Common Dental Problems & How to Fix Them

For being a small part of the body, the mouth has a lot going on. While most is harmless, the mouth is full of bacteria that can potentially cause both oral problems and problems with overall health. Some of these problems are easily resolved, while others need more extensive care. Regularly visiting the dentist is the best way to catch any problems early on so they can be remedied. The following list explains some of the most common dental problems that people face and what can be done to prevent these issues, or fix them if they do occur.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

One very common mouth issue that people deal with is bad breath, or halitosis. According to dentists, the main cause of bad breath is normally the tongue. Layers of bacteria can become embedded in the tongue, causing a foul smell. Other causes of bad breath can include dry mouth, and even post nasal drip. To keep breath fresh, dentists recommend using a tongue scraper daily. If post nasal drip is the cause of bad breath, anti-histamines can help. Your dentist should be able to recommend ways to avoid bad breath along with helping to determine the cause.

Gum Disease

Gum disease can be caused by various factors including poor oral hygiene, genetics, and smoking. Oftentimes, sufferers of gum disease do not start showing symptoms until at least their 30’s. This does not mean that the disease is not already there. Many younger people suffer from gingivitis, which is essentially a less severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis is more severe than gingivitis and can actually put people at higher risk for having a stroke or heart attack. There are multiple symptoms of gum disease including sensitive teeth, constant bad breath, and bleeding gums. Gum disease if often treated with a deep cleaning that includes scraping tartar from below the gum line. This is followed by antibiotics, and potentially surgery. After treatment, proper at home oral care is necessary to maintain the health of your mouth.

Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is a very common problem that many people deal with and can be the result of many different causes. One of the most common reasons for sensitivity is that the root surfaces of the teeth are exposed. The root surface can become exposed if the gums recede even a little bit and the surface is extremely porous. This allows air and fluids to stimulate the nerve in the middle of the tooth causing pain or sensitivity. Other causes of tooth sensitivity can include cracked teeth, and exposure to cold or heat. While there are products such as toothpastes that claim to help with sensitive teeth, it is important to visit a dentist to determine the root of the problem so it can be properly treated.

Yellow Teeth

Not everyone’s teeth are perfectly white. Some teeth naturally have a yellow undertone to them but oftentimes, yellow teeth are caused by diet and smoking. Beverages such as coffee and red wine contribute greatly to staining teeth. There are many options when it comes to whitening teeth. There are countless over the counter products that can be purchased, and there are prescription products as well. Laser whitening is an option as are teeth whitening strips. Consult your dentist prior to using any of these products to get their opinion on what is both safe and will work best.

Cavities

Cavities are one of the most common mouth issues that people deal with. They are caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth that are given time to cause damage. This bacteria will feast on food or drink remnants left in the mouth and then secrete an acid. This acid works to dissolve the enamel on the tooth, eventually causing a cavity. Cavities are generally easily prevented through good oral hygiene. Once a cavity occurs, the dentist will use a filling, crown, or if necessary a root canal to fix the problem.

There are countless problems that can occur with the teeth and mouth in general. Some are easily treated while others require extensive dental procedures to fix. Regularly visiting a dentist for cleanings will allow the doctor to catch problems early on and get them fixed before they become more serious. Tooth problems can also be an indication of a bigger health problem, and dentists can help identify these potential issues. To learn more about common mouth problems, consult the following resources.

Additional Resources:

• A Guide to Common Dental Problems
• Common Dental Ailments
• 10 Tips to Cure Bad Breath
• Cavity and Tooth Decay Prevention
• The Tooth Decay Process
• 10 Biggest Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

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