Imagine a day without teeth and you will understand their importance in life. Teeth are not just meant for chewing, but also keep you look young. When the cheeks of a toothless face shrivel inside, a person starts looking old. Decaying of teeth in the old age is a natural process, but some people lose them in the early age due to the lack of hygiene. Brushing at once in the morning is not the solution to all oral health issues. A single tooth has different parts such as a crown, gum line, enamel, root and dentin. All of them need proper attention to prevent from damaging. The services of a dentist are no doubt expensive, but prevention of teeth from diseases is affordable. Most of the oral problems occur due to the negligence of hygiene or busy lifestyle. Here you will come to know about the major oral problems categorised according to their origins.

Genetically Inherited Dental Abnormalities

If you think dental abnormalities as the results of poor hygiene only, it’s time to change the perception because some problems also inherited genetically. No matter how much you take care of your teeth with proper sanitation, the risk of dental issues still persist. Read the below list to know about the genetically inherited dental abnormalities:-

1)    Gingival Fibromatosis

This is a rear abnormality in which gum tissues overgrow and cover a major area in the mouth. When the collagen produces more than the actual requirement in gums, it results in gingival fibromatosis. It is inherited by children from their parents. Surgery through both external and internal bevel incisions is the only treatment to remove the excessive part.

2)    Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease occurs due to many reasons and genetic inheritance is one of them. Poor hygiene is believed as the primary reason for periodontal disease, but the secondary reason is genetic. The gums of a person become highly prone to bacterial infection. It is basically a gum disease rather than infect teeth directly. The most common symptoms that you can monitor an indication of periodontitis are excessive tooth gap, bad breath, swollen & bleeding gums. Before the roots & gums become week and tooth starts decaying, try some home remedies as well as visit a good dentist for further suggestions. If the bacterial infestation is at an initial stage, green tea, hydrogen peroxide rinsing and sesame oil massage can help to reverse the effect. However, if the situation has gone worst, visit a dentist who measure, the gums, took an x-ray to examine the details and start treatment.

3)    Supernumerary Teeth

Those who think the maximum limit of teeth is 32 must reconsider this perception.   Supernumerary teeth are the extra tooth grown anywhere inside the mouth. Mostly, these teeth are reported to appear in the upper molar area and between maxillary central incisors. Genetic inheritance is the only reason for this situation and it causes displacement in adjacent teeth. The only way of treating them is a complete removal from the root. However, if they are not interfering in the healthy teeth and a person is not facing any problem while chewing, there is no need to remove.

Naturally Occurring Oral Problems

1)    Wisdom Teeth Eruption

This is one of the most common dental issues that generally every person faces between the ages of 15 to 26. Wisdom tooth eruption is a natural process in which new molars grow at each side. Everyone didn’t get 4 molars. However, the pain is unbearable even with one.  It is a chronic process that lasts for more than 3-4 years and becomes painful when the climate changes. Doctors suggest antibiotics to reduce the impact, but you can also try some home remedies such as clove oil, salt water rinse, ice pack and numbing gel. As a preventive measure, it is suggested to avoid sugar-rich food because it encourages bacterial infestation.

2)     Natural Tooth Decay

Teeth grow later and decay earlier which is a natural process that you cannot reverse. The only thing that one can do is their proper maintenance to attain a long lasting life. Teeth can decay at any stage of life in the absence of hygiene which is preventable. However, when they decay at the old age, replacement with artificial braces is the only option. There are three options of tooth replacement that one can opt out i.e.

