Most people find that any appointment for your health can be a hassle, particularly for areas that might cause anxiety. This is especially true for people with dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is the fear or anxiety of the dentist or dental appointments. Unfortunately, this anxiety can keep patients from making their regular appointments. As a result, these patients are more likely to suffer from destructive dental issues.

If you have dental anxiety, you should talk to your dentist about potential treatment options. It is likely that your dentist can offer sedation options to help you relax and put your mind at ease. Additionally, you can implement certain helpful behaviors in your daily routine to prevent major dental issues.

Tooth Decay

One major dental issue is tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when areas of the enamel or teeth begin to deteriorate. While there are several factors that can cause tooth decay, plaque is one of the main contributors to the issue. Plaque is a type of harmful bacteria that sticks to every surface in your mouth, especially your teeth.

To remove it, you perform a daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing. If you fail to remove it, it will continue to build. In a short period of time, the plaque will calcify into tartar, which is nearly impossible to remove without professional help.

Tooth decay can be as small as a tiny cavity or as big as missing teeth. It is important to address tooth decay as soon as symptoms appear. Otherwise, you are susceptible to severe side effects.

To prevent tooth decay, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day as well as floss daily. This helps to remove harmful bacteria and protect your enamel.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that causes redness, swelling, and other irritations. Genetics, medication, and hormones can all influence the development of gum disease; however, plaque is one of the leading causes of this disease. Plaque will build along and under the gum line, causing irritation to the soft tissues.

Eventually, the bacteria can cause an infection. In its early stages, gum disease can cause swollen or bleeding gums. Advanced gum disease can cause tooth loss and bone deterioration. Therefore, it is best to prevent gum disease before it develops.

One of the most important parts of your daily oral hygiene routine is flossing. Flossing can reach between your teeth and under your gum line—unlike your toothbrush.

Broken Teeth

Another significant dental concern is broken teeth. Typically, your teeth don’t randomly break without some sort of catalyst. This means that either an outside force or a tooth weakness makes it possible for your tooth to break. Weak enamel or chewing on non-food items can increase the risk of breaking a tooth. Unfortunately, it is not just an aesthetic problem.

When you break a tooth, there is a crack in your enamel. This means that harmful bacteria can enter your tooth, increasing the chances of developing tooth decay. Therefore, it is important to avoid chewing on non-food items, such as pens or pencils.