If you were asked which oral problems your dentist deals with most often, what would be your top ten? Of course, cavities would figure on your list, but there are other problems that occur quite frequently. Knowing how to recognize them is undoubtedly the first step towards improving your oral health.
What Are the Most Common Dental Problems?
There are a number of recurring dental problems that can be treated quickly by your dentist.
Cavities
Cavities occur when plaque remains too long on tooth enamel. The longer this plaque remains, the more it degrades the tooth, creating a hole commonly referred to as a “cavity”. Your dentist will fill it with a composite.
And when you visit your dentist, a good cleaning will enable you to carry out the necessary scaling. Be aware that you can prevent the problem from persisting by using fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly.
Finally, an annual check-up will help you detect tooth decay early and allow prompt intervention in order to avoid complications such as dental infection.
Dental Infection
As we’ve just mentioned, untreated tooth decay can lead to infection inside the tooth, causing severe pain.
Signs revealing that you may be suffering from tooth infection are usually:
- Fracture in the tooth
- Cracks or fissure in the tooth
- Sharp pain
In the case of more serious infections, an abscess may appear in the mouth. This will tend to swell, sometimes causing severe pain.
Finally, if left untreated, an infected tooth may require a full root canal. Fortunately, regular visits to your dentist will ensure that problems are identified before they become too serious. Such visits are necessary and a good way to improve your oral health.
Damaged Tooth Enamel
Damaged tooth enamel occurs mainly in people who consume a lot of sweet liquors and sugary foods.
Signs of enamel damage include round surfaces where the enamel is visibly discolored. If the damage is identified early, it can be limited by a change in diet and the use of a soft toothbrush.
Your dentist will be able to assess your enamel situation and suggest alternatives if necessary. These may include veneers or implants. The professionals at Centre Dentaire et d’Implantologie Boucherville are well experienced in these matters.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth (or xerostomia) may seem harmless at first glance, but it can have serious consequences for your health. Without saliva to clean your teeth, plaque builds up more quickly, increasing the risk of cavities, as we mentioned earlier.
There are also other problems caused by dry mouth. Here are some of the most common:
- Bad breath
- Gum disease
- Mouth ulcers
- Pain in the mouth
During your next visit to the dentist, discuss your options for improving the situation.
Periodontal Disease
When we talked about tooth decay, we pointed out that plaque is largely responsible. Plaque can also cause a bacterial infection that attacks dental ligaments and gum tissue.
In numerous cases, if left untreated, this can lead to gingivitis and, in more serious cases, periodontitis. Fortunately, this condition can be prevented by proper oral hygiene, and can be treated at the Centre Dentaire et d’Implantologie Boucherville. Various treatments are available, including gum grafts.
How Can I Avoid the Most Common Dental Problems?
The oral problems we’ve just mentioned can occur throughout our lives, even if our dental care habits are carried out to the letter by brushing and flossing.
While these problems are fairly common in nature, it is important to know that a regular visit to your dentist will enable you to deal with potential unpleasant situations in advance. A combination of at-home oral hygiene and visits to the dentist is undoubtedly a winning formula.
In conclusion, the professionals at the Centre Dentaire et d’Implantologie Boucherville can advise you, and place great emphasis on prevention. At your next annual check-up, take advantage of your visit to get the best advice for your oral health. Time for your next visit? Make an appointment now!