A healthy smile is a happy smile! But it’s not just the aesthetics that matter. Your oral health can be a good indicator of your overall health. Believe it or not – recurring and chronic dental problems can result in much more than just a less-than-perfect smile. 

Your mouth is a window to your health – and the sooner you take that seriously the better. Just think about it: if you can’t chew properly or have unwanted bacteria lingering in your gums causing pain and swelling, that can’t be good for your digestive tract or immune system either.

People often take their oral health for granted and don’t appreciate it until it already starts to crumble. The first and the most important thing is being aware of what might happen and ways to prevent it – preferably naturally. Why naturally? Because even though the use of harsh chemicals may mitigate the impending infection, they often come with a trade-off.

In this article, we will be discussing the 5 most common dental diseases and steps you can take right away to prevent them naturally.

Top 5 Most Common Dental Problems

1. Tooth decay (dental caries or cavities)

Tooth decay or caries is one of the most common dental problems and causes of the infamous toothache that everyone has experienced at least once in their lifetime (if they’re lucky). Cavity is caused by bacteria that reside on the surface of your teeth and produce acids that eat away at the enamel. This acid is a byproduct of the bacteria digesting the sugars that we eat. 

So, what is the most important thing to do to prevent tooth decay? 

• Reduce the amount of tooth decay is to avoid eating foods rich in sugars
• Floss each evening and never go to bed without brushing your teeth
• Invest in quality organic anti-caries oral care products that are sparing the natural mouth flora

2. Periodontitis (periodontal disease)

The main early symptom of periodontitis is inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). The symptoms of the disease appear slowly and may be mild to begin with. Typical symptoms include: red, swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath (halitosis), tooth sensitivity and loose teeth.

It is important to note that most people do not experience any of these symptoms until the disease is at an advanced stage, which makes it that much harder to self-diagnose. However, it is important to keep in mind that periodontitis can progress rapidly if left untreated.

Aside from tooth loss, studies suggest that periodontitis correlates with a number of other chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. 

Risk factors that can increase your risk of periodontal disease include: genetics, age, diet, and smoking. If you are at increased risk or are already experiencing some of the early signs consult your dental professional.

The solution? Some of the natural remedies for keeping your gums healthy indluce: oil pulling (coconut oil), using eucalyptus oil, peppermint essential oil, green tea, and aloe vera.

However, while bacteria-fighting mouthwash and flossing are important parts of the oral hygiene routine, you shouldn’t neglect your regular dental checkups. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of periodontitis and may also take X-rays to diagnose any signs of gum disease or cavities. 

3. Gingivitis

Gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease, is a reversible condition if caught in its early stages. Left untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions, like periodontitis and dental cavities. Gingivitis occurs when bacteria in the mouth cause inflammation of the gums. The inflammation may make the gums red, swollen, and painful. Eventually, if the gums do not heal properly, they will pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that collect plaque and tartar.

The solution? Again – impeccable dental hygiene: using specialized toothpaste, flossing, using interdental brushes for bigger interdental areas, and rinsing. Regular checkups and professional teeth cleaning – prophylaxis – when needed. When you have your teeth cleaned, the dentist will often perform a radiographic exam, which can often detect early signs of serious health problems. Aside from that – regular brushing and flossing, quitting smoking if you do, incorporating a healthy diet regime, and staying fit can definitely help. The only way to know if you have gingivitis or periodontitis is to see a dentist or oral health specialist.

4. Tooth sensitivity

Sensitive teeth are a common problem that can happen to anyone. Dentists estimate that more than 40 million Americans experience some type of tooth sensitivity to hot or cold and that it’s the No. 1 complaint of patients in dental offices. The culprit is often worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. When enamel wears down, the sensitive nerve inside the tooth comes into contact with hot or cold substances in the mouth. If the nerve is exposed, hot or cold can irritate the nerve, causing pain.

The solution? Organic sensitive gum toothpastes, oil pulling, and using only soft bristle toothbrushes. Aside from that – if the problem persists, make sure you visit your oral care professional. 

5. Bad breath

Last but not least – aside from being unpleasant, bad breath, or also called halitosis, can also be a sign of another oral health condition. Bad breath can be a symptom of non-oral diseases like stomach problems, sinus and tonsil infections, diabetes, and others. A build-up of debris and plaque on your tongue, gums, or cavities is a breeding ground for nasty bacteria that can create a disbalance in your mouth flora which is not only unappealing but also potentially dangerous. 

How to get rid of bad breath naturally? Brush and floss more often, stop smoking if you do, keep your gums in check, and consume less sugar. Also, using naturally derived dental toothpaste and floss will help you restore the balance of the good and bad bacteria which may be responsible for the unpleasant smell in the first place.

 

Dental problems are often painful and uncomfortable, and they can also be expensive. The good news is: they can and should be prevented whenever possible. In other words, your oral health is more than just a cosmetic issue. While poor tooth and gum health perhaps can’t cause any of the chronic diseases, it’s been shown to make you more susceptible to them. The takeaway is – take care of your teeth and gums naturally and your body will thank you for it!