Last week, while most of us were busy shunning our screens and sticking to the safety of our homes, Robert Pattinson was out spending time with his friends, enjoying the sights and sounds of London. And what did he do while enjoying himself so much? He went to the dentist!
The Twilight Saga star wasn’t the only one who felt like getting some dental work done. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, around 4.9 million people went to the dentist in the last year alone. That’s a lot of oral hygiene regimens! So, what are the top 3 things that drive people to the dentist?
Dry Mouth
If you’re not drinking enough fluids, particularly water, your mouth will become drier which makes it more susceptible to tooth decay. Therefore, it’s important to drink sufficient amounts of water so your mouth stays hydrated and doesn’t cause any problems. You might also want to consider investing in a water bottle that tracks the amount you’re drinking so you can keep track of your fluid intake (and avoid any potential dehydration issues).
One of the main reasons why people visit the dentist is for cleaning and regular check-ups. For those who suffer from gum disease, it’s also important to receive treatment as soon as possible before it affects the supporting bone in the jaw. Luckily, most cases of gum disease can be avoided with proper oral hygiene and nutrition. Still, if you’re feeling particularly anxious about your oral health, you could consider seeing a dentist immediately – even if you’re not suffering from gum disease.
Facial Pain
It might not be the most pleasant experience to have your toothache turn into a full-blown case of “facial pain,” particularly when you go to the dentist to have it fixed. Still, roughly 8 million people in the UK suffer from some kind of facial pain, which is why it’s such a popular issue to be dealt with by dentists. Facial pain can be caused by a variety of issues, from TMJ to stress or anxiety. One of the best ways to combat facial pain is by finding the root of the problem and fixing it – even if that means seeking help from a mental health professional.
Jaw Pain
A lot of people think that the worst thing that can happen to them is to have an awkward conversation with their dentist. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be more wrong. Jaw pain is fairly common, with around 27% of people experiencing some degree of discomfort in their temporomandibular joints (TMJs). This is the joint that connects your head to your body. It can be caused by a variety of factors, from tooth decay to arthritis, which makes it a pain point that really does need to be addressed by a dentist. One of the best ways of dealing with jaw pain is by keeping up oral hygiene and taking pain medication as needed.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you’ve ever experienced sharp, stabbing pains when consuming food or liquids, you’ll know exactly what tooth sensitivity is – and why it’s such an annoying issue. Still, around 12 million people in the UK are affected by this problem which makes it more common than most people think. Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors, from cavities to errant brushing, which is why it’s such a common issue for dentists to treat. There’s no real way of predicting who will experience tooth sensitivity, but it’s something that might affect a person more than once in their life. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies and options available to manage and reduce the effects of tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity isn’t something that affects just the mouth – it can also manifest itself in the form of headaches, jaw discomfort, and even earaches. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to see a dentist to have them fixed. Still, it’s important to remember that the primary cause of tooth sensitivity is usually down to poor oral hygiene which needs to be addressed in order to reduce the probability of it happening again.
By regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as seeing your dentist for check-ups and cleanings, you will be able to reduce your chances of experiencing any of these issues. Still, if you’re feeling particularly anxious about your oral health or want to ensure that you’re always on the safe side, it might be a good idea to see a dentist immediately if you suspect that you’re heading for an attack of “facial pain.” And remember, sometimes the simplest things can be the solution to our problems. If you try and see if drinking more water helps, you may well be pleasantly surprised.