Even when you maintain your oral health with proper daily care such as brushing and flossing, dental problems can arise. Many of the common problems can be easily fixed or alleviated with proper restorative treatment or added strategies to your daily dental care routine.
Here’s a rundown of five of the most common dental problems and how best to handle them.
1. Cavities. We all know this term and, starting from a young age, want to avoid hearing it at our visits to the dentists. The truth is, even if you eat healthy foods and have good oral hygiene, cavities, also referred to as tooth decay or dental caries, can develop. It happens when a film of bacteria called plaque – usually a light-yellow color – forms on the tooth's surface. This plaque eats away at the tooth’s enamel over time and causes small holes to develop in the tooth, which is the cavity. Cavities can cause pain or sensitivity; they are usually diagnosed through x-rays and then confirmed by a dentist. Most often cavities are treated with fillings to prevent further damage.
2. Gum disease. The mild form of gum disease called gingivitis is more common than the more severe type that can develop known as periodontitis.Mild gum disease is found in about 40% of adults in the U.S. and is characterized by irritation and swelling. Dentists can remove the excess plaque and bacteria to reverse gingivitis through a restorative dental procedure called scaling, which is an intensive cleaning process. Periodontitis may require oral antibiotics or surgery for treatment. It causes more intense symptoms like bleeding gums, painful chewing, receding gums, and tooth loss.
3. Cracked or chipped teeth. Accidents or injuries are not the only way you can crack or chip a tooth. In fact, grinding your teeth at night or biting into a hard food item and breaking a tooth is a common occurrence. It can sometimes go unnoticed until symptoms like sudden tooth sensitivity or pain while chewing appear suddenly. Dentists can examine a patient’s mouth to feel for cracks and in some cases will use dental dye to diagnose the severity of the break or crack. The treatment for cracked teeth is dependent upon the location of the tooth and how much of the tooth is affected. Some restorative treatment options for mild cases are a crown or bonding; sometimes a root canal or tooth extraction is needed to relieve pain and prevent further oral health damage.
4. Tooth sensitivity. If you experience pain when you eat hot or cold foods, you may suffer from food sensitivity. This common dental problem occurs when tooth enamel is damaged, which allows substances to reach the nerve endings in teeth. Dentists may treat tooth sensitivity with sealants to add a layer of protection to the teeth. They may also recommend special toothpastes and other oral hygiene products for daily use in managing symptoms.
5. Bad breath. This common dental problem is one that has the most potential causes making treatment a more personalized effort.Also called halitosis, bad breath can be embarrassing in social interactions. Among the factors that can contribute to bad breath are specific foods, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, certain medications, infection, acid reflux, or oral cancer.In order to determine what is causing your bad breath and a proper treatment plan, a full dental exam will be the first step to combat this dental problem.
If you are concerned about of these common dental problems, reach out to our caring team at Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee for an appointment today.We will review your concerns, perform a full dental examination and cleaning, and then create a personalized dental care plan. Our dentists have extensive expertise in treating common dental problems.
