Common Oral Health Problems and Solutions

Oral Health is an important aspect of overall health.

“The greatest Wealth is Health.” General and oral health are both critical for the overall well-being of a person. The mouth is the gateway to your body; hence, it is mandatory to maintain oral hygiene and keep your mouth healthy. Dentists are trained professionals who help diagnose, prevent, and manage all oral health problems, including teeth, gums, tongue, and inner mucosa. According to dental professionals, it is advisable to visit a dental clinic at least every six months to prevent any significant health issues. The symptoms of tooth decay or pain should never be ignored and should only be curbed at the initial sign. This blog is structured to help you know common oral health problems that may be prevented much earlier.

Common Oral Health Problems and their Solutions

 People of all age groups have been suffering from oral health problems at some point. Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding oral health disorders should be an essential healthcare regime. Among the various oral health issues, some of the oral diseases that are seen commonly include

1. Dental caries and Toothache: Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems affecting people of any age. The pain symptom can be intermittent or continuous and is associated with deep dental caries, pulpal infection, abscess, or cyst in the periapical area of any tooth. If the source of infection persists for a more extended period, it may lead to inflammation and swelling seen in the facial region. Hence, early detection and diagnosis are essential to avoid any serious complications. For dental caries, the dental professional will advise you to restore the tooth with tooth filling materials, and for pulpal pain, root canal treatment is advisable along with tooth restoration or tooth crown or cap.
2. Tooth sensitivity: The sensitivity to hot and cold things or sweet and sour foods or drinks may arise when the outermost layer of the tooth, called the enamel, wears off to expose the underlying layer of dentin. This may occur because of gingival recession, receding gums, or erosion, i.e., wearing off the tooth enamel layer. In case of tooth erosion, including abrasion, attrition, etc., the eroded part of the tooth is restored, or flap surgery of the gums in case of gum recession. Professional help is advisable if you have the symptoms of teeth sensitivity.
3. Bleeding gums: Gum bleeding during brushing or flossing and sometimes at the time of chewing food indicate the sign of poor oral health and periodontal problem. Professional guidance for scaling and root planning will prove helpful in getting relieved from the symptoms of gum bleeding.
4. Bad mouth odor: A foul smell from the mouth or halitosis indicates poor oral health, dry mouth, infection in teeth or gums, and systemic diseases, including liver dysfunction, kidney disease, gastrointestinal problems, lung disease, and others. Mostly, symptoms of bad smell evade regular brushing and flossing, but consult a professional and seek help in case of a persisting smell.
5. Tooth crack or fracture: A tooth break or fracture may occur when eating hard food or due to trauma or a road traffic accident. In case of tooth fracture, please seek professional help as it may lead to tooth infection leading to tooth abscess or cyst.
6. Unhealed ulcer: If you notice any persistent ulcer, red or white patch, or any lump in the mouth that has not healed within 10-15 days, it’s an unavoidable condition and requires immediate professional help. A prolonged standing oral ulcer has the potential to transform into cancer. Hence, diagnosing it early and obtaining the required treatment is mandatory.

Conclusion

Oral health is paramount as the mouth is a gateway for delicious food items and a reflector of your general body health. One should avoid consuming unhealthy food items, including a sugary diet, to avoid the growth of bacteria in the oral flora and the inception of dental caries in the teeth. Regular brushing and flossing twice a day helps to maintain good oral hygiene. If you find symptoms including dental caries, bad smell from the mouth, gum disease, or any abnormal sign in the mouth like a long-standing oral ulcer that does not resolve within 15 days, do seek professional consultation and receive the treatment at the earliest.