Educating yourself about common dental problems and their causes can also go a long way in prevention.
This article looks at the nine most common dental problems plus how they’re prevented and treated.
Gum disease Cavities Oral cancer Dry mouth Bacteria on the tongue
Mouthwash only masks the odor caused by these problems. If you have chronic bad breath, visit your dentist to see what’s behind it.
Tooth decay occurs when plaque combines with sugars and/or starches of the food you eat. The combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel.
You can get cavities at any age. They aren’t just for children. Aging and normal enamel erosion can cause them. So can dry mouth due to age, illness, or medications.
The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental check-ups.
Also, eat healthy foods and avoid high-sugar snacks and drinks. Ask your dentist about more ways to keep your teeth healthy.
Everyone’s at risk for gum disease. But it’s most common after age 30. Smoking is a significant risk factor.
Diabetes and dry mouth also increase your risk. The symptoms include:
Bad breathRed, swollen, tender, or bleeding gumsSensitive teethPain when chewing
Gingivitis is the technical name of gum disease. Periodontitis is advanced gum disease. Regular dental check-ups, brushing, and flossing can prevent them.
See your dentist if you have any signs of gum disease. Treatment can prevent problems such as tooth loss.
Chronic bad breath may be caused by myriad mouth diseases. Tooth decay is caused by plaque’s interaction with sugar or starch. Your gum disease risk goes up if you smoke.
Someone in the United States dies of oral cancer every hour. But this disease is often curable if it’s diagnosed and treated in the early stages.
The biggest risk factors are:
Smoking or chewing tobaccoAlcohol useHuman papillomavirus (HPV)
The symptoms of mouth or throat cancer include:
SoresLumpsRough areas in the mouthChange in your bite Difficulty chewing or moving your tongue or jaw
Regular dental visits can help catch oral cancer early. Ask your dentist whether an oral cancer exam is part of their usual checkup.
Common mouth sores include:
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers): These occur inside the mouth and not on the lips. They aren’t contagious and can be triggered by many different causes. Fever blisters/cold sores: Caused by the Herpes simplex virus, they occur on the edge of the outer lips. They’re contagious. They come and go but can’t be cured. Thrush (oral candidiasis): Yeast infection sores in the mouth can occur in infants, denture wearers, people with diabetes, and people treated for cancer.
Symptoms can range from sensitivity to more severe problems such as cracking. Tooth erosion is common but easily preventable with proper oral care.
Mouth sores may be cankers, cold sores, or oral thrush. If a sore doesn’t clear up on its own in two weeks, see your dentist.
Excess acid in your mouth can cause tooth erosion. It can make your teeth sensitive or even crack them.
SweetsCold airHot drinksCold drinksIce cream
Sensitive teeth can make it painful to brush and floss. But sensitive teeth can be treated. So talk to your dentist about it.
Sensitivity can be a sign of a cracked or abscessed tooth. Those need to be treated by a dentist. Otherwise, you risk losing a tooth or getting an infection in your jaw bone.
Common problems that require an urgent trip to the dentist include:
A broken or cracked tooth An abscessed tooth Losing a tooth knocked in an accident
Call your dentist right away about any of these issues. Even on weekends and evenings, they should have someone on call to handle emergencies.
Not liking your smile can be hard on your self-esteem. Luckily, with today’s tools and techniques, it’s often fixable.
Cosmetic changes may include:
Teeth whitening Dental implants Orthodontics (e. g. , braces, retainers) Other cosmetic dental work
Get immediate help for dental emergencies such as broken or abscessed teeth or accidentally losing a tooth.
If you just don’t like your smile, talk to your dentist about possible cosmetic fixes.
Brush your teeth twice a dayFloss everydaySee your dentist regularlyDon’t smokeGet help for any problems you notice, such as mouth sores or rough spots
Make appointments with your dentist when problems arise. Be sure to let them know about any pain or sensitivity you’re having. And get urgent help for dental emergencies.
