HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY MOUTH

Oral health isn't just about having clean teeth. It's about taking care of your entire mouth so your gums and jaw stay healthy for life. The mouth is a window to a person's overall health. Poor oral health can put you at risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and various systemic infections. Yet some dental problems often go untreated. Here are 9 common oral health woes you don't have to live with:

1. BAD BREATH. Halitosis is embarassing and definitely unpleasant for the people around you. Pinpoint the source so you can nix the odor. Food, bacteria and poor oral hygiene are the most common culprits. Other causes can include gum disease, dry mouth, tobacco use, and even medical disorders such as respiratory problems, diabetes, GI issues, or liver or kidney disease. HOW TO SOLVE IT: Make a dentist appointment; Practice good hygiene; Stimulate saliva.
2. CANKER SORES. Not to be confused with cold sores, canker sores are small ulcers that form inside. More common in women than men, canker sores may be related to hormonal changes. The cause is unknown but believed to be related to the immune system and possibly bacteria or viruses. HOW T SOLVE IT: Canker sores are painful, but they aren't contagious and usually heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. If the irritation is unbearable, the numbing effect or over-the-counter topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouthwashes can offer some relief.
3. CLICKING JAW. We ask a lot of our jaws. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), where the lower jaw ifits with the skull, moves about 2000-3000 times a day. Problems result from trauma, arthritis, wear and tear, autoimmune disease and chronic teeth clenching and grinding. The issue can be limited to the joint itself, facial muscles or both. Symptoms include clicking and popping, facial pain, headaches, neck and back pain, and bite problems. HOW TO SOLVE IT: Have your clicking checked out by your dentist to evaluate your risk of other conditions, such as arthritis in the joint and long-term effects of the popping.
4. CAVITIES. Dental plaque causes cavities - or tooth decay - and whether you get them depends on your susceptibility, eating habits and at-home oral care. Symptoms range from nothing to a toothach to hot and cold sensitivity. HOW TO SOLVE IT: Once a cavit has formed, visit your dentist. He or she will remove the decayed portion of the tooth, clean the area and then fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filler.
5. RECEDING GUMS. When the gums move away from the teeth, exposing the roots, you get oral recession - or receding gums. It's a typical sign of aging and common in patients older than 40. It can also signal periodontal disease or toothbrush abrasion. HOW TO SOLVE IT: The most effective way to prevent gum recession is good oral hygiene. Use a soft bristle toothbrush, practice good at-home care and visit your dentist regularly.
6. DENTAL FLUOROSIS. Dental fluorsis is a discoloration of the teeth caused by too much fluoride. It is primarily a cosmetic issue. HOW TO SOLVE IT: There are no effective home solutions to get rid of the white spots. Your dentist can treat dental fluorosis with cosmetic dental procedures such as porcelain veneers or crowns.
7. STAINED TEETH. Wish your pearly whites were pearlier? Yellow or grayish teeth are typically caused by food stains, bad or care habits and/or porous enamel. HOW TO SOLVE IT: Stop smoking and trade in coffee, tea and cola for clear liquids. In-office teeth whitening offers the best results.
8. KNOCKED-OUT TEETH. Avulsed (knocked out) teeth are common in sports injuries. Other causes include fights, falls and car accidents. HOW TO SOLVE IT: The best chance of saving the knocked-out tooth is to replant it within the first 30 minutes. Treatment will depend on how long the tooth has been out of the socket, the patient's age and if any other damage exists such as fractured bone. If the tooth can't be re-planted, a permanent bridge or implant can restore smile and function.
9. FEAR OF THE DENTIST. Fear isn't uncommon. But avoiding the dentist can result in problems that are more complicated to treat one you actually go. HOW TO SOLVE IT: Talk to your dentist about identifying the source of your fear and how to ease your worries. All dentists are trained in basic management of pain and anxiety, but some provide advanced relaxation techniques including sedation, hypnosis and audio/visual aids.

source: www.lifescript.com