habits, injury due to an accident, etc can cause pain in the tooth. If the dentist appointment is yet to come, you can do rinsing with warm water, proper brushing twice a day, flossing, take some painkillers. However, if you notice swelling or pus around the tooth, fever, or something more serious, you should head straight to the dental clinic ASAP.

Next, in line, we have ‘Stained Teeth’. Woah! You have a good smile but those stains on your teeth put the curtain down on the show. They don’t hurt physically but could hit you emotionally. Foods, medicines, tobacco, trauma are some of the reasons for stained teeth. You could use teeth whitening toothpaste which is the cheapest option or you can visit your dentist for a professional cleaning.

Alright, the next one is ‘Cavities’. Remember those hard candies that we ate in our childhood. Those were fun, but the sugar in them was the culprit behind the cavities you and I had. Plaque builds on your teeth and eats away the hard enamel leaving little holes. In fact, the cough drops that we get in the pharmacy also contain sugar. So after relaxing your throat, brush & floss your teeth thoroughly. Be sure to ask for your dentist’s advise.

You’re sipping a hot beverage or a cold drink and suddenly a sharp tingle hits your teeth. Yep, that’s ‘Tooth Sensitivity’. This could be the result of cavities, exposed enamel, or a recent dental procedure. Your dentist may pinpoint the problem and suggest a filling, root canal, or treatment of your gum disease. Or you might just need an anti-sensitivity toothpaste. You can try something like the range of Biomed Toothpaste from Oracura made with natural ingredients.

Speaking of ‘Gum Disease’, does your gum bleed very easily? Are they weak? Do you feel your gums receding? The reason may be gum disease or gingivitis. Plaque building up on the gum line causes the disease. You might need to check with your dentist. If not treated soon, then your teeth may fall out. The bone gets exposed which may lead to infections and other serious dental problems. To prevent it in the first place brush twice a day, floss daily and seek your dentist for professional cleaning.

Whatever may be the reason, make sure that you never shoo away the call of good oral care. Remember, where there is a precaution, there is safety.