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Identifying Australia’s Most Common Dental Problems: Advice From A Newcastle

Maintaining good oral hygiene is very important to maintaining your health and well being overall. There are a few general oral health practices you can implement into your daily routine to ensure good oral hygiene. But making a habit of visiting your local dentist in Newcastle regularly for the best advice on personalised dental hygiene, routine check-ups and dental treatment is the most important routine dental health practice of them all.

For NSW locals looking for a modern and family-friendly dentist, Newcastle City Dental offers great advice and excellent service.

Here are some of the most common dental problems in Australia, as well as some pointers on how to protect your oral health and identify potential problems.

Tooth Decay

According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), tooth decay is by far the most common dental problem among Australians.

Even though largely preventable, it is estimated that as many as 11 million Australians develop tooth decay each year. Tooth decay is caused when the exterior layer of enamel on your teeth becomes damaged by a build-up of plaque. Plaque build-up is when the bacteria in the mouth multiply from sugary foods and drinks.

Prevention And Solutions:

  • Limit sugary foods; drink sugary drinks through a straw to limit surface exposure.
  • Eat more calcium-rich foods like cheese and yogurt.
  • Brush and floss daily.
  • Visit your local dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning to manage plaque build-up or treatment if tooth decay has already occurred.

Gum Disease

Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, affect over half of the world’s adult population, making gum disease among the world’s most common health problems. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the bone and dental tissue. It can affect the gums, ligaments and bone supporting teeth. It happens when gaps form between teeth and the surrounding gum. If left untreated, it can result in teeth falling out.

Despite the fact that dental hygiene is more readily accessible to Australians these days, acute periodontitis appears to be on the rise, with age, smoking habits, diabetes and heart disease all being significant risk factors.

Preventions And Solutions:

  • Brush teeth twice a day along the gum line.
  • Use a toothbrush with soft bristles or a dental pick recommended by your dentist.
  • Visit your local dentist regularly for check-ups and professional dental cleanings.
  • Moderate to severe cases can be treated. It requires x-rays, topical antibiotics and, depending on the circumstance, gum regeneration or surgical procedures.

Tooth Discolouration

Tooth discolouration is another prevalent concern in adults’ dental health. Outside discolouration occurs when the tooth’s enamel is stained, commonly caused by smoking, acidic foods or beverages like wine, coffee and tea.

Intrinsic discolouration occurs when the tooth’s inner layer (or dentin) is stained, gets darker or has a yellowish tinge. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as genetics.

Prevention And Solutions:

  • Avoid smoking as well as food and beverages that can cause discolouration.
  • Because the causes for discolouration vary from person to person, the best cause of action is a visit to your local dentist for consultation and a tailored treatment plan.
  • Treatment can include prescribed in-home whitening agents, dental room whitening solutions, or the application of veneers.

These are by no means the only dental problems affecting Australians, but they are among some of the most common. For NSW locals looking for a Dentist, Newcastle City Dental offers a modern approach to dental care.

Equipped with the latest technologies, we ensure each visit is both solutions-driven as well as comfortable. With the assistance of our friendly and professional dental team, every visit will be a positive experience. Search available appointments and take control of your dental hygiene today.