A good daily oral health regime in hand with regular dental checkups is the best prevention against common dental problems. However, you should always be on the lookout for signs of possible dental issues. Here are symptoms of the most common dental problems and how you can avoid them.
5 Common Dental Problems
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is caused by plaque and tartar buildup. The bacteria inflame your gums and when not treated, can progress to periodontitis. This is a far more serious gum disease that can lead to issues with your bone and possible tooth loss. Signs of gingivitis include swollen, tender, or discoloured gums. You might also experience bad breath, gum tenderness and signs of receding gums. Your best defense against gum disease is simple: floss, brush and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common dental problems. Sensitivity can be constant, or it can happen when you drink or eat something cold, hot or sweet. It can be caused by a long list of issues, but most commonly is related to receding gums or gum disease. Gums can recede due to aggressive brushing but is also age-related. You can experience tooth sensitivity if you have enamel wear or acid erosion, or if you use over the counter home whitening treatments.
Your dentist can recommend toothpaste to help reduce the discomfort but can also help determine the cause. They can recommend treatment if necessary, so be sure to keep up with regular dental checkups and give your dentist a call if you are experiencing sensitivity.
Cavities/Tooth Decay
When the hard protective outer layer of your teeth is damaged it causes cavities. Tooth decay can penetrate the “enamel” which can cause discolouration on your teeth, as well as pain and sensitivity. Always have this checked as soon as possible as, if left unchecked the decay will continue to penetrate your tooth, eventually reaching the root pulp. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups and cleanings, you can avoid one of the most common dental problems facing both adults and children: the risk of tooth decay.
Missing Teeth
It might seem you only need to replace missing teeth if they affect your smile. However, missing teeth anywhere in your mouth can lead to dental woes, from crowding and gaps to gum disease and bone loss. It is very important to understand your tooth replacement options and choose the one suited to your needs and budget. Otherwise, you can face issues with the way you speak, chew and look. You can reduce the risk of tooth loss with proper oral health including dental checkups and cleanings. However, if you play sports, you should also speak to your dentist about a sports guard to protect your teeth if you are hit in the mouth or face.
Root Infection
If tooth decay is left untreated it can reach the inner root pulp of your teeth, increasing the risk for root infection. Your root can also become infected following trauma to your tooth that exposes the root. It is very important to set up an emergency appointment with your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms along with tooth pain:
- Neck jaw or ear pain
- Sensitivity at the site to hot and cold
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Fever
- Swelling of the check or your face
- Swollen lymph nodes
- A sore on your gums
Chances are you’ll need a root canal. As with the other common dental issues, prevention boils down to proper oral hygiene and dental checkups.
To avoid these common dental problems keep up with your dental checkups! Give us a call at (416) 232-2033 or request an appointment by clicking here.