Common Dental Problems and How to Prevent Them
Maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile is more than just brushing and flossing every day. It’s about keeping potential dental concerns from advancing and becoming painful or costly problems. At Indigo Dentistry, we believe that prevention is the key to long-term oral health and are here to provide you with exceptional, personalized care. The following is a look at some of the most common dental problems and how to keep them at bay.
What Are the Most Common Dental Problems?
The following are some of the most common dental problems:
- Cavities: The leading causes of tooth decay are poor oral hygiene, plaque buildup, and sugar-rich diets. Without treatment, tooth decay can lead to severe toothaches, infection, and even tooth loss.
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Periodontal disease is a chronic and progressive inflammation and infection of the gums and bone, usually resulting from poor oral hygiene and plaque and tartar buildup. One can also be predisposed to the disease by family history or smoking habits. In its advanced stages, it can destroy the gum and bone tissue supporting the teeth, leading to loose teeth and tooth loss.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Sensitivity typically occurs when the protective layer of tooth enamel wears away, or the gums recede, which exposes the inner layers of the tooth. It’s important to uncover the underlying causes of tooth sensitivity, such as tooth enamel erosion, cavities, or gum disease to ensure prompt treatment.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis): Persistent bad breath often results from bacteria buildup, untreated decay, or gum disease. It’s important to address the root causes of bad breath to restore your smile’s health and your confidence. The solution could be as simple as flossing daily!
- Tooth Erosion: Tooth enamel erosion occurs when acid reflux or acids from foods or drinks gradually wear away tooth enamel. Over time, it can cause tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and increased risk of cavities.
- Severe Toothaches: Severe, persistent tooth pain is usually caused by deep decay, infection, or trauma. It can worsen quickly without treatment, leading to complications requiring root canal treatment or even extraction.
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth: Tooth chips or cracks are usually the result of trauma, teeth grinding (bruxism), or chewing hard objects like ice. If not treated, cracks can deepen and expose the tooth’s inner pulp, leading to sensitivity, pain, and infection.
How to Prevent Common Dental Problems
While it’s not possible to prevent all dental problems, most are avoidable with proper preventive care. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, we recommend brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, floss daily at bedtime to clean in between your teeth, and use alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash.
We recommend maintaining a balanced diet and limiting sugary snacks and drinks that provide harmful bacteria with an ample food source to thrive. Also, avoid biting down on hard candy or objects or using your teeth as tools to prevent accidental chipping or damage. If you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep or participate in contact or high-impact sports, wearing a protective night guard or sports mouthguard can help prevent tooth wear or damage, safeguarding your smile.
One of the most important things you can do to keep dental problems from developing or progressing is to visit Indigo Dentistry for your twice-yearly dental cleanings and exams. Dr. Collier and her team will monitor your oral health and ensure any concerns are treated in their earliest stages, preventing them from becoming a serious problem requiring extensive treatment.
Preventive Care Near Me in Cedar Hill, TX
At Indigo Dentistry, we are advocates of prevention to maintain long-term healthy smiles. Dr. Collier and her team offer comprehensive preventive services and are always happy to provide personalized oral health tips to help lower the risk of dental disease. Call us at (972) 779-0300 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!