Understanding of Oral Health
Oral Hygiene Routine
Healthy dental routines translate to good oral health. You can ensure you have a healthy mouth by:
- Brushing your teeth two times every day.
- Flossing your teeth once every day.
- Go for dental check-ups and professional cleaning after every six months or according to your dentist’s recommendation.
- Examine your gums – your gums should be pink in color, your gums should securely hold your teeth in place and they should not be any bleeding when brushing your teeth.
- Do not smoke. Smoking makes you prone to oral infections and oral cancer.
In case of any issues or concerns regarding your oral health contact the NoFrills Dental practice in your locality to make an appointment.
Most common dental problems
If you have questions about any of these dental issues, you can always talk with your dentist or dental hygienist at your NoFrills Dental practice about it.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, poor diet, dry mouth and smoking. Chronic halitosis can be countered by scrapping the tongue, chewing sugar-free gum, taking a lot of water and rinsing your mouth using mouthwash. Ensure that you brush and floss regularly to maintain a healthy mouth.
- Fact: Halitosis comes third on the list of the most common dental problems requiring a dentist’s attention. First and second on the list are tooth decay and gum disease respectively.
Cavities
Cavities are holes that develop in teeth due to decay. A cavity usually develops after the outer part of the tooth known as the enamel gets destroyed by decay. Cavities and tooth decay can be prevented if you brush twice daily, floss every day and go for regular dental check-ups. Additionally you should eat healthy diet and stay away from sugary foods and drinks. Click here to get additional information about cavities.
Mouth
Dry mouth occurs when the amount of saliva in the mouth decreases. Saliva is a very important fluid; it washes away food remains and controls bacteria found in the mouth thereby protecting your teeth from cavities. Dry mouth condition is characterized by hoarseness, prolonged sore throat, swallowing difficulties, dryness of nasal passages.
Dry mouth can also result from the use of certain medicines or due to particular diseases. Tobacco use can worsen dry mouth symptoms and hence should be avoided.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease since it affects the gums. Your gums can get infected, swell, become tender and may even bleed. When bacteria gets to your teeth supporting bone structure, your teeth can become loose and the damage cannot be undone. It is hard for you to detect the disease during its early stages (gingivitis) because usually there is no pain.
In case you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should immediately get in touch with the NoFrills Dental practice in your local area to make an appointment for a dental check-up. Click here for more information about periodontal disease.
- Fact: The leading cause of tooth loss among adults is gum disease.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) Disorder
The TMJ disorder attaches your lower jawbone to the bones on both sides of your skull which leads to the dysfunction of the muscles that control the movement of the jaws including opening and closing of the mouth. This dysfunction can cause discomfort, pain or soreness. Common signs of TMJ include:
- Pain or soreness in the jaw, face and ear
- Difficulty or pain when chewing
- Painful clicking jaw
- Headaches
- Trouble closing and opening the mouth
- Jaw locks or if teeth do not totally come together when chewing or biting.
In case you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should immediately get in touch with your local NoFrills Dental practice. Click here for more information about TMJ.
Tooth Sensitivity
A number of people experience tooth sensitivity usually occurs when one drinks or eats cold or hot foods or drinks or even sweets. Sometimes sensitivity can be triggered when one brushes or flosses teeth. Tooth sensitivity is usually treated by using fluoride which strengthens teeth enamel and reduces sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend special toothpaste for tooth sensitivity.
Tooth Erosion
This refers to the loss of the enamel by acids. If not treated in time, tooth erosion can lead to discomfort, damage of the entire tooth, tooth cracks and loss of teeth. You can prevent tooth erosion by brushing teeth using a toothbrush with soft bristles, using fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day, avoiding sugary foods and regularly visiting the dentist for professional cleaning and dental exams. Additionally, when taking carbonated or sugary drinks ensure that you use a straw because such drinks are highly acidic and may corrode the outer covering of your teeth.
Smoking
Smoking and tobacco use makes you more prone to periodontal disease and oral cancer. Additionally tobacco permanently stains your teeth and increases the amount of tartar accumulation on teeth. This means that you will need to visit your dentist more often for professional teeth cleaning to remove the stains and tartar.
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Our Dental Clinics
We are conveniently located at these locations:
NoFrills Dental @ Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard
Suntec City (North Wing)
#03-317
Singapore 038983
NoFrills Dental @ Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard,
Marina Square,
#B1-11
Singapore 039594