8 Important Oral Health Facts You Should Know About

There are many factors that can affect the condition of your teeth and gums. If you want to have a healthy oral cavity, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene, eat healthy foods and don't neglect regular dental check-ups. However, many people misunderstand proper oral care and this can result in various dental issues. In this article, we have gathered eight important oral health facts you should know about.

1. Proper oral hygiene is essential

To keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, you need to pay attention to your oral hygiene. You need to brush your teeth twice a day (in the morning and evening) and use dental floss daily. Poor oral hygiene leads to bacterial overgrowth that results in bad breath and many oral issues. 

2. Tooth decay occurs because of bacteria in your mouth

As mentioned above, bacteria that inhabit your oral cavity can cause many oral issues including tooth decay. During their vital activity, these bacteria produce acids that soften and wear out your tooth enamel. As a result, you can develop tooth decay. That’s why it is extremely important to remove bacteria from your mouth. 

3. Gum bleeding can be a sign of gum disease

If you have noticed that your gums are bleeding during tooth brushing or after eating solid foods, it can be a sign of developing gum disease. This condition occurs when gums become inflamed because of bacteria overgrowth in the mouth. If you don’t have severe symptoms (like pus between gums, gum recession, or loose teeth), proper oral hygiene and home remedies can help cope with gum disease. But when your condition becomes serious, don’t delay your dental appointment and treatment. 

4. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay

Fluoride is a mineral that can be found in your teeth and bones. Due to the fact that a lack of fluoride can make your teeth more prone to tooth decay, you can use toothpaste, mouthwashes, and supplements with fluoride. Additionally, you can visit pediatric dentistry with your child and undergo fluoride treatment. 

5. Teeth grinding can make your teeth sensitive

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism is a condition that occurs when the person clenches their teeth. Both children and adults can develop teeth grinding. This condition can lead to many unpleasant complications like increased teeth sensitivity, loose teeth, jaw pain, headaches, etc. If you grind your teeth at night, you can ask your dentist about mouthguards that decrease the pressure on your jaw. But if you have awake bruxism, you should control your condition.

6. Untreated tooth decay can destroy your tooth

It is important to understand that cavities don’t disappear on their own. If you have tooth decay, it is essential to make an appointment with your dentist and fill the tooth as soon as possible. Otherwise, a cavity can reach the inner layers of the tooth and destroy them. 

7. A missing tooth can make your teeth shifted

If you have lost a tooth recently, you need to replace it as soon as possible. The point is that the neighboring teeth can start moving and filling the gap. This can result in their shifting, facial asymmetry, and problems with eating and maintaining proper oral hygiene. You can get a dental bridge, implants, or partial denture to fill the gap between the teeth.

8. Tartar build-up can promote the development of gum disease

Tartar is a solid mineral deposit that occurs when dental plaque hardens. Due to the fact that tartar accumulation contributes to bacteria increase, it also enhances your risk of getting gum disease. That’s why it is better to undergo professional teeth cleaning especially if you are prone to tartar build-up.