14 Common Dental Issues
14 Common Dental Issues
Dental issues can come up at the most inconvenient times. Here are a list of the most common dental concerns and what to do until your dental appointment.
1. Toothache
You’ve called and made a dentist appointment, but it can’t come soon enough! In the meantime, you can rinse your mouth with warm water, floss to remove food particles in-between teeth, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. If you notice pus or swelling around your tooth, or if you have a fever, that could be a sign that you have an infection or an abscess, a more serious problem. You need to see your dentist as soon as possible! You may prescribed antibiotics as well as other treatment options.
2. Stained Teeth
Think of your teeth like laundry: With taking the right approach, you will be able to remove many stains. Foods, drinks, tobacco, medications, and trauma are some of the things that can cause your teeth to discolor. First you should have your teeth professionally cleaned. After that – you have a few different options for whitening them. You can have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist by using a whitening agent and a special light. You may try bleaching them at home with a plastic tray and gel from your dentist or a drug store. The easiest choice, whitening toothpaste and whitening rinses, can remove stains on the surface.
3. Cavities
Having tiny little holes in your teeth is bad news! When plaque (sticky bacteria) builds up on your teeth, it is slowly destroying the enamel (hard outer shell of your teeth). Adults may have issues with decay at the gum line and may have to open margins in fillings they received years prior. To prevent cavities, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride, as well as floss daily. Try to limit snacking and ALWAYS keep up with your dental appointments. Children can benefit from sealants, so ask your doctor about it.
4. Chipped Tooth
Dental injuries happen, and a chipped tooth is the number 1 type of dental injury. Accidents can cause chips. Food such as ice and popcorn can also cause chipped teeth. If the chip is too large, the dentist may recommend a crown to restore the tooth. Bonding with a tooth colored composite material can also replace the chipped area. If the chip is too large and the pulp is at risk, you may be required to do a root canal.
5. Impacted Teeth
When you have an adult tooth that isn’t growing in properly, it is considered “impacted.” This tends to happy when a tooth is lodged against another tooth or bone. If the tooth is not bothersome, the dentist may recommend that you keep the tooth. If the impacted tooth is causing pain or discomfort, an oral surgeon may remove it.
6. Tooth Cracked
So you’ve cracked a molar? Maybe you were playing sports without a mouth guard, you were chewing something hard, or maybe you are unsure of how it happened. All you care about now is whether or not your dentist can save your tooth! Many dentists recommend restoring that tooth with crown to prevent the crack from worsening. However, if your tooth becomes sensitive to cold or hot, then the problem may be a little more complex.
Try chewing on the other side of your mouth until you are able to see the dentist. If your tooth is cracked above the gum line, your dentist may require root canal therapy along with a crown. If the crack is too severe and deep, it may require for the tooth to be pulled. Fillings can sometimes increase the chance of a tooth fracturing.
7. Sensitivity to Cold
Eating foods such as popsicles and ice cream should taste great, but there could be a problem if eating these types of foods make you wince once the coldness hits your teeth. First, you should find the cause of the sensitivity. It could be from a cavity, worn down filling or tooth enamel, disease in your gums, fractured tooth, or roots that are exposed. After you visit your dentist and they determine the issue, you may need a filling, root canal therapy, or gum treatment to replace the tissue lost from the root. The doctor may also prescribe desensitizing toothpaste, mouthwash, or fluoride gel.
8. Crooked Teeth
Orthodontics isn’t just for children, adults can also benefit from straightening their crooked teeth and aligning their bite. Orthodontics can be a essencial aspect of improving overall dental health and relieving issues such as jaw pain.
The fix — orthodontics — isn’t just for kids. And straightening crooked teeth and aligning your bite doesn’t just make for a prettier smile. It can be an key part of improving overall dental health, and relieving symptoms like jaw pain. Orthodontists may use braces (metal or trays), aligners, and retainers.
9. Gaping Teeth
Some individuals may not consider this a problem, especially famous people who sport the look like Madonna and Mike Tyson. Correcting it is pretty simple though by utilizing orthodontics, or doing Invisalign. There are some other cosmetic solutions such as veneers or bonding.
10. Bleeding/Inflamed Gums
Do your gums easily bleed or do they feel tender? Do you notice your gums receding or pulling away from your teeth? If you answered yes to any of these questions – you might have gum disease (gingivitis). A buildup of stick bacteria, called plaque, causes this under the gum line. Leaving buildup on your teeth untreated may cause bone loss, and your teeth might become loose or shift. This can make it difficult to chew or speak. To prevent yourself from getting gum disease – you should brush, floss, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash daily. Also make sure you see your dentist for regular cleanings.
11. Grinding and/or Clenching Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth is also referred to as bruxism. Stress is on of the leading causes of clenching and grinding while sleeping. Sleep issues and teeth that are misaligned may also cause bruxism among adults. If children are grinding their teeth, this may be caused by allergies. Bruxism may cause jaw pain, headaches, and loose or cracked teeth. If your are a night tooth grinder, make sure to mention this to your dentist. They can make a mouth guard to fit you. If this is a daytime problem, you should try meditating, exercising, and other activities that can help reduce your stress. If you are having these dental issues then you should contact your Dentist for a nightguard.
12. Wisdom Tooth Issues
If your wisdom teeth grew in without any issues, count yourself as lucky! About 90% of people have at least one wisdom tooth that is impacted or doesn’t have the ability to grow in fully. Problems with wisdom teeth include: cavities, damage to adjacent teeth, and gum disease. Wisdom teeth typically grow in around ages 17 to 25. When you visit your dentist, they should track the progress of your wisdom teeth growing in. If they become an issue, your dentist may recommend them to be removed.
13. Can’t Floss
There should always be room to floss between your teeth, now mater how tight they may be together. If you have issues flossing, you may need to switch to a thin or waxed floss. You may also utilize flossing tools such as a dental pick or a looped flosser. You should take time to experiment with different products until you find one that works for you. Make sure you use it every day! For good dental health, flossing is a must!
14. Do Grills Cause Issues?
Decorative metal coverings that are bonded to your teeth with glue not meant for use in your mouth may cause damage. Grills made from nonprecious metals that are less expensive than gold or silver can irritate your mouth and gums. You should always try to remove your grill before you consume food. Make sure you keep the grill and your teeth clean.
Conclusion
Dental issues and concerns may arise at any time, whether you are young or old. If you are experiencing dental issues, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.
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