A beautiful snow-white smile is a sign of good oral health and proper hygiene. When your teeth become stained or develop cavities, it may be a sign that you do something wrong. In this article, we will tell you about six common oral issues that can spoil your smile.
1. Teeth staining
Teeth staining or discoloration can occur due to a great number of factors. The most common of them are:
- Smoking
- Coffee and tea addiction
- High pigmented foods and drinks
- Acidic foods and drinks
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tooth decay
In most cases, stains on the tooth surface can develop when you don’t brush your teeth and consume high pigmented foods and drinks. However, medication, aging, and genetics can also affect the natural color of your tooth enamel.
2. Halitosis
Even though halitosis (bad breath) can’t visually affect your smile, it can contribute to an awkward situation with close communication. The main problem is that the person usually doesn’t understand that he or she has an unpleasant breath. That’s why it is important to check your breath regularly to avoid embarrassment.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene can also help you prevent the development of bad breath. Additionally, it is essential to avoid smelly foods like onions and garlic if you don’t want to increase social distancing.
3. Tartar
Tartar, also called dental calculus, is a calcified deposit that develops between your teeth and near the gum line. In most cases, tartar occurs if you don’t brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. If you don’t remove the dental plaque regularly, it hardens and causes unsightly strips on your teeth.
If you already have a tartar build-up on your teeth, it is essential to visit the dentist’s office for professional cleaning. The reality is that tartar accumulated bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum diseases. It is beneficial to remove tartar regularly and maintain proper oral hygiene to keep your smile beautiful.
4. Tooth decay
Tooth decay (cavities) tends to be one of the most common oral issues. It affects both children and adults regardless of age and gender. Cavities occur when the bacteria in your mouth start to multiply actively and produce acids that wear out the tooth enamel.
At the initial stages, tooth decay can lead to a tiny (almost invisible) hole that doesn’t cause any pain. But when the condition becomes advanced, your teeth may become covered with dark grey or brown spots that will spoil your smile.
5. Gum disease
Gum disease is a quite serious condition that can cause a lot of unpleasant complications. At the initial stages (gingivitis), you can experience gum redness, swelling, and bleeding during tooth brushing. People with gingivitis may also have bad breath since this condition is also caused by bacteria overgrowth.
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can lead to the development of gum recession and pockets. As a result, the bacteria and dental plaque accumulate in these pockets and worsen your gum and teeth condition. Due to the gum recession, your teeth may also become loose.
6. Tooth loss
There are a lot of factors that can contribute to tooth loss. The most common of them include:
- Gum disease
- Advanced tooth decay
- Dental abscess
- Tooth fracture
- Poor oral hygiene
- Diabetes
It is essential to understand that tooth loss can spoil your smile not only visually but also lead to many complications. If you have lost a tooth, the neighboring teeth will move towards each other to fill in the gap. This can lead to facial asymmetry, shifted teeth, problems with chewing, etc. That’s why it is essential to replace the missing tooth as soon as possible.
The bottom line
Proper oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups can prevent the development of most oral issues. If you want to keep your smile healthy and beautiful, it is essential to prevent the development of the aforementioned conditions and treat them immediately.
