The Most Common Dental Problems and How to Treat Them

It's no secret that a good smile can make you feel great, but did you know that it can also tell the world a lot about your health? That's right! Your teeth and gums can indicate certain health problems, so it's important to take care of them.

If you've ever had a cavity or have noticed your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, you're not alone! The most common dental problems include cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and sensitivity.

This blog post will overview the most common dental problems and how they can be treated.

8 Most Common Dental Problems

Oral health is a major factor in overall health and well-being. The mouth can be a window to other parts of the body, so oral health problems can be a sign of other medical issues.

One of the biggest issues people have with their dental health is that they don’t care for their teeth.

If you want to avoid having these problems, here are some common dental issues and how to treat them:

1.  Cavities or Tooth Decay

Dental caries, often known as cavities, are another name for tooth deterioration. The plaque on your teeth might cause this problem when it reacts with the sugar and acid in your food. Your tooth enamel will progressively dissolve and develop holes due to these acids. The likelihood of tooth decay decreases as oral hygiene improves. To avoid dental decay, it is essential to avoid plaque buildup.

If you already have cavities or gum disease, you should make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. If not treated, it might develop into an abscess or cause gum disease. Patients suffering from gum infections often report feeling severe pain or discomfort. This is why it's important to tend to any oral repairs (such as a crown, filling, or extraction) as soon as possible.

2. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Gum disease is the most common chronic disease throughout the world today. Gum disease happens when plaque builds up along the gum line and irritates the gums, causing them to become inflamed and swollen — a condition called gingivitis; if not treated, this will eventually lead to periodontal disease, which can result in bone loss around the teeth leading to tooth loss over time if left untreated!

Surgical and non-surgical procedures are both viable choices for treating gum disease. If you choose to avoid surgery, your dentist may gently scrape tartar and plaque from the base of your tooth. The goal of surgical therapy is to either completely eradicate the infection in your gums or to repair the bone that was lost throughout the infection.

3. Bad breath (halitosis)

Bad breath is often caused by poor oral hygiene. It can also result from gum disease, dry mouth, and cavities. A simple way to treat bad breath is to brush your teeth more often and use a tongue scraper. If your breath still smells bad after this, you should see your dentist, who may prescribe mouthwash or an antibacterial rinse.

4. Toothaches

Toothaches can be caused by cavities, gum disease, loose fillings, or even an impacted wisdom tooth. To prevent toothaches from occurring, avoid sugary food and drinks and visit the dentist every six months for regular dental checkups. The presence of pus or swelling around the tooth, together with a high temperature, may indicate an abscess, a more dangerous condition. Toothaches are usually treated with painkillers or antibiotics, depending on the cause of the pain.

5. Tooth discolouration

In the same way that the right detergent can get rid of many stains in your laundry, the right dental care routine can eliminate numerous discolourations in your teeth. Several causes, including food, medicine, cigarettes, and trauma, can cause teeth staining. The dentist can use a bleaching product and a laser to brighten your smile. Simple solutions like whitening toothpaste and rinses are only effective in eliminating superficial stains.

6. Dry Mouth

A dry mouth is one of the most common dental problems. It occurs when your salivary glands don't produce enough, or your body doesn't have enough water to make saliva. If you're experiencing dry mouth symptoms, talk with your dentist about possible treatments like prescription mouth rinses that can help keep your mouth moist and comfortable. A dry mouth may be avoided by maintaining a healthy bodily fluid balance between regular dental checkups.

7. Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is caused by exposed dentin under the tooth’s outer layer of enamel — known as dental decay or erosion — which allows nerve endings in the tooth to be exposed to hot or cold foods and drinks. Tooth sensitivity can also occur if you have gum disease or advanced periodontal disease that affects the bone supporting the teeth. While tooth sensitivity typically occurs on one side of a tooth, it can sometimes affect both sides of a single tooth at once, making eating certain foods uncomfortable or painful for several days.

Specific kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes target the needs of those with sensitive teeth. The dentist may also suggest other treatments, such as fluoride, a crown, a gum graft, or even a root canal. Treatment options are prioritised according to the severity of your condition.

8. Crooked Teeth

One of the most common dental problems is crooked teeth. Crooked or misaligned teeth can be caused by genetics and trauma during development. If you have crooked teeth, it can harm your smile and self-esteem.

It is possible to straighten out your teeth with braces, but it is not a quick process. You will have to wear braces for several months before seeing results, and it may take even longer before they are completely straightened out. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the problem completely.

Takeaway

When it comes to teeth, you must have a dentist you can trust. At Optimal Dental Care, your trusted Bondi Junction dentist, we take pride in providing our patients with the best care possible.

We know that sometimes dental problems can be scary or uncomfortable. That's why we've put together this blog to help you understand some of the most common issues and how we might treat them.

If you're ready to schedule an appointment with our dentists in Woollahra, call us today!