Dental issues are one of the most painful medical issues that you can live with. Luckily, with a bit of proper oral hygiene—brushing daily, flossing—having regular check-ups with your orthodontist, and maintaining a healthy diet, you can prevent almost half of all the most common dental issues and maintain great oral health. Your teeth are an important asset, and learning about some of the most common dental problems can spare you the agony of being a periodontal patient. For some helpful tips on how to avoid and treat common dental issues, keep reading.
1. Gum Disease
Also referred to as periodontal disease or gingivitis, gum disease refers to a bacterial infection that forms when plaque builds up in your teeth. Some of the most symptoms of gingivitis include halitosis (bad breath), painful or sore gums, gum inflammation, and bleeding while brushing. The plaque build-up is usually caused by poor oral hygiene such as poor brushing or flossing habits and when not detected early, it can periodontitis.
To avoid further complications—tooth loss, tooth decay—that could result in invasive periodontal treatment options such as oral surgery, have your teeth regularly cleaned by a licensed hygienist to remove tartar and plaque buildup. Incorporate dental health into your wellness regimen to avoid painful dental work.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly dentist in Centennial, CO, or the larger Colorado area, for instance, ask friends and family who’ve had some dental work done recently for referrals. Your local pharmacist or primary care doctor could also have some helpful leads. You can also make use of the American Dental Association’s “Find a Dentist” tool on their website. Alternatively, consider asking your insurance company to refer you to a skilled dentist within your insurance network.
2. Dental Cavities
Also known as tooth decay, cavities are one of the most common dental problems experienced by both adults and children in the United States. Tooth decay is similar to gum disease in some ways because it’s also caused by a plaque buildup. However, when this plaque combines with sugar from the food you consume, the acids formed attack your enamel which is the outer surface of the tooth. To treat these cavity holes, your dentist may recommend that you get dental fillings or dental fillings to close up these holes.
You can still get cavities as an adult, especially because as you grow older, your enamel tends to corrode from wear and tear. Besides causing you a cavity or two, this corrosion from wear and tear can also result in tooth sensitivity and stains. Beyond being a side effect of wear and tear, cavities can also be brought on by age-related dry mouth or a reaction to a medication.
Making good oral hygiene part of your daily routine can help you avoid cavities and the discomfort that they bring. Your diet is also important so avoid sugary foods and instead opt for healthier, nutrient-rich food options.
3. Tooth Loss
A majority of the dental issues we’ve mentioned lead to tooth loss when not detected early. When this happens, your doctor may recommend a few treatment options such as dental implants or dentures. Tooth loss as a side effect of aging is to be expected, which explains why most elderly people aged between 60-75 have no natural teeth. Modern dentistry has made it possible for tooth loss patients to have their teeth restored.
Dental implants are fixed into your gum line, making them look, feel, and function like natural teeth. This dental procedure takes a couple of sessions but it is the preferred option for patients looking to have their healthy smile and other teeth functions quickly restored.
During your appointment, your dentist will walk you through the procedure and offer more information on the type of dentures you’ll need.