Blogs

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. Yet, many people experience common dental problems that can cause discomfort and affect their quality of life. Here, we explore ten frequent dental issues and provide simple solutions to address them.

1. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, or cavities, is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode tooth enamel. To prevent tooth decay, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, starts as gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, leading to tooth loss. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent and manage gum disease.

3. Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can occur when the enamel wears down or gums recede, exposing the underlying dentin. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and avoiding extremely hot or cold foods can help alleviate discomfort.

4. Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, often results from poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or other dental issues. Regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can help, along with staying hydrated and avoiding foods that cause bad breath.

5. Tooth Erosion

Tooth erosion is the loss of tooth structure due to acid attacks from foods and drinks. Reducing the intake of acidic foods and beverages, using a straw, and rinsing your mouth with water after consuming acidic substances can help prevent erosion.

6. Toothaches and Dental Emergencies

Toothaches can result from various dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth fractures. If you experience persistent tooth pain, it's crucial to see a dentist in York, like those at Caledonia Crosstown Dental, for proper diagnosis and treatment.

7. Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and throat. Regular dental check-ups can help detect oral cancer early. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce your risk.

8. Mouth Sores

Mouth sores, such as canker sores and cold sores, can be painful and annoying. Over-the-counter treatments and maintaining good oral hygiene can help manage these sores. If they persist, consult your dentist.

9. Tooth Grinding

Tooth grinding, or bruxism, can cause tooth damage, jaw pain, and headaches. Wearing a mouthguard at night can protect your teeth and reduce the impact of grinding.

10. Dry Mouth

Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Drinking plenty of water, chewing sugar-free gum, and using over-the-counter saliva substitutes can help keep your mouth moist.

Regular visits to a dental clinic like Caledonia Crosstown Dental can help you manage and prevent these common dental problems. Their team of experienced professionals can provide personalized care to ensure your oral health remains in top condition. Don't wait for a dental issue to worsen; take proactive steps to maintain your smile and overall health.

With the advancement in technology and materials become sturdier than ever, braces have become a great way to improve teeth positioning. However, even this time, it is still important to take care of your braces so they are not damaged. Something that is going to be with you for the next at least 18 months needs to be taken care of properly.

One of the major concerns that people with braces face is food restrictions. With different kinds of braces, there is a different level of structural complications involved. While a certain type of dental braces come with delicate metal wire, others come with rubber bands and ceramic brackets. As a precaution, a number of food items are either too hard on the braces or are too sticky and can cause a problem. These can damage the braces in many ways by either cracking, scratching, or displacing them. 

So what food must be avoided in order to keep your braces safe and working in a fine condition? In simple words, you must avoid hard and sticky food for the sake of your braces. Also, sugary and acidic food/beverages must also be avoided while you have braces on. This is because sugar and saliva mix together to form plaque which is one of the primary reasons for tooth decay. While plaque can be tackled with brushing, but it becomes a little difficult to do with brushing. That is why it is safe to avoid them. 

What Food To Avoid With Braces?

Here is a list of food items that a person with braces must avoid:

• Popcorn
• Any kind of nuts
• Ice
• Chewing Gum
• Candies, sticky, chewy, or hard
• Pizza, especially the crust
• Hard food rolls like Bagels etc.
• Any crunchy fruits or vegetables
• Cookies and hard biscuits
• Baked items
• Chips, fritters, or crisps

Apart from these restrictions that are going to stay with you for the rest of the duration that you have braces, there are certain food restrictions that you will follow right after you get braces. What may seem like safe food items can actually cause sensitivity and pressure on the mouth when you have just got braces. Here is a list of what food items to avoid when you have just got braces put on, or tightened.

• Ice cream
• Bread or thick food rolls
• Thick meat
• Spices and spicy food
• Food that contains citrus

What can a Person with Braces eat?

With such restrictions, you must be asking what can a person eat with braces. Well, the basic guideline is to only consume that is easy to chew. Doing this will not only be easy on your braces, but will also get rid of any sensitivity issues that may occur. Here is what to eat while you have your braces on.

• Mashed potatoes
• Yoghurt
• Soups
• Scrambled Eggs
• Oatmeal
• Grains
• Seafood
• Soft fruits
• Soft Cheese
• Soft, boiled, or cooked vegetables
• Soft and moist desserts
• Pasta

Braces are not just a treatment, but also a responsibility in itself. As much as they take care of you, they need care too. However, if you have transparent braces like Invisalign that can come off, you may need to be extra careful of what you eat to avoid damage directly to your teeth. Make sure you brush your teeth before putting them back on after a meal. If you were wondering what to avoid with braces, hope this piece helped you.