How-to: solve common mouth issues

Stinky breath. Rotting teeth. Painful ulcers. Sensitivity. Yes, oral health issues are not only annoying, but also extremely uncomfortable.
Despite regular brushing, flossing and check-ups, dental health issues can still occur. The key to combatting these problems is to know when it’s time to consult your dentist, what products to use and what you should and shouldn’t be eating…
HOW TO SOLVE 5 COMMON MOUTH PROBLEMS
#1. Bad breath
Bad breath – or halitosis as it’s officially known – is a rather embarrassing issue. It’s often caused by build-up of bacteria on your tongue, which lets off a rotten-like smell. Nip it in the bud quickly by chewing some breath mints or gum and drinking a glass of water. (Dry mouth is a major cause of bad breath.) Then, purchase a tongue scrapper and use it morning and night. This type of product is more effective at removing plague from the tongue in comparison to your regular toothbrush. Mouthwash is also a worthwhile investment, as is a diet that is free of foods like onion and garlic.
Try: Colgate Plax or Sensodyne Gentle Mouthwash.
#2. Mouth ulcers
Although fairly harmless, mouth ulcers are painful. Accidently biting the inside of your cheek is when most ulcers occur, as the mucous membrane becomes damaged. Mouth ulcers do tend to clear up in a few days, however specific ulcer creams are beneficial for relieving pain and discomfort during this time.
Try: Bonjela Mouth Ulcer Gel.
#3. Tooth decay
Brushing and flossing alone will not ward off tooth decay and erosion – diet plays a significant role, too. Avoiding acidic foods and drinks (read: soft drinks, fruit juices and tomatoes) will help prevent enamel erosion, while reducing your sugar intake will inhibit tooth decay. Regular check-ups with your dentist are also important in maintaining the structure of your teeth – whether you’re suffering from decay or not.
#4. Sensitivity
Sensitive teeth and gums are often cause by over-brushing. Attacking your teeth with hard bristles can wear your gums and enamel away, leaving nerves and dentin exposed, which respond badly to hot or cold sensations. (This is why consuming food and beverages like ice cream or coffee can trigger a painful reaction.) Brushing with a desensitising toothpaste – and rubbing some of the product on your gums – will help relieve the pain and build-up your mouth’s endurance against certain triggers.
Try: Spinbrush PRO SENSITIVE, Reach Dual Effect Toothbrush or Oral-B 7000 Black in sensitive mode with Macleans Sensitive Toothpaste.
#5. Yellow teeth
A diet high in colourful food and drink – and a bad smoking habit – all contributes to yellowing teeth. The good news is this: over-the-counter whitening toothpastes containing hardworking ingredients help shift stains and whiten your smile without breaking the budget. Dentists also offer power-bleaching treatments, which are generally completed in little over an hour and provide dramatic results. However, these do come with a higher price tag and moderate tooth sensitivity can last for days after the treatment.
Try: Rapid White Bright Paste and CleverWhite Super White Range Bundle, or speak to your dentist about the Philips Zoom Light-Activated Whitening System.
Do you suffer from any of these oral health issues? What are your tips for solving these five common teeth problems? Do you take good care of your teeth?
93 Member Comments
Thanks for such a great article. keep it up. - Dentist Cristian Dunker
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Love this article. Bad breath is a reaction from all types of things including medication, gut health etc
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Bad breath can also come from digestive issues
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Thank you for sharing the remedies, as mentioned by other members too, I get intrigued by teeth whitening products available at the chemist as well however too afraid to try them out.
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High carb whole food plant based diet diet helps with eliminating bad breath . When I ate high protein diet, my breath was bad, now never!
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Helpful article with great tips. I find I always get tooth sensitivity after the dentist.
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I'll often get ulcers on my tongue, which is a sign I'm coming down with something. I've got tooth decay at the moment from a cracked tooth, I have to go back to the dentist, and it's looking like a root canal job :(
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The only issue I have is naturally yellow teeth.
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I have a mouth ulcer right now. I knew when I accidentally bit the inside of my mouth about 4 days ago that I would really regret it. It takes 2 - 3 days to get painful, and yesterday was its worst. Looking forward to it going away, and hoping I don't bite it again.
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Regular hygienist visits also help keep your teeth in tip top shape. I go every 6 months (free with my health insurance)
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All common problems. I do get tooth sensitivity (noticeable after eating hot and cold foods together) and my teeth aren't as white as I'd like. Might have to try a teeth whitening kit.
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Great tips. My teeth just can't seem to get white enough. I should use the trays more often than I do.
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Very good article, thanks
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They say it's important to brush your tongue as well to clean it and get rid of the bacteria
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Mouthwashes are going to make the problem worse not better. They dry out the oral mucosa and kill all bacteria. We need to keep the good bacteria or the bad breath increases and mouth infections start. Mouth washes only on dentists advice and for a specific condition. Ones with alcohol have been linked to oral cancers. Usually I get paid for that advice, but this one is free lol
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I've been contemplating trying some of the whitening teeth products at the chemist, but I'm always hesitant of them,....
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I have the same...I want to try them but then I'm like....what if it makes my theeth more sensitive, or damages them, etc.
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Luckily do not have any of those issues.
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Bad breath, well there's nothing more off putting. I say be kind if appropriate and let someone know they need mints ;)
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I sometimes suffer from sensitive teeth and gums and it's such a horrible feeling. With bad breath well i always try to have gum or mints on hand especially when working. I need to look after my teeth more but visiting dentists these days are so expensive.
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Sometime I face mouth ulcer issues then at that time I used glycerine and ointment.
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interesting and helpful article
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Eating healthier keeps my breathe breathable.
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