When something goes wrong with your smile, one of the first things you likely wonder is, “Where did this problem come from?” This is an important question because in many instances, you will know that you probably contributed in some way and would like to make beneficial changes for the future. While there are many factors that contribute to oral health concerns, from decay to bruxism, understanding why they’re occurring is a wonderful first step toward understanding prevention. We are more than happy to make make this topic easier to take in with some simple categorization.
About Hygiene-Related Problems
A lot of the oral health issues that crop up for you may be hygiene-related. This means that they develop as the result of the way you care for your teeth with brushing and flossing. In some cases, you might not do a very good job. In others, you may go overboard and irritate your teeth or gums. Poor hygiene may lead to problems like tooth decay, gingivitis, gum recession, and bad breath. By following our instructions for brushing and flossing (and your preventive visits), you can avoid issues related to hygiene.
About Functional Disorders
Now, not all problems stem from issues with brushing or flossing. Instead, some problems with your oral health are considered functional, which just means that the problem has to do with the way your oral structures are working. For instance, if your mouth becomes injured during an athletic activity or if you tense up your muscles quite often, the function of your oral cavity may decline. Why? Issues like TMJ disorder or bruxism may occur. Keep up with your preventive visits (and any treatment or lifestyle suggestions) to keep your mouth in optimal working order.
