Having a dental issue is never easy, whether be it a toothache every time you eat something sweet, crooked teeth marring your smile, or bad breath affecting your social life, but the good news is that it is easy to avoid most of them. In avoiding dental problems, brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, eating well, and frequent check-ups are important steps.
Educating yourself about common dental issues and their causes can actually help prevent most dental problems.
Some of the common dental issues are listed here.
Unattractive Smile
Although an unattractive smile is not a “dental problem,” clinically, it is one of the major reasons why people seek dental care. A beautiful smile gives one confidence and increases their self-esteem.
There are new technological advancements and innovations in the field of dental science. Teeth whitening, dental implants, orthodontics, or other cosmetic dental work can help you achieve that beautiful smile you always wanted.
Sensitive Tooth
Tooth sensitivity is a common concern that affects many individuals. It involves feeling pain or discomfort in your teeth whenever you eat or drink something sweet, too hot or cold like candies, hot beverages, cold drinks, or ice cream. Certain people experience tooth sensitivity while brushing or flossing their teeth.
Sensitive teeth may also be a symptom of a broken tooth or tooth abscess that has to be treated by the dentist to stop losing a tooth or having a jaw bone infection.
Bad Breath
Also known as halitosis, having bad breath can be embarrassing in social situations. Around 85 percent of people with chronic bad breath have a dental disorder to blame, according to dental studies. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, and tongue bacteria are some of the dental conditions that can cause bad breath.
When a dental issue is present, using mouthwash to cover up bad breath would only mask the odor and not cure it. So, it is required to visit the dentist to rule out all of these concerns if you have constant bad breath.
Mouth Sores
Having mouth sores is quite a bothersome dental condition, as they can be quite painful and sensitive. Common mouth sores are canker sores (aphthous ulcers), they appear inside the mouth and not on the lips. They are not contagious and can be activated by several factors. They usually disappear on their own but it’s a problem if, after two weeks they don’t get cured on their own.
The Herpes simplex virus causes fever blisters or cold sores that develop on the edge of the outer lips. They are contagious and can come and go, but they are not entirely curable.
Oral thrush or candidiasis, a yeast infection of the mouth can also result in mouth sores and can be seen in infants, denture wearers, people with diabetes, and people undergoing cancer treatment.
Gum Disease
Gum (periodontal) disease is an inflammation of the gums around the teeth. It is one of the primary causes of tooth loss among adults. Some studies show a possible link between heart disease and periodontal disease.
Usually, it happens after age 30, even though everyone is at risk of contracting it. Significant risk factor for the disease includes smoking, diabetes, and dry mouth. Bad breath, red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and painful chewing are the symptoms of Gum disease.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease. Gum disease can be prevented by brushing at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and routine dental check-ups.
Oral Cancer
The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that someone in the United States dies from oral cancer every hour, but if diagnosed and treated in the early stages, it is also curable. It is usually seen in people over the age of 40.
Main risk factors include tobacco and alcohol consumption, and HPV – a sexually transmitted wart virus. Symptoms of oral cancer are sores, lumps, or rough areas in the mouth. Your bite may also shift and you may have trouble chewing or moving your tongue or jaw.
Routine dental visits can help detect oral cancer early.
