There’s a reason your dentist asks you to come in every six months.
Dental health (also referred to as oral health) is specific to your teeth, gums, and mouth.
Good dental health doesn’t mean you have a nice smile. It’s actually entirely possible that you have a nice smile, but there are underlying issues that could change the appearance of your grin in years to come. The average American spends nearly $40,000 on dental health throughout their lifetime, but this number decreases significantly with proper dental care.
Caused by plaque, which is bacteria, by the way, decay is when acids eat away at the outer layer of your tooth. This can result in issues such as cavities, halitosis (bad breath), and discoloration.
These are the result of common issues like grinding in your sleep or anomalies like getting hit by a hockey puck. This can be painful and not so aesthetically pleasing.
Otherwise known as gingivitis, gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and can cause your gums to swell and bleed.
You’re most likely to experience this when eating hot or cold foods. The cause of tooth sensitivity is damage to the enamel (outer layer) of the tooth.
Caused by a variety of factors including smoking, high blood pressure, poor oral hygiene, or just genetics, gum recession is one of the most noticeable dental issues. Typically, it will look like your tooth has somehow become taller, which is actually exposing the root and making the tooth more susceptible to additional damage.
Simply put, an abscess is when bacteria attacks the root of your tooth, causing damage to the nerves, tissues, and even blood vessels within your teeth.
Two minutes of brushing at least twice a day is essential for dental maintenance. This removes plaque and food from the teeth, keeping them so fresh and so clean.
Up to 35% of your teeth’s surfaces remain uncleaned when you only brush and neglect flossing. So, think of flossing as your second line of defense. Floss has the ability to clean between your teeth, in areas that your brush can’t reach.
Maintaining straight teeth and a healthy bite will save you $20,000-$30,000 in your lifetime. (Seriously.)
To learn more about what’s inside your mouth, check out our other articles.
