4 Embarassing Tooth-Related Conditions That You'll Want To Avoid

Ah, teeth. Your pearly whites help you chew your food and look great in photos. But treat them badly and you'll know about it. From stinky breath to excruciating pain, teeth can be more temperamental than a 13-year old. Here are four of the most embarrassing tooth-related conditions that you'll want to avoid. 

1. Bad Breath

It's a topic that nobody wants to talk about. If you've had bad breath, also known as halitosis, you probably kept it to yourself. But here's the thing: bad breath is more common than you think. A whopping 85 percent of people with bad breath have a dental condition that's causing the stink. Cavities, dry mouth and even bacteria on the tongue can cause halitosis. But luckily, there's a solution. Mouthwash can destroy all the nasty stuff in your mouth after just a couple of swigs. If that doesn't work, popping to your dentist should do the trick. 

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease is no laughing matter. In fact, over time, it could damage your bones, cause your teeth to fall out and lead to receding gums. Not very nice, right? Periodontitis is the most dangerous type of gum disease, something that shrinks the gums and inflames the tissue around the teeth. If this all sounds like a bad dream, don't despair. Your dentist can spot the signs of gum problems if you visit him or her on a regular basis. So now there's no excuse!

3. Tooth Sensitivity

If you get sharp lightning bolts of pain when you eat ice cream or drink hot coffee, you could have sensitive teeth. This is usually the result of exposed tooth roots or worn-out enamel, but sometimes a cracked tooth or cavity can be causing the sensitivity. Soft brushes and special toothpaste can quickly ease the pain. You can even try brushing your teeth with gentle, circular movements. But if the problem persists, your dentist can help you out.

4. Toothache

A toothache is often caused by tooth decay and it can be painful. Really painful. In fact, a toothache doesn't stop for anything, not even the weekend. It can come, go and come back again. If you're in severe pain and it's outside regular business hours, contact an emergency or weekend dentist straight away.  Don't leave it too long either. A toothache is a sign that something's wrong and leaving the problem can only make things worse. You have been warned!