In this month’s blog the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre look at the four biggest threats to your mouth and how you can safeguard your smile for the future.
Plaque
Until it’s brushed and flossed away, plaque builds up on your teeth leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
Plaque is a film that covers all surfaces of the teeth, including areas below the gum line. It is a microbial biofilm that contains various bacteria capable of surviving in the crevices of the mouth.
Schedule a hygienist appointment to remove any plaque build-up and keep your teeth sparkling clean.
Bruxism
BruxismYou may be coping with side effects of bruxism like tooth sensitivity, headaches, and jaw pain without understanding the root cause at all.
Night-time tooth grinding is tricky to identify because it occurs when you’re completely unaware of the behaviour. Since chronic clenching and grinding places so much pressure on the muscles, tis-sues, teeth, and other structures around the jaw, symptoms can be felt long after the grinding stops and the sun rises.
A few of the most common bruxism symptoms include the following:
- Jaw pain and stiffness
- Sore gums
- Sensitive or broken teeth
- Clicking jaw joints
- Chronic dull headaches
- Earaches
- Flat, short, or blunt teeth surfaces
Left untreated, nighttime tooth grinding can wear down your teeth and leave you in chronic pain. If you have been experiencing frequent jaw discomfort, daytime fatigue, or dull headaches, ask your dentist to examine your mouth for signs of bruxism and they will be able to advise on the best course of treatment to keep your teeth looking their best.
Misalignment
MisalignmentMost people want to straighten their teeth for the aesthetic benefits, but there are many important dental health benefits to fixing crooked teeth.
Common misalignment issues such as crowding, spacing, and improper bite can make plaque removal challenging in specific areas. If plaque is not adequately brushed and flossed away, it can spread and cause gum inflammation and tooth decay. This can eventually lead to gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease.
In other words, crooked teeth put your smile at a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay. This can be addressed by a course of teeth straightening which will not only improve the appearance of your teeth but will allow you to keep them healthier for longer.
Gum Disease
Gum DiseaseThere are many different reasons that the dangerous bacteria in your mouth might gain too much power: smoking, poor brushing, and a high-sugar diet are just a few common causes. Eventually, bacteria, sugars, and acids blend to create plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t remove.
Subtle side effects like tender gums can develop into the stages of gum disease known as gingivitis and periodontitis. Recognizing these issues early is important to prevent future dental health complications.
If you’re currently experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to ask your dentist for help treating gum disease:
- Bad breath that doesn’t fade even after brushing or drinking water
- Bleeding gums
- Pain when chewing food
- Loose or wiggling teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Receding gums
- Unexpected tooth loss
- Multiple cavities and infections
Unfortunately, the damage caused by gum disease isn’t limited to your mouth. It also has serious implications on the rest of your body as well.
Researchers have been studying the link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease for decades. Statistics indicate that people with gum disease are two to three times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular problems.
Stop The Threats to Your Dental Health Now
Stop The Threats to Your Dental Health NowYou don’t need to accept these threats to your dental health as a fact of life. By contacting your dentist, keeping your appointments every six months, and receiving any treatments or procedures your dentist suggests, you can restore health and balance to your smile.
Contact Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029 to schedule your appointment and put yourself on the path to better oral health.
