Have you ever seen teeth abnormalities pictures in your dentist’s office? Usually, they’re examples of the most common dental problems. Although the damage seems severe, many of these conditions stem from minor issues.
Your mouth has many functions, which includes being an entryway to rest of your body. While some dental problems cause minimal damage, some are more severe and interfere with bodily functions. Here’s a list of ten common dental issues with prevention and treatment tips.
Table of Contents
Ten Common Dental Issues
Cavities
Cavities, or tooth decay, typically occur when bacteria, plaque, and acid are left on the enamel for a while. As acid and plaque sit on your teeth, they begin to erode.
Tooth decay impacts both enamel and dentin, the layer directly below the enamel. You can prevent cavities by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice daily. It’s also good to avoid or enjoy acidic foods in moderation to reduce your teeth’s vulnerability to plaque buildup.
Neglected cavities lead to further dental problems. Erosion spreads from the enamel into the innermost layers and gums. This leads to tooth infection, pain, and tooth loss in some cases. If you begin seeing cavities symptoms like visible holes or sporadic pain, visit your dentist immediately. If your tooth must be removed, you’ll need a dental implant.
Chipped Tooth
Chipped teeth are one of the most common dental problems. Chipped tooth causes include injury, bruxism, or teeth grinding, and biting hard foods like ice. Teeth with existing decay have a higher chance of chipping. If you can, visit your dentist immediately. Otherwise, use your mouth with caution, especially around the chipped tooth.
Gum Disease
Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, is caused by inflammation. Gum disease is usually brought on by poor oral hygiene and lingering plaque. Plaque buildup occurs when bacteria and acids combine, which is what causes itchy gums teeth.
The best way to prevent and treat gingivitis is a good oral routine. You should also regularly have your teeth deep cleaned. Otherwise, you’re at risk of developing periodontitis, which impacts both oral and overall health. If left unchecked, you may also need tooth extraction and dental implants to prevent further spreading.
Bad Breath
Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common problem. Bad breath comes from eating certain foods, underlying health conditions, and poor oral habits. For some people, severe cases of halitosis causes social anxiety and insecurity.
When you brush your teeth, make sure to also brush your tongue. Sulfur-producing bacteria break down on the tongue and throat, causing a foul smell. Therefore, brushing your teeth and tongue twice daily minimizes the amount of odor-causing bacteria.
Oral Cancer
Studies show that around 50 thousand Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Most people don’t recognize cancer symptoms, so this is one of the dental problems usually discovered by your dentist.
Oral cancer causes sores that don’t go away. These sores appear in a number of places including on the tongue, lips, cheeks, and the hard and soft palates. Other oral cancer symptoms include unexplained bleeding and numbness, facial sores, and difficulty performing common oral functions like chewing.
As soon as you notice any of these signs, immediately visit a healthcare professional. Earlier diagnosis and treatment minimizes spreading and the likelihood of fatality.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is the painful or uncomfortable reaction to extreme temperatures. This is a common symptom of gum disorders, cracked teeth, or a damaged filling or crown. Dental procedures also cause temporary sensitivity.
Sometimes, people with thinner enamel also experience sensitivity. Combat this oral condition with sensitivity-specific hygiene products. You can also temporarily avoid foods with extremely hot and cold temperatures.
Periodontitis
If you’ve seen pictures of bad gums, they’re most likely periodontitis. Periodontitus is the advanced stage of gingivitis. First, your gums recede to trap the bacteria, causing your gums to bleed when you brush and floss.
Unchecked periodontitis causes pain and bone support loss around your teeth. Periodontitis spreads beyond common dental problems. In addition to bad breath, tooth loss, and bleeding gums, periodontitis increases the risk of developing other health conditions. Periodontitis increases pregnancy complication risk, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Regular dental appointments help treat and minimize periodontitis development risk.
Cracked or broken teeth
These common dental problems range in severity. Poor oral hygiene is a major cause of these oral issues. Depending on the severity, you have different symptoms and treatment options. Some examples of cracks include:
Craze Lines
Craze lines are extremely common. They appear as tiny cracks in the enamel and are completely painless.
Vertical Line Cracks
Some people experience vertical cracks in their enamel. Cracks that don’t extend to the gum line are salvageable. However, if you have a vertical crack that reaches your gum line, you’ll need extraction, especially if it’s infected.
Difficulty chewing and sensitivity to various food temperatures are common cracked tooth symptoms. You may also feel spontaneous bouts of pain and swollen gums around your broken tooth.
It’s common to diagnose a cracked tooth with physical and visual examinations. Depending on the severity, they’ll use treatments like bonding, a crown, or extraction. Your dentist may use resin, a splint, or bond your damaged and neighboring tooth together for stability. If your pulp is damaged beyond repair, a root canal is the best option. Then, your dentist will place a cap or implant over the damaged tooth.
Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion is the result of your mouth reaching a high acidic level. You can experience enamel erosion from diet, dry mouth, medication, and conditions like acid reflux and gastrointestinal disorders. Genetics and general wear and tear also contribute to gradual erosion.
When you notice signs like discoloration, sensitivity, and indentations, you’re at a higher risk of developing cavities and tooth loss. Do your best to drink acidic drinks with a straw, regularly brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash. Drink water so your mouth can produce enough saliva to neutralize acid levels.
Toothaches and Dental Emergencies
It’s important to understand when dental problems become emergencies. These dental problems need immediate assistance, whether you have to visit the dentist or the emergency room. If you’re experiencing severe pain, bleeding, or a loose tooth as an adult, seek emergency care. Otherwise, you risk oral infection or tooth loss.
To avoid trauma-related emergencies, wear a mouthguard during physical activity.
As soon as you begin seeing any of the previously mentioned dental problems, immediately seek professional help. If you live in Houston Texas, schedule an appointment with Voss Dental. Voss Dental offers both quality advice and dental procedures. Our website provides detailed information on services like dental fillings cost. We also offer monthly promotional specials.
Voss Dental schedules appointments six days of the week. For information on topics like dental implants cost breakdown, call or visit our website today.