Most Common Teeth Problems and How to Prevent Them

Tackling Dental Problems

Some of the most common dental problems include tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Many of the dental problems below are linked with each other and by implementing simple steps in our daily routines they can all be prevented.

Most Common Dental Problems

Tooth Decay / Cavities

Cavities are holes on the surface of your teeth that are caused by tooth decay. Small holes can quickly tun into larger ones and cause serious problems such as toothache, infection and tooth loss. They are usually caused by factors of plaque buildup, bacteria present in the mouth, sugary foods and drinks and a lack of proper oral health. Cavities are most common in children as they consume large amounts of sugary foods and aren’t the best at cleaning teeth properly. Older adults are also at risk due to teeth, enamel being worn down and gums receding. Taking certain medicines cause dry mouth and decreased saliva which makes for ideal bacteria growth conditions. The best way to prevent them is to have regular biannual visits to the dentists for cleanings and inspections of teeth. Of course there are everyday precautions to take to in between visits and to make sure teeth remain healthy.

Prevention Methods

• Brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
• Daily flossing to get rid of food and plaque stuck between your teeth
• Using antiseptic and disinfecting treatments, such as mouthwash
• Reducing the amount of sugary foods and drinks
• Avoiding constant snacking throughout the day
• Dental sealants that will seal off groves and crannies food can get trapped in

Cavities are hard to catch as there might be no pain for a while until they grow larger. If caught early cavities can be reversed with fluoride treatments without needing fillings or root canals.

Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue and bone that hold teeth in place. Gum disease is common and the leading cause of tooth loss which is why it’s so important to prevent. periodontal disease is slow spreading and painless in the beginning so its important to watch for symptoms and have regular checkups with the dentist to catch it. Symptoms of gum disease start with red swollen gums that bleed during brushing. If left untreated the gums will begin to recede, making the teeth appear longer. Eventually the gums become infected and cause bad breath. If left untreated the infection will spread to the bone and cause the teeth to fall out.

Prevention Methods

• Brushing your teeth with at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.  The Dencle Gum Care Toothbrush is perfect for keeping your teeth and gums clean with its ultra fine bristles, ensuring all the hidden spaces are brushed.
• Flossing daily to keep food particles away from gums
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco use.
• Chew sugar free gum after meals to increase saliva production
• Rinse out mouth with water or mouthwash after meals

Gum disease is serious as it can’t be cured, only treated once diagnosed with it. Once diagnosed following the steps above will stop it from spreading and losing your teeth. Make sure to pick up a special gum care toothbrush if you are especially worried about the condition of your gums.

Bad breath

Halitosis, or bad breath is caused by several reasons and may be the sign of something more serious. . The usual cause of bad breath is not keeping your mouth as cleans as it should be. Using a travel sized mouthwash is an easy way to refresh your breath. The Dencle Stick Gargle can be used anywhere after a meal or when wanting to refresh your breath. It comes in a small packet that can be easily taken along and used when needed.

Prevention Methods

• Brush teeth after eating
• Brush your tongue
• Floss daily
• Floss to remove foods and plaque that could be building up
• Avoid foods such as onions, garlic and sweets, which cause bacteria to grow
• Keep dental devices such as bridges, dentures, retainers and mouth  guards clean. Make sure to properly clean braces as well
• Have dental checkups to make sure cavities or gum diseases aren’t the cause

If bad breath persists after taking preventive steps it’s good to visit your doctor or dentist as it might be the sign of a more serious issue such as gum disease, infections of nose, throat or nose, diabetes, and liver and kidney disease among a multitude of other causes.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when sharp pain occurs when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks, or while brushing teeth. The cause for pain is due to tubules being exposed. There are thousands of tubules that sit under the enamel and lead to the center of tooth. The sensitivity is due to dentin being exposed by worn out enamel or receded gums which expose the tooth’s root. It might also be symptom of another issue such as a cavity, cracked tooth, or gum disease.

Prevention and Treatment

• Using desensitizing toothpaste, making sure it’s a fluoridated one
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Using a fluoridated mouth rinse daily
• Applying prescription fluoride to the teeth and gums
• Applying a bonding resin at the dentists often to hide exposed roots
• Sensitivity might be caused by teeth grinding, invest in a mouth guard to wear at night

Tooth sensitivity is treatable with the methods above. Sometimes it might be due to a dental treatment where it’s only temporary, but taking steps to help can reduce the pain in the meantime and lead to a quicker recovery.

Enamel Erosion

Enamel erosion can be experienced by anyone and occurs when acid softens the surface of the teeth and dissolves it. Symptoms include sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration, chipped or rough edges, and transparency. Enamel erosion and tooth decay are different as bacteria causse decay while acidity strips away enamel.

Prevention Methods

• Limiting acidic foods such as such as apples, citrus fruits, berries
• Limiting acidic drinks such as fruit juice, soft drinks and alcohol.
• Rinsing your mouth out with water between snacks and meals.
• Waiting 30 minutes before brushing teeth after eating highly acidic foods
• Chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva and dilute acid.
• Using a straw to limit acid contacting the teeth.
• Drinking water if experiencing dry mouth

Before you even notice the early signs of enamel erosion there are ways you can take action at home before seeking a professionals help. Using a fluoride toothpaste will strengthen and maintain the enamel of the teeth. Opting for a fluoride treatment when getting teeth cleanings falls under this method as well. If the signs of early enamel erosion are present using a remineralizing toothpaste will help as well as it contains ingredients such as calcium and other minerals to help strengthen teeth. Treatment is possible by using fluoride application by the dentist or bonding in which resin is applied to the teeth to cover up stains and protect the enamel. In more severe cases veneers or crowns are applied to the teeth.

What’s important to note is that anyone experiencing enamel erosion needs to use a soft bristle tooth brush with fluoride toothpaste. Dencle’s Gum Care Toothbrush has a double layer of bristles to effectively remove any food and plaque while being gentle on the gums.

Implementing simple steps such as brushing twice a day, flossing, drinking water and visiting a dentist regularly can save your teeth, health and smile.