Oral Health and the Challenges of Living With Teeth

Teeth are vital in everyday life. They are involved in the way people perform their daily functions, in terms of chewing food as well as shaping speech. However, there are a lot of problems associated with the existence of teeth. Teeth, unlike the bones, are always exposed to food, bacteria, and habits that may wear them out or destroy them with time.

Oral health does not only mean preventing toothaches. It is about long-term care, knowing that things change with age, and how to cope with wear-and-tear that is part of normal use.

Everyday Challenges of Having Teeth

Teeth are strained on a daily basis. They can be influenced by biting, grinding, acidic food and even stress.

1. Wear and Tear from Use

As joints get worn through movement, so teeth get worn out through chewing. The outer layer which is hard and called enamel cannot regrow. As soon as it becomes thin or crack, it exposes the soft layers underneath to rotting.

Heavy-used teeth, like molars, are more susceptible of displaying wears earlier. It is common in individuals who grind their teeth at night or clench during the day. This eventually results in flattened surfaces, sensitivity and even fractures over time.

2. Food and Drink Influence

Oral health is directly dependent on what people consume daily. Enamel can be eroded slowly by acidic drinks such as soft drinks, fruit juices or wine. Sweet foods provide a breeding ground of bad bacteria. These bacteria secrete acids which decay.

Even healthy food such as citrus or vinegar based dressing may soften enamel when taken regularly without proper follow up. It is not only about what people consume, but when and how they take care of their oral hygiene following the meals.

3. Gum Health and Bone Loss

Teeth are not independent, they are supported by gums and jawbone. Unhealthy gums may develop conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis, where the gums become detached off the teeth creating pockets in which bacteria can accumulate.

In case the gum disease advances, the bone that holds the teeth can begin to dissolve. This does not necessarily hurt in the early stages and thus the individuals may not be aware until it is too late. These signs can be spotted at an early stage by regular dental check-ups, thus preventing permanent damage.

4. Ageing and Its Impact

Teeth naturally change as people grow old. The enamel may get thin, nerves within the teeth may become smaller and gums may recede. The changes put people at risk of decaying around the roots of teeth, which is more difficult to detect and is usually more severe.

Elderly persons can also have drugs that influence the production of saliva. Dry mouth may also predispose to cavities, as saliva is used to neutralise acids and to rinse food debris.

Emotional and Lifestyle Factors

Teeth also influence confidence and mental wellbeing. Bad breath, missing teeth, chipped or discoloured teeth may cause embarrassment, refusal to smile or discomfort in social situations.

Individuals with chronic oral problems can also alter their eating habits and the way they eat. The difficulty to chew increases and an individual may not consume healthy foods that are harder on the teeth such as apples, nuts or salads. This has the capacity to affect overall health in the long run.

There is also stress. Teeth grinding (bruxism) has been attributed to high levels of stress, and it usually occurs while one is sleeping. This unnoticed habit has the ability to grind teeth gradually and even result in headaches or jaw pain.

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