Have you been suffering from dental problems, recently, with pain that is making it difficult to enjoy your meals or even snacks, lately? If so, you may have already considered the fact that you could be suffering from a dental problem, like a cavity or even a tooth infection. But have you considered the many reasons restorative dentistry is so important to restoring the smile’s health, as well as your comfort? Restoration makes it possible to save damaged teeth in many cases, and it can often do so beautifully and with natural-looking results. So if you could be in need of esthetic restorative treatment, it is important to seek it quickly, so you can enjoy better oral health, comfort, and even confidence soon.
There are a number of common dental problems that can go wrong with your teeth. We don’t think about them, however, unless they happen. When a dental issue does pop up, that’s when you spend time wondering what your options are. Perhaps you should know your options beforehand. That might help avoid a lot of distress. Read on to find out more about the six common dental problems and what to do about them.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Dental Problems?
It’s important to note that not all people will experience similar symptoms, when suffering from dental problems like cavities or even infection. Fortunately, there are generally some indicators that the smile could be in trouble, and therefore in need of restorative treatment.
Tooth Decay: Tooth decay can cause pain, but not always. Treatment options include a dental filling or a dental crown.
Tooth Discoloration: You might notice deep discoloration of the teeth, possible indication that the enamel has been eroded, leaving teeth vulnerable to cavities and other dental problems. White patches can be symptoms of enamel erosion. As you age, your teeth can become stained or discolored by foods and beverages, medications, and other factors. For extrinsic tooth stains (those on your tooth enamel) an over-the-counter or professional whitening treatment can help. Intrinsic stains (the discoloration of your inner dentin) or stubborn extrinsic stains may require dental veneers or be a reason for doing crowns.
Crooked Teeth: Crooked teeth are unattractive, difficult to clean, and may cause problems with chewing and speaking. Crooked teeth can be corrected with orthodontic treatment such as traditional metal braces, clear braces, or other appliances.
Heightened sensitivity: Sensitivity and discomfort, are common warnings of dental decay or even infection
Wisdom Teeth: Many people have difficulty with their wisdom teeth because they will grow in crooked, only partially erupt, or become impacted. Extraction is often required for such cases.
Gum Disease: Periodontal disease is on the rise. Half of the American adult population has some form of gum disease. In its earliest stages gum disease can be reversed via treatment. However, once it becomes severe it can only be controlled.
Missing Teeth: If you have missing teeth, you have several treatment options to choose from including implants, bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures.
Dental Hygiene and a Healthy Diet Are Great Starts to Prevent Dental Problems
You already know you need to brush your teeth everyday, but what else should you be doing to keep your smile healthy? There are actually a number of common misconceptions about dental hygiene, including that you should only brush your teeth twice a day, and that flossing is some kind of bonus, rather than a necessity.
- In reality, flossing is just as important as daily tooth brushing, because it helps to remove the bacteria that can become stuck between teeth, leading to increased tartar buildup. Brushing can also be done three times a day, instead of just twice, in order to limit how much time food particles and bacteria remain on the surface of the teeth.
- If you can’t brush after lunch, consider chewing sugar-free gum, which can help clean the teeth between brushings.
- Drinking water is also helpful for your smile, as it produces saliva. Saliva naturally makes it harder for plaque to cling to the surface of the teeth.
- A healthy diet provides your body and smile with the nutrients needed to remain strong. For most people, eating vegetables, fruits, dairy products and lean proteins is a great way to get the nutrients they need.
- Limiting sugar is equally important, because too much sugar can contribute to plaque buildup. That is because plaque bacteria feed on sugars, and starches which quickly create sugars.
- To prevent cavities, and the subsequent need for restorative dentistry like fillings and crowns, limit your added sugar intake.
How Can You Enjoy Renewed Comfort
If you are diagnosed with a dental problem, like a cavity, chip, crack, or a tooth infection, the dentist can likely use restorative dentistry to save the fragile or damaged tooth, while also helping to restore your overall oral health, and perhaps most importantly, your comfort. Porcelain crowns can help beautifully restore damaged teeth, for instance.