Most common dental problems can be prevented with proper oral hygiene. While everyone wants healthy teeth and gums for a beautiful smile, clean, fresh breath, and self-confidence, many people do not put in the effort it takes to maintain their dental hygiene.

All it takes is to floss daily, brush your teeth twice every day, eat healthily, and make regular appointments with the Somerville dentist to ensure everything is alright. Learning about dental problems, especially the most commonly encountered ones, can help you identify early symptoms and prevent them altogether. Here are the 9 most common dental problems, their causes, and what you can do about the

Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Cavities are one of the most frequently discussed dental problems in adults and children. They occur when plaque from food with a high sugar content settles on the surface of your teeth, feeding the bacteria in your mouth. As the bacteria continue to feed on the plaque, the outer protective layer of your teeth, the enamel, will start to wear down. 

Cavities are formed as permanently damaged areas on the tooth’s surface, leading to tiny holes. Ultimately, this could lead to tooth decay, and it is not restricted to any age as even infants can get cavities. 

Symptoms include toothache, tooth stains, tooth sensitivity and pain when eating or drinking cold or sweet things, and visible holes in the teeth. Cavities can be effectively prevented by avoiding food and drinks with high sugar levels, practicing proper dental care, drinking more water, and visiting the Dentist Somerville regularly.

Bad Breath

It might be a severe condition if you notice that you or someone else constantly has bad breath even after brushing. Also medically referred to as Halitosis, Bad breath can be highly embarrassing and significantly impact your life.

This oral problem is common across all age groups and is often a sign of other underlying dental problems. Because there are so many things that could cause bad breath, it’s often challenging to pinpoint the cause and solution. However, there’s no need to panic. Visiting a trained dentist will provide you with all the answers to your questions. Avoid assuming that mouthwash will be your solution. Often, mouthwash masks the smell but doesn’t address the actual cause.

The most common reasons for bad breath include gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, and certain foods like ginger, onions, garlic, and others.

Gum Disease

Gum disease often occurs in three stages. You have the first called gingivitis, which is reversible and characterized by inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, it will worsen to the second stage of gum disease, known as periodontal disease. 

This comes with more severe infections and inflammation of the gums and bones surrounding and supporting the teeth. The gums have already become swollen and red and begin to bleed at this stage. If still left untreated, the condition worsens to advanced periodontal disease, where the teeth start to fall out, and pus starts to accumulate around the base of the teeth. Gum disease must be identified and treated quickly.

Cracked, Broken, or Chipped Teeth

Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth are the most common dental injury suffered by millions. From chipping a tooth in an accident or brutal fight to having a more serious underlying condition, chipped or cracked teeth may result from several reasons.

A dentist will first assess how badly chipped the tooth is and determine what treatment is needed. If the chip is large, they may recommend a crown replacement or bonding with a strong resin material to replace the chipped-off part. If the tooth’s pulp is already at risk, you may be advised to get a root canal and get a veneer or crown.

Receding Gum Line

This is the exposure of a tooth’s root as the gum line recedes further upwards or downwards and doesn’t cover the tooth as it should. This condition can be caused by several things and is usually a sign of underlying problems such as high blood pressure, genetics, and abnormal hormonal fluctuations.

Receding gums could also cause tooth loss if left unaddressed and can also be caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, and brushing too hard. Dentists often treat first by roughly cleaning the teeth, showing you how to brush correctly, and, if alarming, a gum graft surgery.

Root Infection

Root infection is a pretty serious condition, and if you’ve ever heard of or tried a root canal treatment, you might have an idea of how painful it can be.  

This condition occurs when bacteria attack the root of your tooth, make their way into the middle of your tooth, and attack the pulp tissue. Symptoms first begin as a mild toothache that many dismiss as nothing serious. An abscess will eventually form when left untreated as the root infection has progressed to a more severe stage.

You may require a root canal procedure which will be performed under anesthesia. It involves the dentist drilling a hole in the middle of your tooth and filing or grinding away the damaged surface to reach the root. Once the root is accessible, they’ll use a special suction tool to suck out the abscess (pus and other infected tissue). The opening will finally be sealed with a hardening material, and you’ll be allowed to recover.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is often characterized by sharp pain or discomfort while eating, drinking, speaking, and even brushing. It could result from a cracked or abscessed tooth, both of which must be examined and treated by a dentist.

If left untreated, tooth sensitivity can worsen and lead to tooth loss or infection around the teeth, gums, and the bones supporting the teeth. If you develop tooth sensitivity suddenly, quickly pay a visit to the dentist for treatment.

Crooked Teeth

A large percentage of people you see at the dentist’s come to discuss and treat the alignment of their teeth. Having crooked teeth or an abnormal bite can significantly affect your smile, self-confidence, and overall dental health.

Fixing crooked teeth isn’t just for kids, as adults may decide later on to get their teeth professionally aligned. This is mainly done with metal braces, trays, aligners, and retainers 

Staining or Discoloration

Like nearly every other part of your body, your teeth need to be cleaned regularly! Many people suffer from tooth stains and discoloration, often caused by different things. Sometimes, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, and other times, it could result from strong-staining medications, foods, and beverages like coffee, tobacco, and tea.

You can primarily address this with over-the-counter whitening products or pay a visit to the dentist for a more thorough approach.

Get Your Dental Problems Treated at First Dental

Dental problems can affect your oral, and general health, self-confidence, and quality of life. To avoid many of these, start by maintaining proper oral hygiene – brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regularly visiting a trusted dentist. If you’re looking for a trusted and capable dentist, Somerville’s finest remains First Dental, where you get access to the best dental care. Call us at (617) 623-8489 or (781) 395-0300 to Book an appointment with our dental professionals who can assist with all aspects of your dental health.