10 Common Dental Problems and Treatment

To maintain good oral hygiene, we should visit our dentist once every six months. We need to go to the dentist twice a year to ensure that there is no decay in our teeth. Decay occurs when bacteria gets trapped under the surface of the tooth enamel. When this happens, the bacteria starts producing acids that eat away at the enamel. If you have any of the problems listed below then you should contact your dentist today!

1. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eat away at the enamel layers of teeth. Brushing and floss are effective ways to keep your teeth healthy. Regular dental visits are important for maintaining good oral health.

2. Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support our teeth. This type of oral health problem affects about half of adults over age 30. If left untreated, it can lead to bone loss around the teeth and even cause tooth loss.

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste; use dental floss often.

Visit your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups.

Periodontitis

Gingivitis is an inflammatory disease caused by bacteria that infects the tissues surrounding our teeth. This infection leads to inflammation of the gums, and eventually to bleeding and loose tooth attachment, which are called periodontal pockets. When left untreated, it can lead to severe dental problems such as bone loss and tooth loss.

The American Academy of Periodontology estimates that about 50% of adults suffer from some form of periodontal disease. In addition, nearly half of Americans over 65 have lost all their natural teeth due to periodontal disease.

4. Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by several factors, including gum disease, trauma, infection, and even genetics. If you experience tooth pain while eating, drinking, chewing, or brushing, it could be due to one or more of these causes. However, there are some common treatments that can help relieve the discomfort.

Gum Disease

If you suffer from periodontal disease, you may notice tooth sensitivity when you eat foods such as coffee, tea, alcohol, or acidic fruits and vegetables. Gum disease affects the gums around your teeth and can lead to tooth loss. To prevent gum disease, make sure to brush twice daily and floss once per day. You can use special tools to clean beneath your teeth, too.

Trauma

You might feel tooth sensitivity when biting into hard foods such as nuts, ice cream, popcorn, or candy. This is because your teeth hit against sharp objects inside your mouth. To avoid this type of damage, try cutting down on the amount of food you consume, especially those items that contain hard ingredients.

Infection

When bacteria gets under the surface of your teeth, it can cause tooth sensitivity. To reduce the risk of getting infected, keep your hands away from your mouth when cleaning. Also, rinse your mouth out thoroughly after each meal.

Genetics

Your parents' genes play a role in whether or not you develop sensitive teeth. If your family members have had problems with tooth sensitivity, talk to your dentist about how to protect your teeth.

5. Cracked or Broken Teeth

Cracked or broken teeth can cause pain and discomfort. They are often caused by trauma, such as being hit in the mouth while playing sports or accidentally biting down too hard on something. If you notice a crack or chip, it is important to see a dentist immediately. You don't want to wait because the problem could worsen over time.

A cracked or broken tooth can cause other problems if left untreated. For example, bacteria can enter the space where the tooth used to be and cause gum disease. This can lead to infection and abscesses. In addition, if the root canal sealer dries out, it can become brittle and break off, causing further damage. Finally, if there is no longer enough room for the filling material to expand into, the tooth can fracture.

Your dentist will recommend what treatment options are best for you. Depending on the severity of the problem, your dentist might suggest one of several treatments, including:

• Root Canal Treatment - Removing infected tissue and cleaning the inside of the tooth

• Crown Repair - Repairs damaged areas of the crown

• Tooth Extraction - Removes the entire tooth

If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or sensitivity around your teeth, call your dentist today.

6. Receding Gums

Receding gums are one of the most common reasons for missing teeth. If you notice that your gum tissue is thinning out, it could be due to aging, genetics, or even stress. You may want to see a dentist about your problem.

Brush your teeth twice daily, floss once weekly, and use mouthwash regularly. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, since sugar encourages bacteria growth in your mouth. Also avoid smoking cigarettes, since nicotine promotes plaque buildup.

If your gums continue to recede, you might consider having gum grafting done. This procedure involves taking small pieces of healthy gum tissue from another part of your mouth and placing them over the area where the gums are disappearing. This helps promote new bone formation and strengthens the damaged tissues.

7. Root Infection

A root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp inside the tooth begins to become infected. This happens most often because of trauma or decay. If you experience pain around a particular tooth, see your dentist immediately. You may need a root canal procedure.

Most people don't know what it is until they have experienced extreme dental issues. A root canal treatment is the removal of the nerve and blood vessels that supply nutrients to the tooth. Once the infection is removed, the tooth can heal properly.

8. Enamel Erosion

Enamel erosion is caused by consuming too much sugar or acidic foods. When you eat something sweet, it dissolves into your mouth and forms acids. These acids erode your enamel and cause cavities. To prevent this, brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once per day. Brush gently and avoid scrubbing. If you are brushing your teeth too often, use less pressure and don't brush your tongue. Also, make sure to drink water frequently throughout the day to help keep your mouth hydrated.

9. Dry Mouth

If dry mouth is causing you discomfort, there are some things you can do to relieve it.

The first step is to drink plenty of fluids every day. Water is best, but juice and sports drinks work too. If you don't like plain water, try adding lemon or lime slices to make it taste better. You can also chew gum or suck on hard candy, but avoid sucking on ice cubes because they could freeze your mouth shut.

Another way to combat dry mouth is to use a humidifier or vaporizer. These devices add moisture to the air around you, keeping your mouth moist without having to sip liquids.

Finally, consider taking a daily multivitamin supplement containing zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for healthy salivation glands.

10. Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is often referred to as bruxism. This is because it happens while you're sleeping. People grind their teeth when they're stressed out or anxious. They do it unconsciously and without realizing what they're doing. But sometimes people grind their teeth even when they're relaxed.

A dentist says there are three types of people who grind their teeth. Some people grind their teeth every night. Others grind them once a week or once a month. And some people grind them almost never.

If you notice yourself grinding your teeth, try stopping. You don't want to hurt your teeth. If you think you might be a bruxer, talk to your dentist about getting a custom-made mouth guard.