The mouth is one of the most sensitive areas of the body. Whether it’s the wealth of nerves or the fact that it’s technically inside of you, it’s one area of the body people are hesitant to have treated. As a result, serious dental issues are common.
Here are four of the most prevalent dental issues, all of which can easily be fixed by a consultation with your dentist.
1. Discoloration or aesthetic damage
Discoloration can occur as a result of lifestyle factors, medications (like tetracycline), or root canal therapy. This can be distressing and can seriously hamper your desire to smile freely. Other examples of aesthetic damage include chips, marks, tobacco stains, poor dental hygiene, age, and genetics. One of the most effective ways to give your teeth a makeover is with composite veneers. These quite literally give your teeth a whole new front.
Your dentist may first prescribe whitening agents and toothpaste to strengthen the enamel if the problem is environmental. These may shield your teeth from damage. However, they’re not always enough. Dentists completely understand that discoloration is often outside of your hands, which is why there are various treatment methods available.
2. Cavities and plaque build-up
Tooth decay arises as a result of an overpopulation of bacteria on the teeth. This creates an acid that eats away at the enamel until holes are formed. The trick to preventing erosion lies in having a rigorous dental hygiene routine. This should involve flossing and brushing twice a day to prevent bacteria from getting an opportunity to adhere to your teeth. The bacteria come as a result of eating sugary and starchy foods, so making dietary changes may help. However, the real trick is simply not giving the plaque and associated bacteria a chance to build up.
To treat this, your dentist will likely prescribe a toothpaste to increase the strength of your tooth enamel. You may need a filling or two, depending on the situation, and regular brushing will be recommended. It is best to seek help earlier rather than later – this will make the treatment faster and easier.
3. Gum disease
Do you sometimes see blood when you spit your toothpaste out after brushing? While this can be alarming, it’s not that uncommon. Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease, and it remains one of the primary reasons adults lose teeth. It is characterized by inflammation around the tooth and comes in two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Your risk of developing these conditions increases rapidly after the age of 30 and is exacerbated by smoking and ailments like diabetes.
4. Tooth sensitivity
Sensitivity in the mouth is often the result of cavities that are out of sight. This indicates that food, liquid, and temperature extremes are making contact with exposed nerves. Pain and sensitivity are common dental conditions, but your dentist must first rule out more serious causes like abscesses or cavities. Fortunately, sensitivity is relatively easy to treat.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure: Dental Checks Up Are Vital
Just like the “check engine” light on your car, it’s tempting to ignore small dental niggles. However, just as your car can fail if you don’t get it serviced, dental niggles can turn into excruciating (and expensive) nightmares without warning. The moral of the story is clear – have regular check-ups and see your dentist at the first sign of a problem.
