During different stages of your life you’re more susceptible to different oral health issues. Pregnant women, teenagers, children and the elderly are all at risk for different complications because they are at different places in their lives. Millennials, the generation of people who are now aged 20-40 years, are currently more at risk for certain oral health issues. Brushing twice a day, flossing once and regularly seeing a dentist can ensure a reduced risk for any of these complications.
Sensitivity
The effects of light wearing of tooth enamel is often felt around this time in a person’s life. The problem can be indicative of larger, more serious issues, but alone isn’t anything more than very obnoxious. You may be experiencing tooth sensitivity if you have any of the following sensations:
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Discomfort when drinking or eating things that are of an extreme temperature (e.g. a cup of coffee, a popsicle).
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Sensitivity to touch or pressure.
Tooth sensitivity is often treated with a specially formulated toothpaste, although your dentist may want to be sure that the cause is not a more serious issue like tooth decay.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is often experienced by this age group as a result of stress. You may be grinding your teeth if you identify with any of the following:
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Jaw soreness, tenseness upon waking.
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Headaches.
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Cavities or cracked teeth.
Most often your dentist will recommend that you begin wearing a mouthguard during the night to prevent the grinding from hurting your teeth. But if you truly would like to stop, you can try developing a relaxing bedtime routine or exercise and other stress relievers.
Gum Disease
It’s easy to get a minor case of gingivitis during this time in your life. It can be caused by carelessness as slight as skipping brushing before bed or not flossing. But it’s even easier for that case of gingivitis to progress into gum disease. The symptoms of gum disease are:
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Persistent bad breath.
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Red, bleeding, painful gums.
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Gum recession.
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Loose teeth.
If you believe yourself to be suffering from gum disease it is imperative you visit your dentist and follow the regimen they design for your recovery.
Call Dr. D’Alfonso of Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry. Be proud of your generation and your oral health!