  • Fixed bridges
  • Implant
  • Removable dentures

Oral Problems Due To Poor Hygiene

Poor hygiene is the biggest reason for oral health problems that most of the people face in their life. The wrong lifestyle including eating habits and cleanness are nowadays leading to the worst circumstances which are mentioned below:-

1)    Cavities

From children to Enders, cavities affect everyone who is not taking care of teeth adequately. A study concludes that at least 1 out of four people is currently suffering from cavities problem. Cavity means the bacterial infection in teeth due to improper cleanness. When the food stuck inside tooth corners are not cleaned properly, bacteria starts infesting rapidly. It gradually starts decaying down the teeth by turning them into black colour. The cavity goes deeper if not treated and result in decay of entire tooth. Look inside your mouth facing the mirror, it the cavity has already started, immediately meet a dentist who can suggest a suitable treatment such as tooth filling, crowns or root canal.

2)    Chipped tooth

Chipped or broken tooth is a horrible experience that can happen to anyone while using teeth to deal with hard things. If you try to break down hard nuts, ice or other similar substances, the risk of chipped tooth increases. The tooth enamel is the hardest substance in body but has some limits too. Also if the enamel is already damaged due to sensitivity, the chances of chipping go higher. When an edge of teeth breaks down, the remaining sharp portion can harm mouth while chewing. Also, it becomes prone to infection and sensitivity. As an immediate remedy, you can rinse mouth with salt water for pain relief. Use a sugar-free chewing gum to cover the broken tooth that prevents the mouth from internal injuries. For a long-lasting solution, visit the dental clinic to avail the services of filing and bonding.

3)    Oral cancer

The main reason for oral and throat cancer is the smoking habit. Tobacco is a harmful substance that is consumed by millions of people because of its addictive nicotine. At the early stage of cancer, you can notice the symptoms like red and white patches in the mouth, unhealable ulcer sores, jaw pain, chronic swelling and loose teeth. Once cancer occurs, it can only be removed by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy depending upon the different stages. As a preventive measure, it is suggested to quit smoking as soon as possible. Do not use sunscreen on lips and avoid junk food, especially the processed one.

4)    Tooth sensitivity

The number of tooth sensitivity patients is increasing day by day, and the main reason for this problem is inappropriate use of the toothbrush. Brushing is a good habit, but using hard bristles or implying more pressure on gums can lead to negative impacts. Being harsh on teeth while brushing is the reason of decaying enamel layer. When the inner layer tooth exposes, it becomes highly prone to sensitivity. Whenever you try to eat something hot, cold or sweet, a harrowing situation occurs that is called sensitivity. Excessive consumption of citrus foods is also a reason for decaying the enamel. Use of desensitising toothpaste can solve this problem to an extent. Make sure that you are brushing with fluoride-based toothpaste that helps in rebuilding the enamel. Also, avoid teeth grinding habit that badly damage the enamel layer.

5)    Bad Breath

Poor oral hygiene means bad breath from the mouth which is the reason for embarrassment publically or while spending quality time with loved ones. If the mouth is not clean, the bacterial infestation will increase. Also, dry mouth is the reason of bad breath that happens with people on special medication courses. There are many remedies available at your home to try in this situation such as brushing at least twice in a day, rinsing with mouthwash after a meal and keeping your mouth hydrated by consuming plenty of water. Some certified teeth whitening products can also terminate bad breath causing bacteria. The antiseptic properties of cloves and aniseeds are also helpful to get rid of the bad breath. 

Serious consequences that you may face due to the poor oral hygiene

The problems that are mentioned above are not all, you may go through many severe situations due to poor oral hygiene such as:-

  • Dementia
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Respiratory system infection
  • Complications in pregnancy
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Infertility in women
  • Kidney diseases
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Diabetes

Regular dental health check-up is essential for everyone at least twice a year. As personal preventive measures, note down the remedies mentioned above and also try teeth whitening kits that endow instant glow on your smile. There may be very less space inside the mouth but can become the reason of many unexpected diseases. Poor oral health is directly or indirectly connected with severe illnesses like cancer, kidney infection and diabetes. 

Author's Bio: 

Author have done a training course in self administered cosmetic teeth whitening and had flair of writing. She is currently working at Active Smile Teeth Whitening and love writing about teeth whitening, oral and dental care, what treatments to take, their efficacy and everything related to teeth whitening.