The Most Common General Dental Problems
Today, we will discuss the nine most common dental problems we see in our patients during their regular checkups.
Break Down of Tooth Enamel
Although the saliva in our mouth works constantly to protect our teeth, some bacteria found in plaque can change food starches into acids.
When this happens, the acids in plaque begin to eat away the healthy minerals in the tooth enamel, which causes it to wear down.
Over time, this creates small pits in the enamel, which grow in size. If you allow a decaying tooth to deteriorate further, it could develop into painful infections or abscesses.
- Timely repair procedures are essential, including fillings, dental crowns, root canals, or tooth extractions.
When decay is left untreated for too long, bacteria invade the soft pulp material inside our teeth. This area within the tooth’s centre contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. The nerve in each tooth is also the ‘root’. Patients feel intense pain whenever they bite or chew as the pulp becomes infected.
A dentist or an endodontist can perform a root canal treatment. If you are experiencing any prolonged sensitivity or swelling, you can book your appointment with Dr Lee.
Dentin Hypersensitivity
Sensitivity is the sharp pain arising when you expose your dentin surfaces to hot, cold or chemical substances. This can cause significant inconvenience to a person’s everyday life when something like eating or drinking can lead to irritation. Causes.
Chronic bad breath
Root canal infections are usually accompanied by chronic bad breath. If, despite brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, there is still an unpleasant odour, you are probably suffering from an infection. The bacteria responsible for most tooth infections give off a bad smell, causing bad breath and a bitter taste in your mouth.
Book an emergency appointment.
Gingivitis
Periodontal diseases are infections in the soft tissue surrounding your teeth. Some main symptoms include red and sore gums, accompanied by regular bleeding. Our periodontal specialist will perform a routine examination and diagnose the type of gum disease you may suffer from. Together, we will put comprehensive treatment plan options depending on the stage of your gum disease.
Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discolouration is another widespread dental problem we hear loads about. It is important to remember that no one’s teeth stay perfectly white, and our teeth can become duller as we age. There can be both extrinsic and intrinsic causes of tooth discolouration:
- Food and drink such as coffee, tea, wine, cola, tobacco and certain fruits and vegetables, e.g. apples and potatoes.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Poor dental hygiene results in the accumulation of stain-causing particles.
- Exposure to too much fluoride during childhood.
- Chipped teeth can cause discolouration due to nerve or enamel damage.
- Medication such as tetracycline and doxycycline antibiotics, some antihistamines, antipsychotics and antihypertensive.
- Several diseases can affect the colour of the enamel or dentin.
If you wish to brighten your smile in a day, don’t miss out on our monthly offer of 20% OFF Philips Zoom Professional Teeth Whitening System.
Malocclusion
Misaligned teeth are another prevalent dental problem. In more severe cases, they can cause alterations in facial features and issues with speech and chewing – Maida Smiles Clinic offers several solutions for patients suffering from crooked or misaligned teeth.
Our orthodontic specialists work with the latest braces and Invisalign techniques on the market and have over 10 years of experience straightening smiles.
Oral Cavity Cancer
Most oral cancers begin as small lumps, usually pink and positioned inside the mouth. Our clinic’s goal is to prevent oral cancer rather than look for a cure, so we strongly encourage you to seek professional help if you are struggling to quit bad oral health habits.
Tooth Loss
Some of the aforementioned dental problems can lead to tooth loss, including tooth decay, root canal infections or periodontal diseases. A missing tooth must be replaced to maintain good levels of jaw support, be able to chew food properly, and ensure the stability of the rest of your teeth. Call us today and request a consultation with our implant specialist, Dr Pedro Gutierres, who will help you pick the best tooth replacement option for your needs and lifestyle.
