Everyone will encounter a dental issue or two within their lifetime. Some are more serious than others, but all have solutions and ways to fix them. An experienced dentist or orthodontist can fix and solve nearly any issue imaginable. Here are some of the most common dental problems you may experience in your lifetime.
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- Tooth Decay: This is one of the most common diseases in the United States. Tooth decay is caused by plaque on our teeth and the food we eat. Food and drinks with high amount of acid, such as juice and soda, contribute greatly to our oral problems. The acid will attack your tooth enamel, causing a cavity.
There are a few ways to avoid a cavity, such as practicing good oral hygiene and eating healthy foods. This will not always prevent them, though, and if you discover you have a cavity, don’t fret. A quick trip to the dentist will result in a procedure that fills your cavity. It is generally painless and a routine procedure performed by dentists.
- Gum Disease: Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two stages of gum disease. Over 90% of adults in the United States will find themselves faced with this problem. It can be transferred from person to person; this may be why it is such a common issue. Gum disease leads directly to tooth loss and issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
Once diagnosed, your dentist will probably recommend a deep cleaning. This procedure cleans under your gums as well as your teeth. You will need to have more frequent cleanings to prevent the gum disease from returning.
- Misalignment: This is a common issue that has a variety of ways it presents itself. Your jaw or teeth may not fit together properly. You could also have an under bite or an overbite. Spacing is another frequent problem that dentists will diagnose. If any of these are found, your dentist is likely to recommend you to visit an orthodontist.
An orthodontist specializes in this scenarios, and he will most likely recommend braces are the preferred treatment. Teeth are moveable, and the use of braces can push teeth into the proper alignment. While this sounds painful, the adjustments happen over a period of time, making it a relatively painless option.
Depending on the severity of the problem, metal or clear braces will be used to fix the misalignment. An orthodontist is highly skilled at treating and fixing any misalignment problems.
- Halitosis: Bad breath is also called halitosis, and it can be an annoying and frustrating problem. You aren’t alone in these concerns. While things such as onions can lead to occasional bad breath, chronic issues are generally linked to issues such as gum disease, cavities, dry mouth and bacteria.
In order to fix halitosis, you have to find the source of the problem. A quck trip to the dentist will prove what is wrong. From there, your dentist can make a recommended plan of action to fix any issues spotted.
- Sensitive Teeth: Many people suffer from sensitive teeth, and they understand just how painful this problem can be. Most people will experience sensitivity when eating sweets, drinking hot and cold beverages, eating ice cream, and even more. Luckily for sufferers, there are ways to treat sensitive teeth.
The most common treatment is using desensitizing toothpaste. This toothpaste helps block the sensations traveling from the tooth surface to the nerves. Typically, it must be used many times to get the full effect. There are also in-office treatments such as agents that can be applied to the sensitive area of the tooth. If a flaw is the issue, a filling or root canal may be needed.