The most common dental problems (and how to treat them)

Most people will experience some form of dental problem in their lifetime, whether it is a simple cavity or severe damage that requires surgery and other professional intervention. The number of oral health issues can vary widely, but becoming aware of the most common dental problems, what causes them, and how to treat them can help prevent issues better and get the appropriate treatments should the need arise.

Here are the four most common dental problems to familiarize yourself with:

1. Gum disease

This issue arises when your gums get infected, which is a big cause of tooth loss in adults. There are several symptoms to look out for with gum disease, including bad breath, sensitive teeth and gums, bleeding gums, and pain when chewing.

Gum disease is preventable, better known as gingivitis (or periodontitis when it becomes more advanced). As with many other dental problems, you can prevent it by frequent, quality toothbrushing and flossing to remove a build-up of plaque and tartar.

Removing these build-ups reduces the chance of bacteria getting under the teeth and into the gums, which could lead to an infection. Once you have gum disease, treatment includes antibiotic courses to help fight the infection. Your dentist will then provide advice on reducing the chances of developing it again in the future.

2. Broken or missing teeth

Depending on the break, your dentist may categorize this problem as a dental emergency, and you must call them as soon as possible. They will provide the right methods to handle this issue based on your specific case.

With broken teeth, the chances are you’ll have them covered with a crown or a filling, depending on where the break is. But when it comes to missing teeth, you will have the opportunity to get a tooth implant fixed to a screw in the jawbone.

These implants are not noticeable, and the procedure is relatively straightforward. This post by Pure Dentistry goes into much more detail on the treatment and is well worth the read if you’re searching for a treatment for missing teeth.

If your tooth fell out, there are options. But the best thing, of course, is to prevent having your teeth fall out by watching for common signs it’s about to happen.

3. Tooth sensitivity

Many people suffer from sensitive teeth, and while it’s often not something to worry about, it can be caused by more serious issues. In some cases, it can be a sign of an abscessed tooth or a crack, which needs to be treated hastily to avoid getting worse.

If you suddenly notice your teeth are sensitive, it’s best to visit your dentist to rule out any serious issues. Ruling significant problems out, there are plenty of simple treatments, from covering exposed roots with bonding resin to desensitizing toothpaste.

4. Cavities or tooth decay

A common treatment that people have all around the world is fillings. These are applied to a tooth that has begun to decay slightly and has developed a cavity in which the tooth has broken away, and a hole has appeared.

Your dentist will fill this gap to prevent further damage and combat any pain experienced by sensitivity. The professional may also suggest dental crowns to support large fillings. To prevent cavities, regularly brushing the teeth and visiting your dentist and dental hygienist regularly is a must.