When the phrase “prevention is better than cure” was coined, the first author may have been thinking about one’s dental health. This is because dental conditions are rather difficult to treat but they are easily prevented with the help of good dental hygiene and frequent trips to the dentist. Here are just some of the dental conditions which often afflict most Americans and how best to avoid them:
Gingivitis
This mild inflammation of the gums is affects majority of Americans and is characterized by some very noticeable signs and symptoms including gums which appear red and swollen, are tender to touch and have an easy tendency to bleed. In fact, one cardinal sign that you have gingivitis is when you see streaks of blood whenever you brush your teeth.
Gingivitis is primarily caused by plaque accumulation and tartar. Levels of plaque begin to increase right after a meal or if you fail to brush your teeth promptly. Plaque is the whitish matrix where bacteria and other metabolites reside in. But while plaque is easily removed by brushing, it is converted to tartar when it is not removed right away. A trifecta of brushing thrice a day, rinsing with mouthwash and flossing is effective enough in staving off gingivitis.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay starts with just one cavity. But before you start thinking that you can feel the presence of a cavity forming, then you need to think again. These microcraters are very small and they often develop without any signs or symptoms at all. In fact, the moment that you feel pain, that is when the cavity has reached the pulp region and that extensive damage has been done. A routine drilling and filling procedure should be enough to thwart the further development of these cavities. However, you must visit your dentist twice a year to ensure that the presence of these cavities are detected.
Teeth Sensitivity
Gumline recession and cavities can expose the pulp region to stimulus such as very hot drinks or hard foods. The pulp region will then perceive these stimulations to be some form of pain. But what’s so distinct about teeth sensitivity is that the pain is immediate but it goes away almost as fast is it comes. Brushing properly is will ensure that the protective enamel layer is kept intact in order to shut out substances from the fragile pulp region while an anti-sensitivity toothpaste will numb up your already affected teeth.
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