Dental issues can impact a person’s emotions and lead to feelings of anxiety. There are several common problems with teeth, including decay, gum disease, tooth sensitivity, and grinding. In this article, we will talk about these common tooth problems and how to fix them.
Common Teeth Problems and How to Fix Them
Cosmetic Teeth Problems
Many people notice a problem with their teeth when they check their appearance. This can include:
- Staining
- Cracked teeth
- A chipped tooth or teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps
Fixing these problems is as easy as visiting a cosmetic dentist with experience and expertise in enhancing smiles.
Decaying of a Tooth
The most common tooth problem is tooth decay or cavities. At some point in most of our lives, we will experience tooth decay. It occurs when there is a build-up of bacteria, known as plaque, on the surface of the teeth. These bacteria will produce acids from the sugars in the foods we eat. The acid will then eat away at the teeth and permanently damage the outer layer of the teeth.
If left untreated, tooth loss can be a result. This is especially true if the decay reaches the root.
Tooth Decay Symptoms
Tooth decay symptoms can include any of the following:
- Bad breath
- Brown or black spots on your teeth
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
Tooth Decay Treatment
The only way to treat tooth decay is by going to a dental professional who needs to fill the tooth, add a crown, or even perform a root canal procedure.
Tooth Decay Prevention
Flossing daily and brushing your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste is the best way to prevent tooth decay. Attending regular check-ups at the dentist can also help avoid this common dental problem.
Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when there is a build-up of plaque within the mouth. However, it is not painful and can go unnoticed. Gum disease begins as gingivitis and, if untreated, can develop into periodontitis.
Periodontitis is when the gum pockets become infected and can cause significant damage to the bone and tissue holding the teeth. This can cause a change in your bite, shrink your gums, and cause teeth to become loose.
Gum Disease Symptoms
In the beginning stages, gingivitis is hard to pick up as it is pain-free. However, if it develops further, you can experience symptoms like bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth.
Gum Disease Treatment
To treat gum disease, a dental professional will need to be consulted, where they will conduct an assessment and professional cleaning. They may prescribe antibiotics or refer you to a gum disease specialist, depending on the severity and disease progression.
Gum Disease Prevention
Like tooth decay, to prevent gum disease, you must ensure frequent teeth cleaning and attend regular dental checkups with your dentist.
Sensitive Teeth
If the enamel on your teeth has worn away or gum recession exposes the root surface, fluctuations of hot and cold temperatures from food and drinks will make your teeth sensitive. This is because the protective layer of the tooth (enamel) is gone, so the food and drink contact with the innervated/inner part of the tooth causes intense and uncomfortable pain.
Sensitive Teeth Symptoms
When you have sensitive teeth, you will experience intense pain in the mouth, specifically around the area where the enamel has decayed.
Sensitive Teeth Treatment
Dental professionals will prescribe specific desensitizing toothpaste and mouthwash to combat sensitive teeth. Depending on how severe your case is, other procedures like fillings, root canals, or crowns may be required.
Sensitive Teeth Prevention
Visit a dental professional as soon as you feel any discomfort or pain in the mouth to prevent further damage. Visiting the dentist for a check-up will also help prevent sensitive teeth from occurring.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is also a common dental health problem. Many people grind their teeth during the day without knowing it. However, teeth grinding mainly occurs while you are sleeping.
Teeth grinding is when the teeth are physically grinding against each other, and it can cause damage to the teeth and the jaw. This can lead to headaches. Teeth grinding most commonly occurs when an individual has a sleep disorder or has stress and anxiety.
Teeth Grinding Symptoms
Because it happens when we are unaware, we should watch for other symptoms, including a sore jaw from the pressure. People who grind their teeth will also experience headaches more frequently.
Teeth Grinding Treatment
Dental professionals can provide you with a mouth guard that is custom-made to fit your mouth. A mouth guard will be worn when you sleep to reduce the damage of grinding to the teeth, but it is not always the only treatment.
Treating causes such as anxiety, stress, or sleep disorders will reduce or eliminate the chances that teeth-grinding occurs. Botox can also be used to weaken the muscles responsible for grinding in your cheeks.
Teeth Grinding Prevention
Prevention is difficult with teeth grinding as it can go unnoticed at first. Therefore, regular visits to the dentist will assist in preventing this as much as possible. Teeth grinding should be treated as soon as you are aware of it.
Additional Information: What Can Adults Do to Maintain Good Oral Health?
All Smiles Family Dentistry in Omaha, NE
At All Smiles Family Dentistry, we are proud to provide high-quality care to all our patients both young and old thanks to our compassionate and experienced dental team. We offer a clean and comfortable clinic to help you feel relaxed during your visit. Contact All Smiles Family Dentist.