We all know how important it is to care for our dental health. Brushing and flossing our teeth on a daily basis and making regular trips to your local Vancouver dentist are all part of ensuring your oral health is in great shape. But beyond the average maintenance and upkeep of your teeth, do you know what you should be looking out for?
Most people don’t realise that even with regular care, your oral health can deteriorate or show signs of problems, and you won’t even know it – and that’s why we’ve created this article. We wanted to help you understand what to watch out for when it comes to your teeth, and how you can take care of these issues before they worsen. Here are three common dental issues that you should be aware of.
1. Cavities
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems. They occur when decay damages a tooth, and are caused by plaque (a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth). Plaque produces acids that eat away at the enamel, or outer layer, of your teeth. If the decay is not treated, it can eventually lead to a cavity. Cavities can cause pain and sensitivity and, if left untreated, can lead to an infection.
That’s why visiting the dentist on a regular basis is so important. Most times, cavities go unseen or even unfelt until they are a risk. But don’t worry – the dentist can help you discover, address, and treat your cavities in just one visit.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an inflammation of the gums. It occurs when plaque forms below the gum line and causes the gums to become irritated. Gum disease can lead to bleeding gums, receding gums, and eventually tooth loss.
If you feel any kind of sensitivity on your gums while eating or brushing, or see any discoloration while you examine your teeth, we recommend getting in to see your dentist right away. It’s never too late to address gum disease issues.
3. Bad Breath
Bad breath (also known as halitosis) can be caused by many things including food, tobacco use, dry mouth, gum disease, and certain medical conditions. Bad breath is usually not a sign of a serious medical condition, but it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. If you have bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing, you should see your dentist to find out the cause.
In addition, halitosis gone untreated can often lead to bigger issues. That’s why it’s best to get a dental health assessment done if you’re experiencing chronic bad breath or dry mouth. There are plenty of remedies that a dentist can offer that will help you conquer problems like halitosis.
Final Thoughts
Dental health is important for overall health, yet many people don’t think about their teeth and gums daily. Cavities, gum disease, and bad breath are three common dental issues that should be on your radar.
By staying informed and keeping up with good oral hygiene habits, you can help prevent these issues from occurring or becoming more serious. If you have any kind of oral health concerns, it’s important to go see your Vancouver downtown dentist.
At Inspire Dental Group, our team of dedicated Vancouver dentists will deliver the best and most complete dental experience, using the latest, high-quality materials, equipment and advanced techniques to restore and rejuvenate your dental health. As a full-service dental clinic, we offer crowns, dentures, fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, Invisalign, and dental implants in Vancouver. With dentists in Downtown Vancouver, Port Moody, Surrey, Langley and Oakridge, you’ll always have an Inspire dentist ready to help you. Book your appointment with us today by contacting 1-833-876-4531 or info@inspiredental.ca.