5 Common Dental Problems: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Dental issues are never any fun and can occur even to persons practicing excellent dental hygiene routines. While your dentist may be able to solve these problems, the responsibility for your teeth's health lies with you. Brushing regularly, eating properly, flossing daily, and regular dental checkups can prevent most of these problems. Most importantly, you need to spot the signs of underlying dental conditions early enough for quick and efficient response.
In this post, we look at the most common dental problems, their signs, and available treatment options:
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay or dental cavities is a bacterial problem. More than 1 in 4 (26%) adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay. It occurs when the bacteria settles on the teeth. The bacteria thrive and start producing acids that eat into the tooth enamel to form holes. This problem is more prevalent in persons who eat a lot of sugary stuff. One way to limit the risk of this problem is by avoiding eating sugars and starches. Your lifestyle will also determine whether you will experience this problem. If you practice an excellent oral health routine, you will have a little chance of suffering tooth decay.
If a child develops cavities in the baby teeth, the problem will be sorted once the adult teeth emerge, but it is still important to consult the children's dentist. If you have developed cavities already, an experienced dentist will successfully treat them. Timely repair is essential to prevent the problem from developing into an infection or abscess. Your dentist can choose several repair procedures, including standard filling, a tooth extraction, or a crown. The tooth extractions are always the last option for the dentist.
Gum Disease/Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a common bacterial infection caused by the accumulations of plague in parts of the mouth. The CDC estimates that nearly half (46%) of all adults aged 30 years or older show signs of gum disease. The bacteria slowly eat into the gum tissue and ligaments. The disease usually progresses slowly in five phases. There is, therefore, plenty of time to reverse its progress if you notice it early. During the early phases, an excellent dental care routine and treatment will prevent underlying infections. If you allow the disease to move to the third and fourth phases, treatment will become more challenging. The most at-risk persons are those with poor dental hygiene and other underlying health problems such as diabetes. The main symptom of the disease is gums that bleed frequently. Treatment includes professionally cleaning the pockets around the teeth to prevent damage in the surrounding bone. But in advanced cases, your dentist may need to perform a surgical procedure.
Root Infection
Root infection occurs when the teeth's root is filled up with bacteria. The bacterial infection causes damage in the nerves and pulp tissues. If you have a deep crack, cavity, or fracture, see a dentist near you immediately to forestall this problem from occurring. Severe root infections may develop into painful abscesses if left untreated. Symptoms include sore facial swellings. The ideal solution for this problem is an affordable root canal treatment. The process is quite complicated and can be painless, depending on your dentist of choice. The dentist can also use an ideal anesthetic to suppress any pain and provide root canal sedation.
Enamel Degradation
Enamel degradation is another common tooth problem affecting many people across the globe. The disease is characterized by round and discolored enamel surfaces. It is caused by exposure to corrosives materials such as sugary snacks and fizzy drinks. The acid in this food wears down the enamel to give it an unhealthy and stained look. Prevention is always the best solution for enamel degradation. Avoid taking too many soft drinks and sugary stuff. If the surface is badly damaged, your dentist may need to perform bonding support. A teeth whitening dentist may also perform advanced procedures, including professional teeth whitening.
Oral Cancers
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, about 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Oral cancer is a severe problem, and you need to recognize the signs as soon as possible. It may begin as a small, pale, and pinkish lump inside your mouth. During the initial stages, the growth is painless, and you may be tempted to ignore it. However, if you have a noticeable growth, consult your dentist now. A specialist will examine your mouth, neck, and head for signs of trouble. The problem is more prone to smokers and heavy drinkers.
In a nutshell, the trick to avoiding several problems we have discussed today lies in maintaining excellent oral hygiene. In case you have a dental issue or need the routine dental checkup, visit Steelecroft Dental. We are the ideal dental experts for all your needs. Contact us today by calling (704) 753-8316 or scheduling your appointment online.