By educating yourself on common dental issues, you can prevent them and maintain a healthy smile for life. Here are some of the most common dental problems and their treatment options.
1. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in your mouth that produce acid from the sugar you eat. The acid wears away the enamel on your teeth, leading to cavities or holes.
Treatment for tooth decay depends on its severity. It may involve composite fillings, crowns, or extractions.
Prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing twice daily and attending regular dental check-ups every six months.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by plaque on your teeth. It can lead to red, swollen, and bleeding gums, along with bad breath or tooth sensitivity.
Your dentist can treat gum disease with deep cleaning. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can cause receding gums, damage to the bone and tissues that support teeth, and even tooth loss.
Periodontitis treatment may involve topical antibiotics and a referral to a periodontist, a specialist in gum disease.
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3. Mouth Sores
Mouth sores are common and can appear anywhere in your mouth. They can cause pain, redness, burning, or tingling.
Most mouth sores heal on their own within one to two weeks. However, if they persist beyond two weeks, they could indicate an infection or oral cancer, and you should see your dentist.
4. Crooked or Misaligned Teeth
Crooked or misaligned teeth can make chewing difficult, cause excessive wear on your teeth, and be hard to clean. This can lead to tooth decay, cracks, headaches, and other health issues.
Treatment options include braces, removable aligners, or teeth-straightening surgeries. Crowns or veneers may be used to repair damage caused by crooked teeth.
5. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the outer layer of enamel wears away, exposing the dentin. This can be due to tooth decay, gum disease, root infections, cracked teeth, or enamel erosion.
Use a fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If the sensitivity continues, see your dentist for possible treatments like a root canal.
6. Bad Breath
Bad breath can result from poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, certain medications, acid reflux, cancer, or specific foods like garlic and onions.
Treatment depends on the cause. Your dentist can thoroughly assess your situation and recommend appropriate treatments.
7. Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can affect the tongue, gums, lips, cheeks, hard palate, and the floor of the mouth. Tobacco and alcohol use are the biggest risk factors.
Early detection and treatment are crucial. Regular dental cleanings can help detect oral cancer early.
8. Toothaches
Toothaches can result from tooth decay, abscesses, tooth sensitivity, injury, recent dental work, impacted teeth, sinus congestion, gum infections, or teeth grinding.
If you experience any pain or discomfort, consult your dentist for the appropriate treatment.
9. Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration can be caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, certain foods, diseases, medications, or aging.
Treatment options include daily brushing and flossing, using whitening products, or professional whitening treatments.
10. Tooth Wear (Abrasion)
Tooth wear is caused by teeth grinding, misaligned bites, or harmful habits like chewing ice. This can wear down the enamel and expose the dentin, leading to sensitivity and decay.
Treatment may include orthodontic treatment, dental restorations, and wearing a night guard.
11. Cracked or Broken Teeth
Teeth can crack or break when you bite into something hard, get injured, grind your teeth, or have large fillings.
Treatment may involve placing a crown over the tooth, or in severe cases, a root canal or extraction.
12. Receding Gums
Gum recession occurs when the gums pull back, exposing the tooth root. This can lead to sensitivity, pain, and an increased risk of infection and decay.
Treatment options include deep cleaning, antibiotics, or flap surgery to stop further recession.
13. Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth, often a wisdom tooth, doesn’t grow normally. It can cause pain, inflammation, and sometimes extend to the ear and jaw.
Over-the-counter pain medications can help, but you may need to see a dentist for a wisdom tooth extraction.
This post was written by a professional at Elite Dental and Orthodontics. Your partner for invisalign El Segundo CA, Elite Dental’s mission is to provide exceptional dental care that brings smiles to life. Whether you’re seeking relief from tooth pain, considering a veneer smile makeover, or require a dental implant, our experienced team is here to guide you on your journey to optimal oral health in Los Angeles, CA.