Dental health problems happen to everyone, sometimes even to those who practice a perfect brushing and flossing routine. The good news is that many common issues can be avoided with good oral practices and regular visits to your local Verdun-area dentist practice. Additionally, what can’t be avoided, can often be treated so that you can once again enjoy a healthy and radiant smile.
The following is a quick look at 5 of the most common dental health problems we see at our Lasalle dentist office and how our team can help you avoid them:
5 Common Dental Health Problems & Their Solutions
- Tooth decay. Often referred to as cavities, tooth decay happens when plaque remains for too long on tooth enamel. The longer plaque sticks, the more it eats away at the tooth and causes the hole known as a cavity. Part of your dental visit includes scraping away any existing plaque and you can avoid future issues by using fluoride toothpaste and regular flossing.
- Periodontal disease. Plaque isn’t just bad for the teeth. It can also give rise to a bacterial infection that attacks the underlying tooth ligament and surrounding gum tissue. Left unchecked, this causes gingivitis which can progress into severe periodontitis. This is a serious condition that can be avoided with proper oral care and maintenance and can be treated in a number of different ways including gum grafts and scaling and planing.
- Tooth Infection. Unchecked tooth decay can lead to a tooth infection inside the tooth. Signs that you might have an infection include tooth fractures, cracks, and pain. That’s because severe infections lead to abscesses, resulting in painful swellings. Left unchecked, a tooth infection can require a full root canal treatment. However, visiting your dentist regularly will ensure problems are detected early before they become this serious.
- Enamel degradation. Enamel degradation happens most in people who consume a lot of soda, sugar-based foods, and foods with high concentrations of fermented carbohydrates. Signs of degradation include round and noticeably discolored enamel surfaces. Caught early, solutions include dietary changes and the use of soft-bristled toothbrushes. Your dentist can also talk to you about veneers, implants, and other solutions if your enamel has degraded too far.
- Dry mouth. Dry mouth may seem more of an inconvenience but this condition can have a serious impact on your health. Without saliva to clean your teeth, plaque builds up more quickly, leading to an increased risk of cavities. Other issues caused by dry mouth include bad breath, gum disease, and ulceration or soreness of the mouth.