5 Most Common Dental Problems

Dentalproblems are never fun and exciting, but the good news is that most of them can be prevented. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating properly and regular dental check-ups are crucial steps in preventing dental problems. Educating yourself about common dental problems and their causes can also go a long way in prevention of your teeth. Here is a list of the most common dental problems.

      1.      Tooth Decay

Tooth decayis referred to as dental caries or cavities. It occurs when the bacteria in plaque is given the chance to settle on teeth. It produces an acid that slowly eats away at the tooth enamel and forms holes. This bacterium is especially prevalent after eating sugars and starches, so limit exposure by eating a healthy diet. The likelihood of developing a cavity depends entirely on lifestyle. The better your oral health routine, the less chance you will have of suffering tooth decay. The best possible approach to dealing with plaque is prevention. Once you have cavities, there is no real way to reverse them. The only option is to fill and repair them, so save your enamel while you still can.

      2.      Bad Breath

Bad breath can be really embarrassing. About 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition that is to blame. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, and bacteria on the tongue are some of the dental problems that can cause bad breath. Using mouthwash to cover up bad breath when a dental problem is present will only mask the odor and not cure it. If you have chronic bad breath, make sure to visit your dentist to rule out any of these problems. 

      3.      Gum Disease

This is a bacterial infection brought about by accumulations of plaque in the mouth. The bacteria eat away at the gum tissue and the ligaments that hold the teeth in place. There are five established stages of gum disease, which means that there is usually plenty of time and opportunities for patients to reverse its progress. During the early phases of gingivitis and mild periodontitis, the symptoms can still be reversed with a good dental care routine and immediate treatment for any underlying infections. Once the disease moves on to the third and fourth phases, it becomes much harder to treat, so give yourself the best possible chance and respond early.

      4.      Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a deadly disease that affects millions of people. Someone in the United States dies every hour from oral cancer, but it is curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. It is most often seen in people over the age of 40. The biggest risk factors are tobacco and alcohol use, including chewing tobacco. The symptoms of mouth or throat cancer include sores, lumps, or rough areas in the mouth. Regular dental visits can help catch oral cancer early. You may ask your dentist whether an oral cancer exam is part of their usual checkup. If you notice any of the symptoms or have trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue or jaw, see your dentist.

      5.      Tooth Infection

This happens when the root of a tooth becomes infected and fills up with bacteria. It damages the nerves and the pulp tissue inside the tooth itself, if left untreated, so get to the dentist right away if you think that you might have this condition. A deep crack, fracture, or cavity can lead to an infection. The most severe root infections cause patients to develop painful abscesses. These appear in the form of very sore facial swellings. However, abscesses usually only occur once a root infection has progressed to a more serious state. If you deal with a painful or cracked tooth quickly, this should not happen.

Make sure to tell your dentist about any problems you have when chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw. Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions so make sure to include them as often as possible.