Most Common Dental Conditions and How We Can Avoid Them

A smile can be one of a person’s most important assets. Having a bright smile is one of those things that gives you a boost of self-confidence.

Going to the dentist to solve your dental problems is an essential aspect of our health, but more often than not, we postpone this moment until it is too late. 

Discomfort and pain are frequently the reason we make an appointment at the dental office. That’s why we have to learn to put a higher price on our oral health and prevent all those conditions that can give us headaches. 

In the following lines, we will discuss the five most common dental requirements, how they manifest and what we can do to avoid them.

The Most Common Dental Problems Among Adults

Cavities: We have all had a cavity at least once, the leading dental problem globally. From a medical point of view, it represents the destruction of the tooth’s hard tissue by the bacterial plaque formed on the teeth. Cavities affect adults and children, and the leading causes are an unhealthy diet and poor oral hygiene. 

Tartar-like tooth decay affects most people and is diagnosed during routine check-ups. In medical terms, it is a matter of mineral deposits of a stiff consistency located on the teeth and gums, affecting both permanent dentition in adults and temporary dentition in children. 

Tartar is a condition that can easily be prevented through proper hygiene, but it can lead to complications such as periodontal disease.

Gingivitis: This is an inflammatory condition of the gums, characterized by bleeding and receding gums, bad breath, and tooth sensitivity. The leading cause is poor oral hygiene, gingivitis being a reversible stage of periodontal disease.

Yellowing of the Teeth: This is a more aesthetic condition but with the same implications for the health of the teeth. The leading causes are represented by excess fluoride and tartar deposits, but also lifestyle causes such as smoking or drinking acidic drinks. Since genetic causes can sometimes be involved, preventing this condition is only possible through lifestyle changes. 

Dental Erosion: This is the process by which the outer and protective layer of the teeth, the enamel, is destroyed by an acid attack caused by bacteria. The leading causes are an unhealthy diet and digestive disorders that can cause an increased amount of acid in the saliva.

Indeed, we have all experienced at least one of these dental problems, but prevention is critical when it comes to dental health. To prevent dental diseases, the most crucial step is to have proper hygiene. 

We brush our teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash, special toothpaste, and periodic check-ups at the dentist, representing a proper dental care routine for adults and children.

Other preventive measures we can take include adopting a healthy lifestyle, which excludes smoking or consuming acidic, sweet drinks, and foods with high acid content.