10 Common Dental Problems and How to Prevent Them
Everyone desires healthy teeth and gums to display a beautiful smile and benefit from having fresh breath and a boost in confidence levels. However, are you aware approximately 50 percent of American adults have halitosis, one of the most common dental problems that are entirely preventable?
If you are unaware of halitosis or other common dental problems afflicting you and the treatment options for each, here is a list of 10 issues with preventive measures and treatments to keep your teeth and gums optimal to support a beautiful smile.
- Tooth Decay: tooth decay, alternatively called dental caries, is the most common dental issue affecting adults and children. Tooth decay occurs when a film of bacteria constantly forms on your teeth to produce acids from sugary foods. The acids permanently damage tooth enamel and continue working on the soft dentin beneath it. Enamel erosion leads to cavities in your teeth, causing toothaches and temperature sensitivity. Other symptoms accompanying tooth decay include lousy breath, spots on your teeth, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. When you visit the local dentist to receive treatment for the condition, they may recommend fillings, root canals, and crowns, depending on the severity of your situation. However, you can prevent tooth decay by brushing twice daily, flossing, and getting regular dental checkups.
- Gum Disease: gingivitis, the earliest phase of periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection causing symptoms like red and swollen gums, bleeding when brushing and flossing, and sensitive teeth when chewing. The lack of proper dental hygiene results in this infection besides crooked and misaligned teeth that are challenging to clean. Gingivitis is a reversible condition by getting dental cleaning from a dentist nearby. However, if you leave it untreated, it can progress to periodontitis and become a lifelong companion needing frequent treatments from dentists and different medical professionals because the infection can affect your entire body.
- Halitosis: a common dental issue affecting many is halitosis, also called bad breath. You may develop the condition due to poor dental hygiene, xerostomia, medication, infection, acid reflux, and cancer. In addition, the foods you consume can also cause halitosis. Visiting the dentist near you for a remedy will help you ascertain the causes of this condition because they can determine whether it emanates from your mouth or refer you to your healthcare provider if they suspect other issues.
- Sensitive Teeth: you will experience sensitivity in your teeth when the enamel wears away to expose the dentin. The dentin has tubules leading to the nerve inside your tooth. Tooth sensitivity results from gum disease, root infection, cracked or broken teeth, enamel erosion, and receding gums. The dentist recommends using different toothpaste brands and mouthwashes besides fluoride treatment, gum grafts, or endodontic therapy in such conditions. The treatment recommended will depend on the severity of your situation.
- Cracked Or Broken Teeth: impacts on your mouth can cause your teeth to crack or fracture. Your teeth can crack if affected by bruxism, causing you to grind and clench your teeth. Depending upon the extent of the damage, cracked or broken teeth cause immense discomfort making it essential to get the tooth examined and receive treatment from the dentist in Gilbert with veneers, crowns, and dental bonding.
- Receding Gums: receding gums from gum disease can result in other problems. You can also lose your teeth if you have gum recession. Your gums can recede by aggressively brushing, smoking, hormonal changes in women, high blood pressure, poor oral hygiene, and genetics. Dental care for receding gums includes a deep cleaning from the dental offices nearby and making changes to your dental hygiene regimen to prevent gum recession.
- Root Infection: your tooth roots can become infected and swollen with bacteria because of cavities, fractures, and cracks. Root infections can damage the tissues and nerves of your teeth to cause a dental abscess on your gums. Dental conditions or injuries left untreated are familiar reasons for root infections, making temperature sensitivity in your mouth an everyday occurrence. Root infections are treated by giving you a root canal, a safe procedure to eliminate the discomfort in your tooth without causing pain.
- Enamel Erosion: enamel erosion occurs gradually to leave your teeth discolored because you may consume plenty of sugary and acidic foods. Aggressive brushing is also a reason for enamel erosion. Enamel erosion results in weaker sensitive teeth, making them susceptible to cracks and breakage. While the tooth enamel does not regenerate, you can reduce the sensitivity by limiting sugary food and snacks and using a soft-bristled toothbrush for cleaning your teeth or improving their condition by getting dental veneers or bonding.
- Xerostomia: xerostomia or dry mouth can affect anyone but is more common among older people. Cancer treatments, salivary gland issues, nerve damage, diabetes, et cetera can result in xerostomia. You can relieve a dry mouth by sipping water throughout the day and avoiding substances like alcohol, Tobacco, caffeine, and sugary foods or using artificial saliva suggested by your dentist.
- Bruxism: grinding and clenching your teeth results from bruxism, mainly when you sleep. Bruxism can also affect you when awake, causing you to develop jaw pain, headaches, and earaches. Bruxism can result from sleep disorders, stress, and anxiety. You must receive treatment for the underlying conditions or request a customized night guard from the Gilbert dentist to help minimize damage to your teeth.
Dental issues can affect your self-confidence, overall health, and your life. If you are constantly dealing with the dental problems listed, it helps if you contact Town Square Dental & Orthodontics for an evaluation and a solution for the issue. The Dental practice can help relieve the discomfort and pain you experience to help you need a fruitful life. Kindly arrange an appointment with them today to receive help and overcome the most common dental problems.