While many oral conditions are found because you are having pain or discomfort in your mouth, there are some that show no obvious signs until it is too late. The best way to avoid any or all dental maladies, brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least twice daily, floss once a day, and visit a trusted Manahawkin dental office regularly. Here’s a list of 5 common mouth issues.
Abscess – An abscess is a pocket of infection that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. It begins with a broken or cracked tooth, a cavity, or periodontal disease that allows bacteria to enter the area under the tooth causing a build-up of pus. If not taken care of, it can develop into a much more severe infection in the tooth, oral tissues, or even in the jaw bone. If you have any redness, swelling, pain or discomfort, or a bad taste in your mouth, call your dentist right away.
Bleeding Gums – While gums that bleed after flossing can be normal if you have not flossed in a while, gums that bleed excessively or often can be an indication of some other problems. If your gums bleed easily or bleed after brushing, it could be a sign of gingivitis. If noticed quickly and treated appropriately by your dentist, gingivitis can be managed well and reversed. Sometimes bleeding gums can simply be a side effect of certain medications. You should contact your physician if you have any problems with your gums bleeding and you suspect it may be due to your medication. If you are not on any medications and you are seeing your gums bleed, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Canker Sore – The cause of canker sores is not entirely known. It is suspected that they could be due to immune problems, bacteria, viruses, or oral trauma. They are classified as an ulcer and can be very painful. They often develop on the inside of the cheeks, lips, or on the tongue. They will go away on their own, but you can help to keep the sore clean by using an antimicrobial mouthwash. Eat carefully avoiding accidentally chewing on the sore and avoid eating spicy, acidic foods.
Cavity – When bacteria is allowed to remain on your teeth by not brushing, flossing, and rinsing, it can eat away at the protective layer of enamel on your teeth and can cause a hole, or cavity. Once a cavity has begun, it can not be reversed. If your dentist finds a cavity in one of your teeth, depending on its severity, they will probably recommend a filing. A filling will close up the hole in your tooth and protect it from further damage. By practicing good dental hygiene like brushing twice daily for 2 minutes each time, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing cavities.
Gingivitis – This is an early stage of gum disease. If you see any redness, swelling, or bleeding of your gums, it could be gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can quickly develop into periodontitis, an advanced stage of gum disease. When caught early, which is likely if you visit your dentist twice a year as recommended, gingivitis can be reversed.
There are many things that can go wrong in your mouth. In order to take the offense against oral issues, practice good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice daily or after meals, avoid certain foods like sugars and starches that can help feed bacteria that causes many dental problems, floss at least once a day to remove food from in between your teeth, and visit your Manahawkin dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
There are many more issues that can arise in your mouth. If your teeth seem misaligned, inquire about Invisalign. Have your teeth become stained and interested in whitening? Ask your Manahawkin dental office if they offer Zoom! Be sure to speak with your dentist with any concerns or problems you might be having with your mouth or teeth.