Share This Article
A genuine smile portrays a more welcoming feeling as well as a subtle gesture of acknowledgment. People smile differently; some shows their teeth while others keep their lips together. A great smile, however, starts with proper oral hygiene.
The primary function of the mouth, along with its enzymes, is food breakdown. Food breakdown is essential for better digestion. The mouth has a lot of crevices that food can get lodged in, especially spaces between teeth and gums.
These stuck particles will accumulate bacteria as it slowly decomposes, and the proliferation of bacteria will create an unhealthy mouth environment, resulting to:
- Tooth Cavities
- Gum disease such as gingivitis.
- Plaque or Tartar
- Mouth Sores
- Weak or brittle teeth
- Bad Breath
All of these are health risks and can be addressed by visiting a dentist. Cleaning and medication are what you will expect, although surgery, such as dental implants, may also happen. Click here to know more about dental implants.
To give you a head start, here are the four signs that you might need to have dental implants today:
- Chipped Tooth
A variety of reasons can cause a cracked tooth:
- Accidents
- Rough play
- Fights
- Biting down on hard substances
If you have one, go to the dentist as soon as you can. Such teeth are already weak and may have exposed areas that bacteria can get into. If the tooth starts to darken in color, the problem may have reached the roots. The tooth can still be saved with a root canal procedure, but if the tooth is already small, dental implants are advised.
- Teeth Alignment
Crooked teeth or teeth that are spaced apart are normally fixed via braces and retainers. However, there are instances wherein short posts need to be placed so that the wires and brackets can be attached properly. Temporary dental implants are great implements for these scenarios. Once the target movement is achieved, the implants can be removed.
There are also instances wherein the tooth is unable to support a bracket, mainly because the tooth has become brittle or weak. Implants can help in these situations as well.
- Missing Teeth
Most people accept having a missing tooth or two especially if it’s a molar or a wisdom tooth. Losing your front teeth, however, is a big confidence drainer. False teeth, or dentures, are more affordable but requires more maintenance than dental implants. For better peace of mind, consider getting implants instead.
- Gum Disease
A damaged tooth left unattended will cause deeper problems, affecting its roots and gums. The tooth may have experienced physical trauma although there is no visible damage, such as a chipped tooth. Tooth extraction is a primary option, but consider having dental implants as a replacement to fill the gum hole and prevent bacteria from accumulating.
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. This disease causes the gum to separate from the tooth instead of encasing it. The gums bunch together, giving out a swollen look, as the separation increases. Eventually, an infection will happen resulting in a weak link between the tooth and gum. This makes the tooth loose and even causes the tooth to fall out on its own.
A dentist will help you deal with periodontitis but do think about getting dental implants to replace the lost tooth or teeth.
Importance of Oral Care
The mouth is one of the different ways bad bacteria, parasites, and viruses get into a person’s internal system. Most of these bad stuff are fought off by the body’s immune system, including the acids found in an individual’s stomach, as well as white blood cells and anti-microbial enzymes on the saliva. Bacteria can multiply quickly, and the best way to prevent this is to maintain proper oral care.
Brushing After Meals
Max out your toothbrush and toothpaste by using them after every meal. Brushing cleans your teeth and gums from majority of the food debris, lessening the chances of bacteria from forming.
Dental Floss
Flossing before or after brushing removes particles that may have gotten stuck in the spaces between your teeth.
Mouthwash
Finish your oral care with an antibacterial mouthwash. This cleans the entire mouth area, tongue and mouth ceiling included, and helps freshen your breath as well.
Don’t Forget
Schedule regular visits to the dentist. Most people recommend visiting every six months, but you can increase the frequency of appointments if you have dental problems that needs to be solved immediately. As much as possible, try not to ignore any mouth trouble and have it checked early on. Bear in mind that your body is an investment. Keeping it healthy will do wonders in the long run.
