Ways to Avoid Dental Issues
Learning simple strategies that can help you avoid common oral health problems, including gum disease, cavities, and a clenched jaw. A healthy body starts with a healthy mouth. Research has shown an association between gum disease and other serious conditions like heart disease and stroke. There are simple strategies that can help you avoid common oral-health problems, including gum disease, also known as gingivitis, and its more advanced form, periodontitis, cavities, and the clenching and grinding that can lead to TMJ.
Gum Disease to help Prevent
According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), up to 30 percent of people are generally susceptible to gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best thing you can do to stave off gingivitis, or keep it from developing into periodontitis. To prevent gum disease, floss once a day and brush twice a day using toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Toothbrush options include manual toothbrushes, and for extra brushing strength, power brushes. You can also rinse daily with an antiseptic mouthwash. In addition, it is recommended to get a professional cleaning from your dentist twice a year, quitting smoking, and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Smokers and people with diabetes both have a much higher rate of gum disease. If you smoke or have been diagnosed with diabetes, bring it up with us. You may need to be screened for gingivitis more frequently. Not matter what issue you may notice with your teeth or gums, make sure to schedule an appointment with us.
Avoiding Cavities in your Teeth
Tooth decay is the second most prevalent disease after the common cold. In addition to keeping your mouth clean with regular brushing and flossing, ask your dentist about sealants or fluoride treatments. If you’re prone to cavities, these measures can help prevent more decay from occurring. In addition, you should reduce your consumption of sugar, especially carbonated sodas, which also contain enamel-harming acid. Besides reducing your risk for gum disease, quitting smoking can help you avoid cavities as well. The tar from cigarettes makes the surface of the teeth sticky, which allows bacteria to cling to your enamel. The heat from smoking also dries out your mouth, which means there is less saliva to wash away bacteria.
Avoiding TMJ with your jaw
More than fifteen percent of adults suffer from some chronic facial pain, such as jaw tenderness, jaw popping, headaches, and neck aches. Grinding or clenching the jaw is the most common cause, although TMJ can also occur because of arthritis of the jaw joint or trauma to the head, such as the blow from an airbag during a car accident. Grinding can also increase your risk for other dental problems, such as gum disease, tooth erosion, and cracked teeth. If you suspect that you are grinding or clenching your teeth, talk to us. We may prescribe a custom mouth guard, or splint, to reduce the pressure on your teeth and jaw. Stress-reducing techniques such as meditation can also help you cut down on the grinding that leads to TMJ. If you have an dental, tooth, or gum issues, make sure to schedule an appointment to see us as soon as you can.