Common dental problems and their prevention.

We use our teeth and mouths for various purposes, so it's not unexpected that many things may go wrong over time, especially if you don't take regular dental care. However, practicing good oral hygiene can avoid most dental and oral diseases. Educating yourself on common dental problems and their causes can help prevent them.

What type of dental problems can occur?

Cavities

Cavities are also known as tooth decay. They have permanently damaged portions of the tooth that may even have holes. Moreover, cavities happen when bacteria, food, and acid combine to produce plaque on your teeth. Therefore, the acid on your teeth erodes the enamel and causes long-term harm.

Gum disease

Gum disease is an infection that develops around your teeth. The medical word for gum disease is gingivitis, and periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease. Additionally, gum disease is a significant cause of adult tooth loss. Gum disease can affect anyone. However, gum diseases can be avoided with regular dental checkups, brushing, and flossing.

Furthermore, tobacco use is a substantial risk factor. Diabetes and dry mouth raise your risk as well. Among the symptoms are:

• Breath that stinks
• Gums that are red, swollen, painful, or bleeding
• Sensitive teeth
• Chewing discomfort

Thus, consult your dentist if you see any gum disease indications. Moreover, early treatment can help to avoid complications like tooth loss.

Sensitive teeth

If you have sensitive teeth, you may experience pain or discomfort after consuming cold or hot foods or beverages. It might happen momentarily after a root canal or a filling. It might also be caused by:

• receding gums,
• A broken tooth
• Worn-down fillings or crowns
• Some people have inherently sensitive teeth due to weak enamel.

Hence, you can treat your naturally sensitive teeth with a change in your daily oral hygiene routine. In addition, people with sharp teeth can use toothpaste and mouthwash that treat sensitivity.

Oral cancer

Cancers of the mouth include cancer of:

• Gums
• Tongue
• Lips
• Cheeks
• Hard and soft palate

Your dentist is the first person to detect mouth cancer. Additionally, tobacco use and smoking are the leading causes of mouth cancer.

Bad breath

Bad breath, often known as halitosis, can be humiliating. According to studies, 85 percent of patients with persistent foul breath have a dental issue. Common causes of bad breath are:

• Cavities caused by gum disease
• Cancer of the mouth
• Mouth dryness
• Bacteria in the mouth

Mouthwash will cover the stench created by these issues. However, if you have chronic foul breath, consult your dentist to find out what's causing it.

Receding gums

Receding gums are a widespread dental problem. The problem can develop into more significant issues like tooth loss. A variety of reasons can contribute to receding gums, including:

• Oral hygiene issues
• Brushing your teeth too vigorously
• High blood pressure
• Women's hormonal fluctuations
• Smoking

Your receding gums might be inherited, meaning the issue runs in your family. However, thoroughly cleaning your teeth can be a solution for receding gums. Furthermore, severe cases of gum recession may require bone grafting.

Root infections

Bacteria can cause the root of your tooth to become inflamed and swollen. Root infection can cause tooth tissue, nerve damage, and the formation of abscesses. A root canal is the treatment of root infection.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth may affect anyone at any time. It is not a regular aspect of the aging process, although it is more frequent in the elderly. Causes of dry mouth are:

• Cancer therapies
• Salivary gland disorders
• Nerve damage
• Diabetes

Drinking water throughout the day may help relieve dry mouth and throat. Drugs that induce dryness should also be avoided. They include alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, and sweets.

Ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy

Good dental health is a byproduct of overall health. The simple ways to avoid dental problems are to:

• Brush your teeth daily
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss at least once a day
• Have your teeth cleaned by your dentist every six months
• Avoid smoking
• limit sugary foods and drinks

Conclusion

Your teeth are affected by your dental health. Poor dental health can lead to dental problems, self-esteem, speech, and nutrition issues. Hence, visiting a dentist regularly for a checkup and exam is the most effective approach to detect an issue before it worsens.

Contact your Walnut Creek dentist, Massood Darvishzadeh, DDS at Dental Implant Solutions, to know about dental problems and their prevention.

Resource:

What Is General Dentistry, And Who Is A General Dentist?

This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.