Having a healthy mouth affects your entire health. Some oral problems are linked to serious health conditions like stroke and heart disease. So it’s important to avoid common problems like gum disease, cavities, and a clenched jaw. Let’s learn some easy strategies to help you fight off these problems.

Gum Disease
If your gums are painful, swollen, and bleed easily, it is likely that you have gum disease. In its early stages gum disease is called gingivitis, but if left untreated it will advance to periodontitis. See your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease, so that treatment can begin. If caught early, the effects of gum disease can be reversed. The best way to prevent it in the first place is proper dental hygiene. Floss once a day and brush with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. See your dentist for professional tooth cleanings every six months. Also, quitting smoking and eating a nutritious diet may help prevent gum disease.

Cavities
To stop tooth decay and the resulting cavities, you must practice good dental hygiene. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, ask your dentist if fluoride treatments would be recommended for you. Reduce the amount of sugar you consume, especially carbonated sodas since they contain acid that can damage your tooth enamel. Stopping the use of tobacco is also another way to avoid cavities.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
TMJ is known to cause jaw tenderness, headaches, jaw popping, and facial and neck pain. The most common source of TMJ is grinding or clenching your jaw, although it can also result from head trauma or arthritis of the jaw. Teeth grinding can also lead to other dental problems like tooth erosion, gum disease, or cracked teeth. See your dentist if you think you might be grinding or clenching your teeth. You may benefit from a customized mouth guard to decrease the pressure on your jaw and teeth. Learning techniques to reduce your stress may also help prevent TMJ.