We don’t give our teeth much thought in today’s busy world, even though they are always at work biting, tearing, chewing, speaking, and smiling away. So, just as our mouths benefit us, we also need to focus on managing dental work to care for them. Despite our best efforts, dental issues occasionally still occur. But don’t be alarmed; that’s very normal.
After all, our mouths are considered to be living organisms. Whatever the case, you should constantly look for indicators of something wrong with your teeth and be proactive about visiting your neighborhood dentist to examine them.
As such, today, we will be looking at common dental problems, how you can spot them, and what you should do about treating them.
- Tooth Decay
The most frequent issue that dentists will treat is tooth decay. Everyone experiences it at least once unless they practice perfect oral hygiene. Plaque accumulation on the teeth causes it, commonly known as a dental cavity. Sugar in plaque eventually breaks down into acids, which eat away at the enamel and cause holes in the tooth.
When you eat and drink sweet, hot, or cold items, you probably feel discomfort if you have tooth decay. Additionally, you can see black or brown spots developing on your teeth and have foul breath. You can also have a bad taste in your mouth. Don’t ignore the cavity because doing so could lead to infection in the future.
Unfortunately, once decay has started, there is no way to have your tooth grow back. The only course of action is to go to the dentist. You will get the cavity filled after they remove the tooth decay. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day will help you avoid tooth decay in the future. Additionally, essential to preventing plaque buildup between your teeth is flossing.
- Gum Disease
Periodontitis is the term used medically to describe gum disease. It is simply a bacterial illness that develops in the mouth as a result of, you guessed it, plaque buildup. If left untreated, gum disease can cause significant soft tissue damage to your gums and bone deterioration that supports your teeth. Additionally, it may result in your teeth being loose or even falling out.
Fortunately, gum disease can be quickly identified. Periodontitis is characterized by bleeding, red, swollen gums, and poor breath. Your teeth will feel incredibly delicate, and eating food will hurt a lot. Your teeth may appear longer than usual if your gums begin to recede.
What steps should one take to treat gum disease? Well, you should go to the dentist first. They will be able to treat the underlying infections right away. They may occasionally recommend antibiotics. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, they may sometimes refer you to a dental hygienist. You should adequately brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily to stop gum disease before it starts. Smokers may desire to quit smoking as well. Your dentist’s office’s professional cleaning services will also be beneficial.
- Root Infection
When your tooth’s base (or root) becomes infected and starts to swell up with germs, this condition is known as a root infection, more generally referred to as a tooth infection. If root infections are not treated, the nerves and tissue of your tooth will gradually suffer damage, and abscesses will eventually develop. Occasionally, a tooth’s cavities, fissures, or fractures cause a root infection.
If you have a root infection, it should be obvious. First, you’ll experience a persistent toothache that feels throbbing. In addition to being extremely sensitive to cold and heat, the area will also be painful to chew and bite. There may also be face swellings where the infection resides.
You will require root canal therapy to recover from a tooth infection. Although these procedures have a terrible reputation, they are perfectly safe, and dentists will administer anesthetic during the process.