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Maintaining strong and healthy teeth begins with consistent habits of oral hygiene at home, and here are some tips on how to do it:

• Brushing your teeth regularly.
  Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth twice daily. Remember to brush all surfaces of the teeth and not to forget the tongue, as bacteria can accumulate there as well.
• Floss your teeth everyday.
  Flossing helps to prevent plaque buildup in those hard-to-reach places between your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth.
  Regular use of mouthwash can help reduce harmful bacteria and food particles while keeping your breath fresh.
• Routine dental visits.
  Arrange an appointment with your dentist for a dental exam at least every six months (or depending on your dentist’s recommendation) for professional cleaning, especially around molars, since they are particularly susceptible to decay.
• Avoid smoking.
  Bad habits like smoking can interfere with your good oral hygiene and may have no effect. So we advise you to avoid or talk to your dentist about ways to help you quit the habit.

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is when your gums are swollen and redder than usual because of bacterial infection. It’s important to see a dentist if you develop this problem, as the infection may spread and continue to deteriorate your gum tissues. Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have this dental condition:

• Bleeding gums. Your gums are more sensitive and bleed easily if you have gum disease. Watch out for this sign out when you brush your teeth.
• Swelling gums.
  You may notice that your gums are puffy, sore, and red instead of pinkish.
• Oozing pus.
  If you see green or yellow liquid coming out from your gums, it could be pus, indicating infection.
• Chewing difficulty.
  Eating becomes difficult because your gums are painful when there’s pressure.
• Receding gums. It occurs when your teeth become loose because your gums are pulling away.
• Teeth sensitivity.
  Due to gum recession, you may feel increased sensitivity as the roots of your teeth become exposed.

To find out if you have gum disease, we highly recommend that you see a dental professional. They can evaluate the condition of your gums and perform diagnostic tools to confirm.

The major culprit for cavities is bacteria, which comes from various poor habits. Some risk factors can contribute to developing this common dental problem, including the following:

• Poor dental hygiene.
  Neglecting to brush your teeth can leave food particles in your mouth. Over time, stuck debris between your teeth can become plaque and a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
• Sugary and acidic snacks.
  One of the common causes of cavities is excessive consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks. When the bacteria in your mouth mix with these substances, they can produce acids that can attack the enamel and weaken the teeth.
• Unaddressed tooth decay.
  Plaque buildup can turn into tartar or yellowish deposits between your teeth and cause tooth decay. Without treatment, tooth decay can gradually damage the tooth, leading to cavities.

Here are some indications of tooth infection:

• Severe pain.
  You may experience pain that is sharp, throbbing or radiates to other nearby areas.
• Tooth sensitivity.
  Your teeth become sensitive to exposure to cold and hot temperatures.
• Bad breath.
  You may have a foul-smelling breath accompanied by a bitter or unpleasant taste.
• Swelling gums.
  Your gums are tender or painful to touch.
• Loosening of the tooth.
  Your teeth become wobbly, and you can see their deeper parts or roots.

If you suspect that you have a dental abscess, we highly recommend contacting a dentist for a consultation. Ignoring an infected tooth can cause serious risks and complications.

Cracked teeth do not always cause symptoms. However, there are some cases where there are signs, including:

• You feel discomfort when you bite or chew food.
• You wince due to tooth sensitivity to varying temperatures and sweetness.
• The pain subsides and comes back.
• Gums are swollen, particularly around the affected tooth.