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When it comes to avoiding common dental issues like tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath, good oral hygiene and preventive care are some of your best defences. While we offer preventive treatments to help treat these issues (and minimise your risk of developing them in the first place), your own oral hygiene will also play an important role.<\/p>\n
Keep reading to learn more about these common issues and, more importantly, ways to treat or even avoid them. Or you can jump to a section below:<\/p>\n
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Tooth decay is a common problem for Australians.<\/p>\n
Bacteria in your mouth can feed off any sugars you consume and produce acid, which can corrode the enamel on your teeth. The problem is that this bacteria lives in the plaque that forms on your teeth, so any acid will also \u2018stick\u2019 to your teeth. The enamel is something of a protective layer that covers each tooth, and when this becomes damaged, a hole can appear in your tooth \u2013 we call this tooth decay, although the holes themselves are often called \u201ccaries\u201d or \u201ccavities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cavities are fairly common in children, and adults over the age of 50 also often experience this issue. For some older adults, they may even experience decay around existing fillings as those fillings weaken or crack with time and create opportunities for bacteria to build up in the spaces.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, it\u2019s possible to both protect and repair the enamel on your teeth.<\/p>\n
Saliva is your body\u2019s simple and effective decay fighter. It contains minerals that help to strengthen the enamel on your teeth, which is why chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow can be an easy way to help the health of your teeth.<\/p>\n
Another common and easy way to prevent tooth decay is through fluoride. Fluoride can help to build up the enamel coating on your teeth, making them more resistant to bacteria.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”35px||35px||true|” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” background_color=”#e8f5f5″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Periodontal disease \u2013 also known as gum disease \u2013 comes in two forms.\u00a0Gingivitis<\/strong>\u00a0is more common and less severe, while\u00a0periodontitis<\/strong>\u00a0is less common but more severe.<\/p>\n Gingivitis is a mild dental issue that many Australians experience in their lifetime at some level. The symptoms of gingivitis are swollen, red gums that bleed easily, especially during and after brushing or flossing. This problem is easily reversed with good health care at home and professional treatment.<\/p>\n Periodontitis, on the other hand, is a more severe form of the disease and is the result of advanced gingivitis. In this case, the gums will become so inflamed that they pull away from the teeth and create \u2018pockets\u2019. These pockets, which can sometimes be harder to clean, become traps for bacteria and may increase the risk of infection. If this occurs, your natural immune system will kick in and try to fight the infection, which results in a breakdown of the connective tissue that holds your teeth in place. Eventually, this can lead to the loss of the tooth and damaged bone.<\/p>\n Look out for these symptoms and be sure to speak to a dental professional if you spot them:<\/p>\n Treatment will depend largely on your own personal case. For example, many people only experience gingivitis, which can be treated at home in some cases. Others will need to visit their dentists for professional cleaning. Advanced cases may need surgical treatment such as flap surgery to fix \u2018pockets\u2019, or even tissue and bone grafts should these areas become damaged.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n