How Common Teeth Problems Are Treated
Here’s how a dentist like Dr. Lang can treat these 10 very common teeth problems that affect our oral health.
1. Cavities
Probably the most common of all teeth problems is cavities. Cavities, or tooth decay, occur when bad bacteria produce acids that wear down healthy tooth enamel, leaving a hole on the surface of a tooth. Tooth decay is prevalent in all age groups, but especially kids and teens who may love eating sweets but may not have the best oral care habits.
Cavities are most often treated by removing the decay and applying a filling to the space that’s left. Modern dental fillings are often tooth-colored so they don’t detract from your smile’s appearance.
In a case of a particularly bad cavity, a dental crown may need to be placed instead. Sometimes a root canal may need to be done first to prevent future toothaches.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease, better known as periodontal disease, is a significant concern among the adult population. While kids can get gum disease, the percentage of cases isn’t nearly as high as adults. It’s estimated that roughly half of adults over the age of 35 have gum disease.
Gum disease has two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a state of gum inflammation and can be treated by improving at-home dental care habits, avoiding sugar and starches, and visiting your dentist regularly for deep cleanings. Periodontitis occurs when an infection develops within the gum pockets.
Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and will cause permanent damage when left untreated. Depending on the severity, a combination of periodontal therapy (deep cleaning of gum pockets), antibiotics, and surgery may be necessary.
3. Sensitive Teeth
Teeth sensitivity is, at best, an annoying problem and, at worst, the cause of intense, lingering toothaches. Teeth sensitivity is often sparked by extreme temperatures of foods or drinks, either hot or cold.
Chronic teeth sensitivity generally has an underlying cause. It may be caused by excessive enamel wear, a hidden patch of tooth decay, or a loose filling or crown. Your dentist will examine the tooth or teeth that are affected and determine what the cause may be. If a problem is spotted, it can be treated.
If there doesn’t seem to be any obvious teeth problems, your dentist may recommend using oral care products designed for sensitive teeth and discuss options such as crowns or porcelain veneers for further protection.
4. Discolored Teeth
A bright smile looks much more youthful and attractive compared to one that’s yellowed or stained. Professional teeth whitening is always a wonderful way to treat yourself or dip your toes into the world of cosmetic dentistry.
If you have stubborn stained teeth, professional teeth whitening products will help lift the stains more effectively than store-bought strips. Sometimes stains and other types of discoloration are permanent. In this situation, you can cover the tooth or teeth with beautiful dental crowns or porcelain veneers for a permanently bright, white smile.
5. Chipped or Broken Teeth
Teeth can break or chip for a variety of reasons. It might be damage from tooth decay, an injury to the face, or simply biting down on a pen cap. The good news is while tooth enamel can’t regenerate, your dentist can repair your tooth fairly easily.
If your damage is superficial, fillings, inlays or onlays, and dental bonding can cover up the damage. For a tooth that’s structurally weakened, dental crowns and porcelain veneers can provide more strength.
6. Chronic Bad Breath
Halitosis or bad breath is an embarrassing problem but one that your dentist would like to know about. Bad breath usually has an underlying cause, with tooth decay, gum disease, and dry mouth being the three most common reasons. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health to determine what the cause is and develop a treatment plan to get it taken care of.
For complicated cases of halitosis, your dentist can also guide you toward helpful oral care products you can use at home to help get your breath smelling fresher.
7. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can be terribly painful and often begin to hurt around the age of 17 to the early 20s. Dentists often recommend parents have their teens wisdom teeth removed, especially if X-rays show that the wisdom teeth are already impacted.
Removal of wisdom teeth requires oral surgery, but it is very safe and low-risk. It can also be done right in the comfort of Dr. Lang’s office.
8. Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can be a result of losing a battle with tooth decay or gum disease or a severe injury. Not only are missing teeth a blow to a person’s self-confidence, but it also isn’t good for your overall oral health to have gaps in your smile.
There are a few different options for replacing missing teeth. Traditional treatment includes placing a dental bridge or having dentures made. However, dental implants are quickly becoming a popular alternative, as they not only replace teeth, but they also serve to protect jawbone health.
9. Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding (bruxism) can be a result of stress, a misaligned bite, or a symptom of a TMJ disorder. The act of grinding not only causes discomfort to the muscles around the jaw, but it can also permanently damage teeth by wearing them down or causing chips and breaks.
To get your bruxism under control, your dentist will first evaluate what the cause of your teeth grinding might be. If it’s purely behavioral or something that will need treatment over a longer period of time (i.e., orthodontic care), then they’ll provide a custom-fitting nightguard to protect your teeth at night.
10. Crooked Teeth
Similar to missing teeth, crooked teeth are as much of a cosmetic problem as a functional one. Crooked and crowded teeth can impact your ability to chew and speak as well as increase your risks of gum disease and tooth decay.
Dr. Lang can help you find out if you might need orthodontic care and provide ongoing support in monitoring your oral health while you go through your straight smile journey.
Dr. Lang will help you overcome your teeth problems and oral health obstacles.
Dr. Lang provides comprehensive dental care for individuals and families in the Middletown, Ohio, area. Our dental care services include general dentistry, restorative care, periodontal therapy, and cosmetic dentistry.
If you’re experiencing a problem with your teeth or you’re due for a checkup, you can book an appointment by calling our office or using this online form.
