Everyone wants healthy teeth, a beautiful white smile, and fresh breath. However, in reality, most adults and children suffer from at least one dental problem.
This is why dentists do their best to emphasize the importance of proper oral hygiene practices to keep teeth healthy and free of problems. Dental problems should be something you have to ignore.
Dr. Martin, a dentist in the University Charlotte area, has gathered everything you need to know about the causes, signs, and symptoms of common dental problems and put it into this blog post. He’s also included the best home remedies and dental treatments to save your smile.
Causes of Dental Problems
Most dental problems stem from poor oral hygiene. However, poor oral hygiene doesn’t just affect your teeth and mouth. It can also put your overall health at risk. Dental problems will affect your diet, which can affect your stomach and, thus, the rest of your body. You need a healthy mouth to give your body the nutrition it needs.
Poor Oral Health
What we eat and how we take care of our teeth after every meal goes a long way in maintaining healthy teeth. The more sugary foods and drinks you consume, the more your teeth will develop plaque.
Plaque is the result of accumulated acids left behind by sugary substances when they are not neutralized. Acid will eventually react with the tooth’s enamel and break it down, leaving behind white, brown, or black stains on the tooth. These stains are signs of a process called demineralization.
During demineralization, the body cannot restore the minerals that are lost during daily activities. This leads to tooth sensitivity, which will lead to other dental problems or even a dental disease if left unchecked. By practicing good dental hygiene and going to regular dental checkups, you can avoid the effects of demineralization.
Other causes of dental problems include:
- Old age
- Frequent snacking
- Genetics
- Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux
- Eating disorders
Common Dental Problems
Early identification of dental disease is essential for making sure the problem is treated before it worsens. Here are a few common dental problems to watch out for.
Chipped tooth
A chipped tooth usually occurs from an impact to the face that is hard enough to break a tooth. The severity of the damage varies. However, a deep can expose your dentin and nerve endings, leading to significant tooth pain and sensitivity over time.
Gum disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can lead to a gum infection in the mouth. This type of infection can eventually affect the jawbone if left untreated and spread to other parts of the body.
A gum infection is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and can be a risk factor for heart and lung diseases. It can also result in tooth loss and tissue destruction around the affected tooth if it is not adequately treated.
Enamel Erosion
Enamel erosion happens as plaque builds up in the crevices of the teeth. As the plaque spends time on the enamel, it starts to eat into the protective outer layer of the teeth. Without intervention, enamel erosion gets worse over time.
Tooth Decay
As enamel erosion wreaks havoc on your teeth, it will eventually cause tooth decay. As acid (plaque) continues to erode the enamel, it will keep digging deeper inside the tooth. Eventually, acid will create a hole in the tooth (tooth cavity). If left untreated, this problem will evolve into even more severe tooth decay.
Tooth Sensitivity
As enamel disintegrates, the dentin becomes exposed to the elements. This is what causes tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. Other causes of tooth sensitivity are:
- Aggressive brushing
- Tooth grinding
- Gum disease
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Problems That Need a Dental Treatment
The most profound symptom of a dental problem is pain. This is because the tissues that surround the tooth have pain receptors. When you feel pain in your tooth, it makes sense to assume something isn’t right.
However, pain is not the only sign of an underlying dental issue. Your tooth’s physical appearance can also indicate something may be wrong, and you’ll need a dental checkup to figure out what the issue is.
Toothaches, yellow or brown teeth, sleep apnea, permanent stains on the teeth, bad breath, and tooth sensitivity are all signs and symptoms of dental problems that need to be treated with a dental treatment when they are noticed.
Simple Ways To Prevent Dental Disease With At-Home Care and Dental Treatments
There are only a couple ways you can prevent dental problems: by visiting your dentist and practicing good oral hygiene! Good oral hygiene cleans your teeth of any disease-causing bacteria and takes care of the acid buildup that leads to tooth decay.
You should always brush twice daily, use mouthwash after brushing, and use fluoride toothpaste. It’s also important to eat less sweets and drink less sugary drinks. Instead, make it a priority to drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat healthier meals. Doing these things consistently makes all the difference in your oral health.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings, you are much less likely to develop tooth cavities, tooth sensitivity, and other dental problems that will cost you not just your time but your money too.
Dental Treatments in Uptown Charlotte
We want to help you make your oral health a priority so you can live a happy, healthy life. The more you wait to treat a dental problem, the quicker it worsens and causes other issues. If you notice signs of a dental problem, all you need to do is visit us for our dental services to get you on the right track.
Winning Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers a list of quality dental treatments in the University Charlotte area for whatever oral health issue you may be dealing with. Our oral care services include dental sealants, dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and much more. We also provide preventive tips, advice, and product recommendations that you can use at home.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let our team of experienced dental professionals take care of you.
