Teeth problems happen to the best of us. We may brush and floss regularly, but dental troubles can still pop up. Such problems may cause no pain; others may appear as slight sensitivity while still others have you rushing to our door.
Following the dentist’s instructions on how to care for your teeth at home is the best way to prevent dental problems, but regular cleanings and exams are still needed for the best dental health. Here are the 9 most common dental problems so you know what to look out for.
Gum disease. Also called gingivitis, gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums. This bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums and can progress to periodontal gum disease, which can cause damage to the bone and tooth loss.
Missing teeth. You can lose teeth in many different ways such as injuries or bacterial damage. Losing teeth may not seem like a big deal, but gaps can affect your bite, chewing, speech, and confidence. Don’t worry! There are many ways you can replace these teeth, including bridges and dentures.
Sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can be caused by many things, including the type of toothpaste you use and the food you eat. Check out our list of reasons why you may have tooth sensitivity.
Dry mouth. It can affect anyone and be caused by medications, aging, or other factors. Yes, it’s mostly just annoying, but it can also affect the health of your teeth if you do not have enough saliva to help wash some bacteria away.
Bad breath. Sure, people may joke about bad breath, but it can be an indicator of other health conditions like digestive issues, cancers, or acid reflux. If you are brushing thoroughly every day, flossing, and using mouthwash, then it may be time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to see if something more serious is causing your bad breath.
Tooth decay. You may be more familiar with the other name for tooth decay: cavities. This is when the enamel begins to wear down and decay due to bacteria. You will see gray, brown, or black spots on your teeth, may experience sensitivity and may have bad breath.
Oral cancer. Cancer is scary no matter who it is, but oral cancer is treatable if discovered early (another reason why regular exams are important!). Oral cancer can be caused by tobacco products, excessive alcohol consumption, and HPV. But anyone can get it, so please see your dentist regularly.
Mouth sores. Mouth sores can show up on the inside or outside of the mouth including the cheeks and lips. This includes canker sores (usually non-serious and non-viral) and cold sores (red clusters of blisters on the lips or under the nose). Canker sores are not contagious while cold sores are. There are usually over-the-counter medications for mouth sores, but if it’s painful, lasts for more than 10 days, or you’ve never had them before, see your dentist so you can be sure it’s not symptoms of a more serious problem.
Root infection. We’ve all heard of root canals, which are the treatment for an infection in the root. Root infections can be caused by bacteria that have multiplied in the root pulp and can be caused by a deep cavity, cracked tooth, or trauma. A root canal will clean the infection out and fill the area to prevent further damage.
If you feel like you’re suffering from any of these common dental problems, contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our professional teams. Whether it’s gum disease, missing teeth, or just bad breath, we can help.
