A healthy smile can mean so much. It’s your best first impression. It’s the start of healthy digestion. It’s the key to great overall health. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your teeth and gums and protect them from dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth damage.
Beavers and Broomfield Family Dentistry wants to help you have great oral health throughout your lifetime. One way to keep your mouth healthy is to recognize teeth issues and address them immediately.
Let’s explore some of the most common dental issues and how best to treat them.
6 Common Dental Problems
Most people will experience one of these common dental problems in their lifetime. Other problems, such as oral cancer, may not be as common but should be addressed immediately.
The good thing about common dental problems is that because we see them so often, we know how to treat them. Most are a quick fix, while others may take some time and more intense treatment. Let’s look at the most common dental issues we see.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay and its result — cavities — is the most common dental disease in children and adults. In fact, studies show that 90% of adults in the United States have had a cavity.
Tooth decay is caused by acids and bacteria from plaque, which slowly demineralize and weaken the tooth enamel until a hole (cavity) develops. Left untreated, the decay continues through the dentin, which protects the pulp. The pulp is the living tissue where the nerves and blood vessels are located.
Rapid tooth decay that makes its way through the dentin to the pulp will cause pain, a.k.a. a toothache. It can also kill the tooth, which can lead to tooth loss. That’s why it’s important to treat a cavity right away by visiting your dentist regularly.
The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. You should floss at least once a day, and avoid sugary or acidic foods and beverages.
We can treat your cavity with a filling, which involves cutting out the diseased part of the tooth and replacing it with a permanent filler. If the cavity has reached the pulp, a root canal may be needed to save the tooth.
Tooth Sensitivity
What is tooth sensitivity? It is when eating or drinking something hot, cold, spicy, or sweet can cause a reaction in your teeth — usually tooth pain.
A number of things can cause sensitive teeth. Certain medications can make your teeth sensitive. Naturally thin enamel can do it. Receding gums that expose the tooth root — which isn’t protected by enamel — or an infection in the root can also cause tooth sensitivity. Tooth erosion can do it, as can chips or cracks in your teeth.
How do you treat tooth sensitivity? It depends on why your teeth are sensitive. If it’s because of medication, you may be able to speak with your doctor about alternative medications. Cracks or chips can be fixed with crowns or resin fillings to protect the sensitive dentin and pulp. We can also provide a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel and reduce sensitivity.
Receding gums and root infections should be addressed right away, not only to reduce tooth sensitivity but also to prevent worsening gum disease.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, can lead to tooth sensitivity and eventual tooth loss. It begins with gingivitis and builds to advanced periodontitis, which can lead to serious infection and tooth and bone loss.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Gum sensitivity
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bleeding, particularly after brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
- Loosening around the tooth
- Infection
Your gums protect the root of your teeth and the bone that holds them. Your gums also hold the teeth in place. Advanced gum disease can cause tooth loss and infection that can spread, so it’s important to address gum disease immediately.
Often, gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing can remove the bacteria causing gum disease and restore healthy gums. You can also rinse with salt water to reduce inflammation and bacteria.
Chipped Teeth or Broken Teeth
Accidents happen. Whether it’s someone taking a ball to the face during sports or biting down too hard on a piece of ice or candy, chipped or cracked teeth are fairly common teeth issues.
Your enamel is incredibly strong but can be weakened by everything from genetics to tooth decay. Even if your enamel is perfectly strong, it may not hold up to an accident or injury to the face. Your teeth also aren’t designed to bite down on hard objects, such as pencils or pens. That’s why we discourage such habits.
How do you fix a chipped or cracked tooth? Small chips or cracks can be fixed with a resin. Larger chips or cracks can be fixed with veneers or crowns. The most severe damage can be replaced with a dental implant.
We can examine your tooth and find the best option for you.
Dry Mouth
Many patients complain about dry mouth, which can cause bad breath or a bad taste. Dry mouth can cause other tooth problems, too. Saliva helps rinse plaque off your teeth and break down the acids that can cause tooth decay. Low saliva can increase bacterial growth and accelerate tooth decay, gum disease, and halitosis.
Some of the causes of dry mouth include:
- Dehydration
- Tobacco use
- Certain medications, including chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Aging
- Illness or disease
- Food or drinks high in acid, including sodas
Changes in medication and an increase in water intake (preferably plain water) can relieve dry mouth. Mouth rinses and mouthwashes specifically for dry mouth can increase saliva production. We will work with you to find the best solution for your situation.
Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion or enamel erosion takes place slowly over time and can cause your teeth to become discolored. It can also dull the edges of your teeth, giving them a rounded appearance.
Tooth erosion is usually caused by eating excessive amounts of sugary and acidic foods, including candies and sodas. Brushing with hard bristles can also wear down your enamel.
The best way to reduce tooth erosion is to change your diet, reducing sugary and acidic foods, and switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to change the toothbrush or toothbrush head (electric toothbrush) every three months to keep the bristles from fraying and damaging your enamel.
Some electric toothbrushes include a pressure monitor that will cause the toothbrush to stop moving or rotating if too much pressure is applied. You can also tell if you’re applying too much pressure by looking at the bristles. If they’re fraying sooner than three months, it may be because of excessive pressure.
How do we fix tooth erosion? The best method is with dental veneers. Our porcelain veneers cover the front of your teeth and hide imperfections, including rounded edges, chips, discoloration, and cracks.
Fixing Tooth Issues in Fayetteville, AR
These are just a few of the teeth problems we see at Beavers and Broomfield Family Dentistry in Fayetteville, AR. While these are the most common teeth issues, we’ve seen many more. Whatever your dental needs or dental health, Beavers and Broomfield Family Dentistry can help.
Schedule an appointment for dentistry services in our Fayetteville office. We’ll give you a thorough examination and offer treatment options to restore your smile. Even if you don’t have these or other dental issues, we can provide your semi-annual, professional cleaning and keep your smile healthy and strong!
