Good oral health is vital for a beautiful smile and good overall health.
However, even with good dental health practices (and especially in their absence!), problems can arise. More often than not, these are common issues that, with some straightforward preventive and corrective care, can be quickly and painlessly addressed before they become serious problems.
Today we’re discussing three prevalent dental issues – gum disease, cavities, and tooth fractures – and providing some tips on how to prevent them.
Gum Disease
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a common condition that affects the gums and surrounding tissues. It’s primarily caused by poor dental health practices, which allow the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar to build up on the gums.
To prevent gum disease, it’s first and foremost essential to adopt and maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular visits to the dentist, twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and regularly rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash to remove plaque and bacteria.
Cavities
Cavities, or dental caries, are decayed areas in the teeth caused by a combination of the same bacteria that can cause gum disease and poor oral hygiene.
To prevent cavities, it’s important to limit the consumption of foods and beverages high in sugar, which can serve as nourishment for bacteria, and acid, which can erode tooth enamel. Additionally, as with the prevention of gum disease, daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash, along with regular dental visits for early detection and treatment, will help to protect against cavities and tooth decay.
Tooth Fractures
Tooth fractures can occur due to various factors, including trauma, biting down on hard objects, or grinding teeth. Avoiding certain foods, like hard candies, popcorn kernels, and olive pits, and habits like chewing on pens or ice, all of which place excessive pressure on the teeth, can help to reduce a person’s risk of fracturing a tooth. For patients who grind their teeth while sleeping or play contact sports, using a mouthguard at night or while playing can be very helpful.
General Dentistry and Dental Care in Chugiak and Eagle River, AK
If you’re in the Chugiak and Eagle River areas and seeking top-quality, comprehensive dental care for yourself and your family, contact dentist Dr. Brett Kocherhans and the team at Alpine Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment!