Oral hygiene is one of the most overlooked areas of our personal health. Perhaps we don’t take it as seriously as other parts of our body because we deem the mouth to be a non-life-threatening ‘zone’. However, unchecked oral hygiene can lead to several painful diseases that can hinder your standard of living. That’s why we believe that you should be informed of the potential untold damage you’re doing to your own body, as we speak.
Gum disease
This is a very common condition of the oral area. It forms mostly in adults but can so easily be experienced by children too. You will see swollen gums, very sensitive to any sort of touch, and they often look quite red. The inflamed gum line will also be receding so more of your teeth are showing, in an unnatural way. It can even be the beginnings of gingivitis which is caused by plaque on your teeth irritating the soft tissues that are along your gumline. It begins with simply having bad oral hygiene habits. Remember to brush your teeth TWICE a day. You should also supplement this with daily flossing, preferably after lunch. It only takes a minute or so to do this, in the bathroom at work.
Dental cavities
Did you know that the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that around 60 to 90% of children and adults have dental cavities? This is mainly attributed to the major plaque buildup on your teeth. This will destroy your enamel, a layer that protects your teeth from external substances. Think of a hollow tunnel in the tooth, this is what a cavity looks like. Your teeth will become sensitive to hot and cold and things such as fizzy drinks and high in sugar treats such as chocolate. You can avoid this by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing. We all live busy lives and sometimes forget this routine, so remember to have regular checkups with your dentist, so he or she can spot any signs of cavities forming.
Herpes
Speak with a periodontist in Guildford if you have herpes. Herpes Simplex (HSV) is an infection on the skin and happens on the lips or around the mouth. A scab will form where you have an open wound from the infection. Your mouth may become sensitive to touch and eating or drinking might become uncomfortable. It usually clears up by itself as there are other treatments that speed up the healing process.
Oral cancer
Smoking and over-consumption of alcohol can lead to oral cancer. Speak with a dentist in Guildford and they can let you know what the signs are in greater detail. As you can imagine, it’s very painful and lumps can start appearing in your mouth. This can hinder eating and drinking, as well as breathing in some severe cases. An unhealthy diet such as not enough fruits and vegetables can also be a root cause of mouth cancer.
We recommend that you speak with a Periodontist in Guildford about any common oral diseases you fear you or someone you know may have. We’re here to listen, advise, and treat.
