Common Dental Issues
Proper oral hygiene and eating habits are essential for healthy teeth and gums. Our teeth play a key role in our lives by helping us chew, digest food, and speak clearly. They also give our face its shape and can provide us with greater confidence in our relationships and social lives. While most common dental problems can be prevented, there is a chance that you could develop an oral health issue. Some of the most common dental issues include:
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Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems that local dentists see today. Almost everyone at some point in their life will experience tooth decay or cavities. Tooth decay develops when bacteria in the mouth form a film on the teeth, a condition known as plaque.
These bacteria produce acids from sugars in foods which begin to eat away at the enamel, causing permanent damage. If not promptly addressed, the acids can start to damage the softer dentin layer of the tooth located under the enamel. If you have tooth decay, your Clermont dentist may recommend a filling, crown, or root canal.
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Bad Breath
Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is a common dental problem that often causes embarrassment in patients. According to a publication in the International Journal of Oral Science, a dental condition is the cause of approximately 85 percent of people who experience persistent bad breath.
Some of the most common dental issues that contribute to bad breath include cavities, gum disease, dry mouth, bacteria on the tongue, and oral cancer. While mouthwash can help mask the odor, it will generally not treat it. Your dentist in Clermont can help target the underlying cause of the halitosis.
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Gum Disease
Another common dental condition commonly seen by local dentists is gum disease. Gingivitis is a type of mild gum disease that develops when plaque accumulates between the teeth, causing an infection in the gums that results in swelling and irritation. If not treated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious gum infection known as periodontitis, which can cause painful chewing, bleeding gums, and often tooth loss.
According to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, 4 in 10 adults aged 30 years and older in the U.S. had gum disease. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deep-cleaning procedure that includes scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar.
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Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common oral health complaint that affects millions of people. With tooth sensitivity, you may experience pain or discomfort when exposed to cold air, cold drinks, hot drinks, or sweets. Having sensitive teeth can make it uncomfortable to brush and floss. Therefore, it’s important to speak with your dentist about your symptoms.
Sensitivity in teeth can have a number of causes. In some cases, tooth sensitivity is caused by the breakdown of enamel due to tooth decay. As the enamel becomes thinner, the more sensitive dentin layer is exposed. In some cases, sensitivity can be a sign of an abscessed or cracked tooth. Both of these conditions must be treated by a dentist to prevent an infection in your jawbone or tooth loss.
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Cracked or Chipped Tooth
A chip, crack, or break in a tooth is typically caused by biting into hard food, grinding teeth at night, or injury to the mouth. When you develop a chip or crack, you may experience symptoms like pain when chewing, pain that comes and goes, or sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
Treatment for a cracked or chipped tooth is dependent on the severity of the damage and the overall condition of the tooth. In some cases, a dentist will use bonding to repair a crack or chip. If the damage is more severe, a dentist may put a crown on the tooth or perform a root canal. In extreme cases, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Schedule A Dental Appointment
If you are experiencing a dental issue, don’t wait for treatment. Contact Hancock Village Dental in Clermont, FL today to schedule an appointment.
