At Hanson Dental, we know how important your oral health is. That’s why we want to take a moment to discuss some of the most common oral health issues that can affect men and women—and what you can do to prevent them. Let’s dive in!

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common complaint for many people. It occurs when the dentin, which lies beneath the enamel and cementum of your teeth, becomes exposed due to wear and tear from brushing or acid erosion from food and beverages. People with sensitive teeth may experience pain or discomfort when exposed to hot or cold temperatures, sweet foods, or acidic drinks.

The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and using gentle circular strokes when brushing your teeth. You should also avoid overly abrasive kinds of toothpaste, as they will only contribute to further damage to the teeth’s enamel layer. If you are already experiencing sensitivity, our team at Hanson Dental can provide special treatment options such as sealants and fluoride applications that help reduce discomfort.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay affects millions of Americans every single year and it is caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed off of sugary foods and drinks. This leads to an acidic environment that destroys minerals in the enamel layer of your teeth, leading to cavities. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by limiting sugar intake as much as possible and brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste for at least two minutes each session. We also recommend flossing daily between your teeth and using mouthwash regularly.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is another very common oral health issue that affects people. It occurs when plaque accumulates around the gum line due to inadequate brushing habits or poor dental hygiene practices overall. Symptoms include inflammation around the gums, bleeding while brushing/flossing, receding gum lines, bad breath (halitosis), etc.

To prevent gingivitis it is important to brush twice daily with an appropriate amount of pressure (not too hard) using gentle circular strokes along with flossing once per day before bedtime. Regularly scheduled cleanings at Hanson Dental can also help keep gingivitis at bay!

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)

This condition affects the temporomandibular joint that connects your lower jawbone to your skull which allows for movement such as talking or chewing food. TMJ disorder manifests itself through symptoms such as the following:

  • jaw pain
  • stiffness
  • clicking noises
  • locking episodes

Prevention includes avoiding activities like chewing gum excessively or grinding/clenching one’s teeth as well as avoiding extreme ranges of motion such as wide yawns or opening one’s mouth too far while eating/talking etc.

Dr. Hanson has studied neuromuscular dentistry and has assisted many patients with TMJ disorder. He may be able to help you find the right treatments and lifestyle modifications to relieve your pain and discomfort.

At Hanson Dental, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you have any questions about the oral health issues discussed here or would like to schedule an appointment with us, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Image credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus / tommaso79