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Embarrassing Oral Health Problems - Solved

Published on 12/03/2024

We see plenty of red-faced patients in the practice, and they often feel sheepish about sharing their issues. The one thing we always want to reassure them of is that the majority of embarrassing oral health problems are far more common than they know.

There is no reason to be embarrassed about these all-too-common health issues which can be easily addressed and treated by simply visiting the dentist. In most cases, a few small changes to your oral health routine is all that is needed to fix the issue.

Bad breath

At the top of the list and one of the most common oral health problems is bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis. This is an all too common issue that can arise for a number of reasons. It is commonly caused by the foods that you eat, and garlic is one of the leading culprits.

It could also be down to your oral hygiene habits. If you’re missing sections of your mouth when you brush your teeth, this can lead to food debris and bacteria building up in your mouth.

There could also be a medical reason for your bad breath, including conditions like dry mouth. The first step to solving bad breath is to understand the cause. Visit your dentist or dental hygienist if you are concerned about bad breath and its impact on your life.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, this is a sign that you are suffering from gum disease. This is a serious but treatable condition that should not be ignored.

Bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease and this can lead to tooth loss and bone loss if left untreated. You may need to visit the dentist or dental hygienist for advice about how to treat bleeding gums and get your oral health back on track.

Coated tongue

If your tongue always seems to be coated in a white furry covering, this could be a sign that something needs to change with your oral hygiene routine. Coated tongue can be caused by poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, smoking, some medications and other health conditions like diabetes.

If you notice your tongue has a white buildup, don’t panic. Book an appointment with your dentist to get to the bottom of the issue. It could require something as simple as a change to your medication routine or some extra steps in your oral hygiene routine to help eliminate this embarrassing condition.

Stained teeth

Your teeth might look solid but they are actually porous like a sponge. This means that they can soak up staining particles from the food and drink that you enjoy throughout your life. Some choices (like tea and red wine) will have more of a staining effect than others.

Staining can make your teeth appear dull and might make you feel much older than you really are. Thankfully, there are simple ways to banish this staining and help to restore your bright and brilliant smile. Professional teeth whitening is the most effective way to address dental staining.

Thinning enamel

Thinning enamel

The enamel coating on your teeth can become worn down over time after repeated contact with acidic substances in your food and drink. When this happens, the ends of your teeth can start to appear grey in colour or they might be chipped due to having less protection. This can make your smile appear uneven and discoloured, even if your teeth are actually quite straight.

The simplest solution for thinning enamel is to choose a cosmetic treatment like composite bonding to rebuild the tooth and provide some protection. This will also help to address discolouration.