Reasons for Pain or Discomfort and How to Manage Symptoms
Common teeth problems can often be prevented.
This article looks at eleven common dental problems plus how they’re prevented and treated.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
If you havechronic bad breath, visit your dentist to see what’s behind it.
Tooth decay comes up whenever plaque combines with sugars and/or starches of the food you eat.
The combination produces acids that attacktooth enamel.
it’s possible for you to 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.
Also, eat healthy foods and avoid high-sugar snacks and drinks.
Ask your dentist about more ways to keep your teeth healthy.
Gum (Periodontal) Disease
Gum disease is an infection in the gums around your teeth.
It’s also a major cause of adult tooth loss.
Some studies show alink between gum disease and heart problems.
Everyone’s at risk for gum disease.
But it’s most common after age 30.
Smoking is a significant risk factor along with health conditions such as diabetes and dry mouth.
The symptoms include:
Gingivitisis the technical name of gum disease.Periodontitisis 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.
Oral Cancer
Oral canceris a serious and deadly disease.
It affects millions of people and is more common after age 40.
Ask your dentist whether an oral cancer exam is part of their usual checkup.
They’re usually nothing to worry about unless they last more than two weeks.
Common mouth sores include:
Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion is theloss of toothstructure.
It’s because of acid attacking the enamel.
Symptoms can range from sensitivity to more severe problems such as cracking.
Tooth erosion is common but easily preventable with proper oral care.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivityis a common problem.
It affects millions of people.
Sensitivity involves pain or discomfort from:
Sensitive teeth can make it painful to brush and floss.
But sensitive teeth can betreated.So talk to your dentist about it.
Sensitivity can be a sign of a cracked orabscessed tooth.
Those need to be treated by a dentist.
Otherwise, you risk losing a tooth or getting an infection in your jawbone.
If you suddenly develop tooth sensitivity, make a dentist appointment.
They can see if you have a problem that needs to be treated.
Toothaches and Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be painful and scary.
They require urgent treatment just like any emergency.
Even on weekends and evenings, they should have someone on call to handle emergencies.
But it is a major reason some people go to the dentist.
Not liking your smile can be hard on your self-esteem.
Luckily, with today’s tools and techniques, it’s often fixable.
This jot down of infection develops if tooth decay or damage to a tooth is not properly treated.
It forms an anchor for the tooth and extends towards the jaw bone.
If you develop a root infection, you oughta haveroot canal treatment.
Root canals can result in partial healing of the tissue around the tooth or a complete healing.
Treatments for teeth grinding include night guard mouthpieces and dental splints.
These will not stop grinding, but they will prevent damage to the teeth.
Stress is sometimes a trigger for teeth grinding.
Cognitive behavioral therapy or other stress-reducing treatments may help you to stop grinding your teeth.
Along with their connected muscles, the TMJs control most jaw movements.
Most TMDs involve some form of jaw discomfort, pain, and dysfunction.
Be sure to let them know about any pain or sensitivity you’re having.
And get urgent help for dental emergencies.
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