Most Common Dental Pitfalls

Dental pitfalls or problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, vary in severity and symptoms. Some conditions are minor, while others are painful and life-threatening and need a specialist’s care. Some dental problems and conditions have external causes, whereas others may be genetic.

Below are the most common dental pitfalls. See if any of these sound familiar or are things you’re already experiencing. And if you do experience any of them, be sure to check with a doctor if your symptoms don’t clear up.

What Are Some of the Most Common Dental Problems?

There are several common dental problems that you may experience throughout your lifetime, and here are five of them:

Bad breath
Broken or cracked tooth
Gum disease
Tooth sensitivity
Tooth decay

What Is Bad Breath?

Bad breath, also known as “halitosis,” is a condition that is often caused by poor dental health habits. It may likewise be a sign of other medical problems. Other causes of bad breath are cavities, yeast infections of the mouth, and poorly fitting dental appliances.

Bad breath can be prevented if you brush and floss more often, rinse your mouth out, scrape your tongue, avoid foods that sour your breath, keep your gums healthy, moisten your mouth, keep your dental devices clean, and see a dentist regularly.

What Is a Broken or Cracked Tooth?

A broken or cracked tooth is a condition where your tooth has become partially or completely broken, chipped, or fractured. If this happens to you, it is best to see a dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, your tooth could become infected or be damaged further.

Treatment for a broken or cracked tooth depends on how much damage your tooth has. The most common treatments include bonding, crowns, extractions, root canals, and veneers.

And just like bad breath, you can reduce the risk of having a broken or cracked tooth by avoiding chewing hard foods, practicing good dental care, and wearing a mouth guard.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is typically characterized by the swelling of the gums. It is a condition where your gums become red, sore, and swollen. You may also experience bleeding. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, which affects the bone surrounding and supporting your teeth.

Gum disease has three stages, namely gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. You may consult one of our dentists here at Little Italy Dentist to learn more about gum disease.

The early stages of gum disease can be treated with proper brushing and flossing. A professional cleaning can also remove plaque that has built up. However, if your gum disease has become severe, a root planning procedure may be conducted.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by many things, like brushing too hard, getting older, getting too much plaque on your teeth, eating acidic foods, or using mouthwash. Tooth sensitivity doesn't always mean you have an infection, but it can be a sign of tooth erosion, receding gums, a cracked tooth, or an infected tooth.

In some cases, tooth sensitivity goes away on its own. However, if it doesn’t go away and there’s a continuous, sharp pain, call a dentist right away.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is damage that happens to your teeth, which can lead to cavities, abscesses, and tooth loss. Tooth decay is so common that you may not take it seriously. However, it can have serious complications when left untreated. For example, it can cause sudden pain in the teeth and jaw, bad breath, difficulty chewing food, and difficulty with pronunciation.

So, if you notice any signs of tooth decay, such as toothache, sensitivity, or cavities, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with a dentist for an exam.

Seek Proper Dental Care in Toronto, ON

Regular and proper dental care can do more than just keep your smile looking good. It can also improve your overall oral health and keep you from running into common dental problems.