February 17, 2020
Dental problems are surprisingly common. You might think that daily brushing will protect you from developing any issues. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily will protect your mouth from many harmful issues. Remember, the most important thing do for your dental health is to visit a dentist every six months.
1. Tooth Decay/Cavities
Tooth decay is the process of bacteria breaking down the enamel of your tooth. This occurs when plaque sits on your tooth long enough for the bacteria to create an acid. This acid eats away at the enamel and dentin.
You may have a cavity if you experience any of the following
- Toothache
- Sensitivity
- Pain when eating hot or cold
- Visible holes on the tooth’s surface
2. Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Periodontitis is an infection in the gum tissue. Periodontitis is also known as gingivitis. This is caused by the same bacteria from plaque that can cause cavities. The bacteria infect the gum lining and the gums become red and swollen. Gums will often bleed during flossing or brushing. Gum disease has five stages and progresses slowly. In its early stages, gum disease can be reversed. A proper dental hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist will bring back a healthy smile.
If your periodontitis is in the third stage or later, it can be difficult to treat. Treatment is still possible but will involve more professional treatments. Gum disease affects over half of the adults in the US.
You may have gum disease if you experience any of the following:
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession around the tooth
3. Tooth Infection
Tooth infections are usually a result of untreated dental decay. When decay is left untreated, the pulp (or root) of the tooth becomes infected. The root of your tooth is located at the bottom, inside your gum. An infection could also be caused by a deep crack or fracture to the tooth.
Severe infections can cause an abscess to develop around the tooth. Dental abscesses are pockets of pus that occur in the tissue around the infected tooth. In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the infection. However, an infected tooth cannot recover itself. The necessary treatment for a tooth infection is a root canal.
You may have a tooth infection if you develop any of the following:
- Constant throbbing in one tooth
- Pain when biting down
- Swelling in the face
- Abscess on the gum
These are a few common dental problems. If any of these problems sound a little too familiar, call your dentist and schedule an exam. The best way to prevent harmful bacteria in your mouth is a great oral health routine. Brushing, flossing, and an alcohol-free mouth rinse are a great start. But most importantly, visit your dentist every six months for routine cleaning.