Oral hygiene is a multi-faceted maintenance routine that involves a set of care procedures such as brushing the teeth multiple times in a day, using mouthwash, flossing, and avoiding acidic food in excess that can destroy the tooth enamel.

Although regular visits to the dentist along with adequate dental care can prevent most common dental issues, it is reported that 1 in 4 adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay, and nearly half of the adult population (over the age of 30) suffers from gum disease.

Some of the dental problems people commonly experience in North America and also worldwide are listed below.

1. Tooth Decay

Also known as cavities, tooth decay is arguably the number one leading dental problem most people see the dentist for. Tooth decay can be described as permanent damage in the form of holes sustained by the hard coating of your tooth.

Teeth that are left unclean accumulate a layer of plaque on them, which is a bacteria-laden substance and consists of other acidic substances from the food you eat. The bacteria also produce acid of their own that disintegrates the enamel, leading to the formation of holes.

Symptoms of tooth decay include bad breath and pain in the affected tooth.

2. Gingivitis

Also referred to as gum disease, gingivitis develops as a result of bacteria invading the gums that line your teeth, giving way to infection. The infection itself is also caused by the accumulation of plaque, resulting in your gums being prone to inflammation and bleeding. Gingivitis is more often than not a painless condition and, if left untreated, can progress into a more severe oral health concern, known as periodontitis.

3. Enamel Erosion

This condition eventually develops in time as a result of consistent negligence of dental hygiene and/or consuming acidic food in excess. As a result of over-exposure to acid, the enamel becomes susceptible to cracking and chipping. Other characteristics of eroded enamel include discoloration, sensitivity to heat and cold, and tooth denting that can also be referred to as cupping.

4. Bruxism

Bruxism is the phenomenon of grinding your teeth. Usually learned as a habit, people who suffer from high stress or anxiety are more prone to grinding their teeth together. They’re also likely to do it in their sleep, although doing it while they’re awake is also very much a possibility.

Chronic bruxism can give rise to symptoms such as pain, headache, and even a jaw joint disorder called the temporal-mandibular joint disorder that limits the range of your jaw movement.

Rapha Dental is a general dentistry facility based in New Jersey. We are home to leading dental treatment and care at the most cost-effective prices, with our services ranging from dental cosmetic procedures, root canal procedures, tooth extractions, and so much more.

If you have a dental concern of any capacity, reach out to us at Rapha Dental and book your appointment for a checkup conveniently.