Common Dental Issues and Their Solutions

Having nice teeth is a pretty big deal when it comes to overall health and aesthetics. Good teeth set you apart in the dating pool , and they help you feel more confident in your day-to-day. Since confidence is a key factor of good mental health, it's essential to maintain.

Dental issues are super common, however. If you're experiencing them, you're among the majority of the population. Don't stress-- there's usually a simple solution for most common issues and tooth problems.

Read on to find the issue you're struggling with and how to fix it.

Cavities

Did you have lots of cavities as a kid ? If so, it's probably because you ate more sweets than you do now, and didn't brush as well.

These two things make up the equation that leads to tooth decay, or cavities.

As bacteria from food lingers on teeth, it creates an acidic substance that eats away at your enamel. Brushing thoroughly is the best way to get rid of this substance, and should be done twice a day and after meals for at least three minutes .

Cold Sores

Cold sores are little blisters that form around your nose, lips, or chin. They're usually fluid-filled, and related to the herpes virus, type 1. That means they'll likely be reoccurring.

They can be super painful and embarrassing to walk around with, so it's only natural to want to take care of them as soon as possible. While they're capable of healing on their own, your dentist can usually prescribe an antiviral drug to help them heal. Besides that, your local drugstore can sell you an over-the-counter drug to ease the pain.

Gum Disease

Just like tooth decay is a result of not brushing well enough or for long enough, so is gum disease. The same bacteria that causes tooth decay likes to hang out in your gum line. That acidic substance that's created eats away at your gums just like it does your enamel.

Just because you might not be diagnosed with gingivitis doesn't mean your gums don't need some extra love. Make sure to brush your gum line when you brush your teeth to stave off the gum disease, gingivitis, from developing.

TMJ

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. With really bad cases, you may not even be able to open your mouth fully.

This disorder is likely a symptom of stress or tension that's gone too long without attention. Usually, the first line of defense in curing it is doing some reflection to pinpoint sources of stress in your life. The mind and body are inextricably connected, and both influence the other's wellbeing.

If you're experiencing any of the below symptoms, you might be suffering from TMJ:

●grinding your teeth at night

●headaches

●earaches

●pain in or around your jaw

●feeling constant pressure around your jaw

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Long-term damage from TMJ can include grinding your teeth way down, which means you might need to get veneers down the road.

You'll be happy you took care of it when your mental and physical health both improve after one doctor's visit!

Dry Mouth

Do you feel a dry, sticky feeling in your mouth all the time, regardless of how much water you drink? Is your tongue cracked, dry, red, or raw? Does it burn or tingle frequently?

You might have dry mouth . It can be caused by a number of preexisting conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, or anemia.

While it may not seem like a big deal, it can actually lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not taken care of. Without moisture, bacteria will cling to your teeth, gums, and inner cheeks, encouraging decay and yeast infections called "thrush." The mouth needs this moisture to regulate a healthy mouth.

If you're suffering from dry mouth, a dentist will need to take a look to determine the root of the problem. Solutions can include switching to sugar-free treats, staying extra hydrated, switching to a toothpaste which includes fluoride, and using artificial saliva to bring back your mouth's moisture.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the top ten outpatient procedures out there. Why? Because often they'll grow in "impacted."

An impacted wisdom tooth is a one that's trying to grow in, but doesn't have enough room to. This might be because your mouth is too small, or simply that the wisdom teeth are too big. Since they usually don't come in until your 20s-30s, your mouth has already developed, not leaving much room for big new teeth to come in.

In this circumstance, you'll need to have them removed. It's a super common procedure that oral surgeons perform every day. Expect to get put on nitrous oxide and eat only soft things for a few days.

Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth are super common, and they're not usually a sign of any underlying health issues.

If your teeth are oriented outwards, that might be a sign that your tongue is too big for your mouth, and it slowly pushes your teeth outward. While this isn't a big deal on its own, this sign of a large tongue can be a precursor of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which your airway is obstructed from normal breathing during sleep, which leads to interrupted sleep and increased risk for heart attack and stroke. If your teeth show these signs, consider signing up for a sleep study to see if you might be developing sleep apnea.

If your teeth aren't crooked outward, it's probably just cosmetic. Tons of people tend not to worry about this issue, but if it'll boost your confidence to get them fixed, you can choose to opt for braces or Invisalign!

Experiencing Dental Issues?

If you're experiencing any of the above dental issues or tooth problems, don't hesitate to get in touch to book an appointment. Besides general dentistry, we also specialize in dentures, children's dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry!