Many people fear dental problems. It’s possible to avoid most of these problems by maintaining your teeth properly and visiting the dentist regularly.
Many people fear dentists. They avoid going to the dentist and let minor problems become serious.
It is important to educate yourself on possible dental issues and how to deal with them. This will help you avoid costly treatments. Let’s discuss the most common dental problems and how to treat them.
1. Toothache
Toothache is unpredictable and can ruin plans. Toothaches can have many different causes.
- Mouth injury
- Sinus infection
- Teething
- Tooth decay
- Loss of filling
- Cut food into wedges
- Gum disease
- And much more.
You may not be able to determine the exact cause of your toothache. This is why it’s important to seek medical attention when you experience such pain. You can take NSAIDs and rinse your mouth with warm water or mouthwash before you visit the dentist.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that the problem has been solved if the pain goes away. You might want to schedule an appointment with your dentist anyway.
Cavities (Tooth Decay).
Cavities are small holes on your teeth. Cavities appear when your tooth’s hard surface is damaged. Caries is the common name for cavities. Caries can be caused by a variety of factors including poor food choices and physical damage.
Caries is a common problem for people of any age. Caries can occur as soon as an infant grows teeth.
Cavities are impossible to treat on your own. You need to seek immediate medical care. You may see your teeth decay faster if you don’t treat the cavity. You may have to remove your tooth.
3. chipped tooth
Chipped teeth are very common. Dentists have called it the most common dental problem. A chip’s severity can vary. You can fix some chips by using a small filling or bonding. If the pulp has been damaged, a crown may be needed.
Experts from a San Diego clinic say that even if the chip appears to be minor, it is important to visit a dentist. It could progress to cause serious dental problems.
4. Impacted teeth
A tooth that is not growing the way it should is called an impacted tooth. Some teeth grow in an angle, causing damage to their neighbors. Other teeth can damage the soft tissue or bone.
Different dentists have different opinions on these teeth. Others recommend that they be left alone, unless there is pain. Some say they need immediate attention.
If you see that the tooth is growing in the wrong direction, it’s best to consult with a dentist.
Sensitive teeth
Another common dental issue is sensitivity. This can be due to a number of factors including:
- Cavities
- Gingivitis
- Gum recession
- Teeth grinding
- Plaque buildup
Do not suffer from tooth sensitivity. Speak to your dentist. Many problems can be easily fixed.
6. Gum Disease
Adults are often affected by periodontal disease (gum disease). This is an infection of the gums surrounding teeth. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is more common in people older than 30. It can also affect younger people. Gum disease can be caused by:
- Smoking
- Genetics
- Stress
- Medicines
- Poor nutrition
- Obesity
- Teeth grinding
- Why Not?
Gum disease is characterized by bad breath, swollen, bleeding gums and pain when chewing.
By maintaining a healthy diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help prevent gum disease.
7. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is not directly related to tooth decay, but it can still affect your gums and teeth. This condition is characterized by a lack of saliva production.
Saliva has an antibacterial action and helps to maintain a pH balance within the mouth. Without it, patients may experience problems with their teeth and gums. Dry mouth can be caused by:
- Age
- Chemotherapy
- Certain medications
Lack of moisture can lead to tooth decay, plaque and cavities. Dry mouth is not curable at this time. Drinking more water can help patients keep their mouths well hydrated. Patients should visit their dentists more frequently to detect problems early.
Final Thoughts
Going to the dentist can be stressful. But avoiding your regular dental appointments is worse. Teeth problems do not tend to go away on their own. They can often get worse over time. Contact your dentist immediately if you are experiencing any of these issues.