Seven Common Dental Problems A Dentist Can Remedy

Your overall health is affected by problems with your jaws, teeth, and mouth. Issues that seem unimportant can grow into severe problems when left unchecked. For instance, progressed tooth decay can lead to a life-threatening bacterial infection if it enters the bloodstream. This makes it crucial to visit a dentist to ensure you are in perfect oral health. Below, I'll detail the seven most common dental problems you should contact a dentist to remedy immediately.

Toothaches

The constant pain of a toothache sends millions of people running to their dentist every year. Toothaches are usually the result of cavities that form from plaque on the teeth. Gradually, plaque contributes to the buildup of acid on the teeth. If the plaque and acid aren't removed, they eat away at the enamel of your teeth, resulting in a toothache.

Sensitive Teeth

If you experience pain with drinking or eating hot or cold foods, you have sensitive teeth. Many times, people with sensitive teeth even find brushing and flossing to be uncomfortable, which keeps them from properly caring for their teeth. Sometimes, an abscess or a cavity, remedied with a simple fluoride treatment, can cause having sensitive teeth.

Cavities

Cavities, or tooth decay, are the result of plaque buildup that is joined by sugar and starches from foods and drinks. When all of these elements come together, they produce acid that attacks the enamel and dentin of your teeth. With time, these acids cause erosion that can make a root canal necessary. Good brushing and flossing will usually keep cavities away.

Gum Disease

Usually caused by food particles left behind after eating, gum disease is an infection of the gum line that surrounds and supports the teeth. The early stage of this disease is called gingivitis, but advanced cases are called periodontitis. Recently, medical studies have found a link between advanced gum disease and heart attacks or strokes. Luckily, a skilled dentist can treat gum disease with laser dentistry to remove debris and bacteria.

Bad Breath

There are several causes of bad breath, also known as halitosis. It's often due to food particles remaining on the tongue, teeth, or gums. These particles allow bacteria to grow, which leads to bad breath. Sometimes, serious problems like gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer cause bad breath. If there isn't a dental problem, bad breath is usually resolved with good oral hygiene and a little mouthwash.

Canker Sores

Canker sores and cold sores are different, although most people think they are the same. Canker sores are small sores found inside the mouth. While not contagious, they are painful. The common causes of canker sores include poor nutrition, accidental biting of the gums, and stress. If you have a canker sore that lasts more than a week, consult your laser dentistry office.

Oral Cancer

A serious condition that statistics from The Oral Cancer Foundation show takes a life every hour of every day in the United States, oral cancer has an 80-90% survival rate when caught early. The common causes of oral cancer include alcohol consumption, overexposure to UV radiation, and smoking.

Getting Help

Make an appointment with your dentist to get the help you need with any type of dental problem. Don't suffer, whether severe or minimal, your dentist has procedures and laser dentistry treatments that can help. Everyone will have a dental problem at some time in life. The most important issue is visiting a dentist for early identification and a quick remedy.

About the Author

Christine O'Kelly writes informative articles for Smile In The City, the website of an experienced dentist. New York is the home for this group of professionals. They provide dental implants, I.V. sedation, smile makeovers, and New York laser dentistry.

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