Common Tooth Diseases

Common Dental Problems and Tooth Diseases

Some common oral abnormalities can be easily prevented. By brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing, you will experience a beautiful and problem-free smile. Also, following a healthy diet and regular dental checkups will bring you closer to this goal.

1)Tooth Decay

Tooth decay (Cavities) is known as the most common dental problem. According to dentists, most patients who visit the office intend to treat tooth decay. Everyone faces the problem of tooth decay at some stage in their lives.

Bacteria feed on sugars in food and produce acid. This acid can destroy and damage the enamel or its outer layer. The acids then penetrate the enamel and increase the percentage of tooth damage. Symptoms of tooth decay include:

• Food getting stuck between teeth
• Black or brown spots on the teeth
• Toothache

Treatment of decay begins according to its extent, which may include things such as crown or root canal repair, and in some cases, tooth death occurs, forcing the person to fill the void with a dental implant or denture.

You can reduce the risk of tooth decay by brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly.

2)Gum Disease

One of the most common dental problems is gum disease, or periodontal disease, the mildest form of which is called gingivitis and is caused by bacterial infection and plaque buildup.
Common symptoms of this disease include swelling, redness, and bleeding, which manifests in bad breath.

It is also accompanied by pain and discomfort when chewing food. Gum disease occurs due to neglecting toothbrushing and hygiene tips. Other factors affecting the occurrence of gum disease include smoking, pregnancy, and diabetes.

Note that in some cases, gingivitis is painless. This makes it difficult to know about many gum problems. Therefore, regular dental examinations by a dentist are a good idea to prevent this problem.
Periodontitis is another condition that can develop if gingivitis is left untreated. When gum plaque is infected, it damages the bone and tissue that support the teeth. It can also lead to receding gums, unpleasant mouth odor, and bad breath.

3)Bad Breath

Bad breath is another common and annoying oral condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Dry mouth
• Medications and infections
• Acid reflux

Since there are many causes of bad breath, your dentist will perform a thorough evaluation and recommend the best treatment based on the results.

4)Sensitive Teeth

Teeth sensitivity is a common symptom of tooth enamel loss, which can cause sensitivity when drinking or eating hot or cold foods due to the loss of tooth enamel and gum exposure.

Dentin is made up of channels that connect to the nerve deep inside the mouth. When hot or cold substances come into contact, this feeling travels to the nerve and causes severe pain. Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by tooth decay. Other possible causes include:

• Gum disease
• Cracked and broken teeth
• Wear and tear of fillings
• Enamel erosion
• Gum recession

Some people also naturally have a thin layer of tooth enamel, which causes sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth can be taken care of by using different toothpastes and mouthwashes.

5)Cracked or Broken Teeth

Teeth fractures most often occur for reasons such as trauma, chewing hard foods, grinding your teeth while sleeping, etc., and the incidence of this problem can cause you much pain.
Regardless of how painful the crack is, you should have the target tooth examined and treated by a dentist as soon as possible.

Dentists use various methods to repair cracks and fractures, such as dental crowns or tooth-colored fillings.

6)Gum Recession

Gum recession is another common oral disorder that can lead to more serious problems, such as tooth loss. This disease exposes the weak root of the tooth, making it vulnerable to damage. The main factors that contribute to gum recession can be:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Using a toothbrush that is too hard
• Smoking

Gums may also be genetically predisposed to inflammation and prone to recession. If this disease runs in your family, take the necessary care and seek help from a dental professional.
Still, only gum grafting or other surgeries will solve this problem in severe cases.

7)Root Infection

The base or root of the tooth becomes infected and swollen due to the accumulation of bacteria. Most often, this happens due to the formation of cavities, cracks, and fractures of the tooth. Root infection damages the tissues and nerves of the tooth, ultimately leading to the formation of a tooth abscess.

A long and persistent toothache is one of the symptoms of a root canal infection, which worsens when chewing and biting the tooth. The tooth in question is also susceptible to hot and cold food and drinks; sometimes, part of the person’s face swells around the tooth.

The treatment of root canal infection is through a root canal. This method can be performed with minimal pain and in entirely safe conditions because dentists use anesthetics while working in the root canal.

8)Tooth Enamel Erosion

Teeth enamel damage is another common oral abnormality that occurs over time. During this process, the tooth changes color and loses its original structure.
The leading causes of erosion are excessive consumption of sweet and acidic foods such as sweets and soda and not brushing your teeth for a long time.

This problem causes excessive sensitivity and weakening of the teeth, and excessive loss of tooth enamel greatly reduces the effectiveness of any treatment.

However, tooth enamel damage can be prevented to a large extent by reducing the consumption of sugary foods, and using soft-bristled toothbrushes is effective in this problem.

9)Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is a common dental condition that usually occurs while sleeping. People with this problem grind their teeth together and do not feel any pressure while sleeping. Of course, this problem can also be observed when awake. If teeth grinding continues and is not treated, the teeth will be damaged over time, and jaw pain, headaches, and earaches are common symptoms.

Conclusion

Typical oral and dental abnormalities can affect self-confidence, general health, and quality of life.
When you encounter any of the above symptoms, visit your dentist and start treatment as soon as possible. Regular dental care also prevents common problems.

Sources:

https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/periodontitis

https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/cavities-tooth-decay.html

https://aasm.org/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/