How to Treat the Most Common Dental Issues?

While most dental problems can be easily prevented, some can still occur despite all your efforts. That doesn’t mean you should stop worrying about your dental hygiene. On the contrary, the key is to avoid having dental problems as much as you can, but also to know how those unavoidable ones are treated. So, apart from regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups, you need to educate yourself about common dental problems, their causes, and treatment. To help you with that, we’ve prepared the following list of the most typical issues.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is one of the most embarrassing problems, but in most cases, it is a consequence of a dental condition. The real reason could be anything from gum disease, cavities, oral cancer to dry mouth. Mouthwash can cover up bad breath, but it won’t cure it. Chronic bad breath is a very good reason to visit your dentist.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay, or cavities, is probably the most common dental issue. It occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on your teeth, combines with the sugars and starches from the food. This devastating combination produces acids that damage tooth enamel. Cavities can occur at any age and as we grow older the problem actually gets worse, since our tooth enamel erodes. Also, medications and dry mouth due to age can lead to cavities. The best way to deal with tooth decay is to regularly brush and floss and have your teeth regularly checked. Avoiding snacks and drinks high in sugar will also postpone decay. However, only your dentist can deal with the problem once it occurs.

Gum disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums, which is one of the main causes of tooth loss, especially among adults. Scientists have also suggested that there might be a link between periodontal and heart disease. It usually occurs after age 30 and is more likely to happen to those who smoke or have diabetes or dry mouth. The symptoms include bad breath, red, tender or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and painful chewing. There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. If all preventive measures have failed, you should undergo treatment, such as having all on 4 dental implants inserted, but make sure you find the right professional for the job.

Oral cancer

One of the most dreaded words is definitely cancer. While significant progress has been made when it comes to treating oral cancer, there are still many people dying from it. However, it is often curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Adults are much more prone to oral cancer than children. The risk factors include smoking and alcohol use, as well as HPV, a sexually transmitted wart virus. The symptoms include sores and lumps in the mouth, a change in the bite and problems chewing or moving your tongue or jaw. That’s why it’s vital you visit your dentist regularly and report any symptoms if you notice them.

Tooth sensitivity

This is another common problem, which involves pain or discomfort to your teeth from cold air, hot drinks, sweets or ice-cream. You could even feel discomfort while brushing or flossing in case of increased sensitivity. This issue may result from a cracked tooth or tooth abscess, something your dentist should be able to treat easily because if you don’t treat it, you might get an infection in your jaw bone. So, the best way to deal with it is to visit your dentist.
It’s easy to notice that prevention can really go a long way when it comes to healthy teeth and gums. However, we should also be aware that there is nothing we can do without a dentist when these problems occur. That’s why you should find a dentist you trust and make sure you don’t have to visit them because you’ve neglected your dental hygiene.