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Dental problems can happen to anyone, but it is an area of the body that is typically neglected. Trips to the dentist are often delayed until major issues arise. Then, the once simple and common oral health problems become much larger issues.
Although the best treatment to avoid dental problems is to take care of your mouth, problems can arise even when one believes they are taking care of themselves. This is one annual trips to the dentist are of the utmost importance. They can spot issues developing and treat them before they grow.
Let’s take a look at the most common oral problems and the common treatments used.
- Gum Disease
There are a number of stages of gum disease, and they affect millions of people each year. The first stage is called gingivitis, and this is the stage you want to catch it. Gingivitis is reversible. If gingivitis is not caught and treated in the right amount of time, it evolves into a more destructive form of gum disease called periodontitis.
Here are some signs of gingivitis:
- Bad breath
- Toothache
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Tender gums
- Tooth loss
- Swelling
- Bleeding gums
Once discovered, there are some ways to treat gingivitis. Dentist want the tooth to reattach and to promote healthy teeth, as well as to stop the disease from progressing. First, your dentist will do a professional deep cleaning. They will scrape below the gum line; this helps remove bacteria and give a clean surface for the gums to attach. There are also surgical options for more advanced progressions of gum disease.
- Tooth Decay – Cavities
Tooth decay occurs when your tooth enamel is covered with plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that covers your teeth. Plaque, along with acid from food, continually comes in contact with your teeth. Over time, this causes the enamel in your teeth to break down. As your enamel breaks down, cavities can form.
Cavities can form in children and adults. Adults often face the problem more often because their gums pull away from the teeth more frequently. There are ways to help prevent cavities, such as:
- Brush teeth twice a day
- Keep a balanced meal
- Avoid soda, coffee, and tea
- Use supplemental fluoride
- Have professional cleanings at least once a year
If you catch cavities in enough time, there are ways to treat and help cavities. Using a variety of dental supplies, dentist can fill in cavities. They also can provide a deep cleaning to the area that can help reduce the chance of the cavity spreading.
- Dry Mouth
Everyone has occasional dry mouth, but if you experience it on a regular basis, it is time to seek professional help. There are health problems that can lead to dry mouth. So long as you aren’t taking any medication that may lead to this, your dentist will need to do a thorough check of your mouth.
Cavities and tooth decay can cause decreased salivary flow. There are a number of other medical problems that can lead to dry mouth such as diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension. All of these problems need to be addressed by a health professional.
- Tooth Sensitivity
Have you ever taken a drink of something cold, only to experience a sharp, shooting tooth pain? This is tooth sensitivity, and millions of people suffer from this problem. It also can happen when your tooth comes in contact with hot or sweet objects.
Tooth sensitivity happens when your gums begin to pull back and expose the surface below. This sensitive surface is called dentin, and this surface leads directly to the tooth’s nerve center, called the pulp. The cold or hot food is able to reach the nerve, resulting in pain.
To help with your tooth sensitivity, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can be beneficial. A soft bristled toothbrush is best for your teeth. If you continue to have this issue, it is best to get help from your dentist. There are procedures available to help.