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Common Dental Problems and How to Prevent Them

Common Dental Problems

Dental problems affect your teeth and gums, and these issues can heavily impact your oral hygiene. Dental problems affect a lot of people, and researchers estimate that a whopping 10% of the population has some dental issues. Bacterial infection and high plaque buildup are two main causes of dental disease; however, other factors can be the cause of it. 

The bacterial infection harms the connective tissues and cartilage that support the teeth, and in addition to causing decay, this infection can also exacerbate other issues, including sensitive teeth, foul breath, and constant toothache. If you wish to greatly reduce your risk of dental issues, you should become knowledgeable about the causes of dental problems and take effective precautions. 

The Most Common Dental Problems

1.Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue that many people experience, and they feel pain or discomfort in the teeth wherever they consume cold beverages, sweets, hot beverages, or ice cream because of tooth sensitivity. Those who have dental problems such as sensitive teeth may find that brushing and flossing hurts, however, practicing proper dental hygiene can help avoid tooth discomfort. 

Tooth sensitivity may be avoided by cleaning your teeth correctly using a toothbrush with a soft bristle and fluoride toothpaste, as well as limiting your intake of acidic or sugary meals. If tooth sensitivity is already an issue, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist, and your dentist will identify the true source of the issue.  

2. Tooth Decay

Dental cavities are caused by tooth decay, and it is the most prevalent oral health issue that patients suffer from. Plaque, a coating formed by bacteria on the surface of teeth, is the cause of tooth decay because the carbohydrates in meals get converted by the bacteria into acids. 

The tooth's enamel, or outer layer, is eroded as a result of this process and irreversibly damaged by the acids. The softer dentin layer behind the enamel is thus the target of the acids, and your teeth may develop cavities or holes as a result of this tooth disintegration. Additional signs of dental decay might be foul breath and brown or black stains on your teeth. 

Depending on the severity of your tooth decay, a doctor will suggest a course of action which might involve having a root canal or fillings. The most common dental hygiene tips to prevent tooth decay involve frequent brushing and flossing, and you should also schedule routine dental exams to have the plaque removed from your teeth. 

3. Worn Teeth

As a result of constant use, our teeth inevitably deteriorate over time, which causes a lot of dental problems. Additionally, medical treatment for the general public is improving, and individuals are living a long life and using their natural teeth for longer as a result. 

This situation indicates that the number of patients especially in older generations with worn-down teeth is increasing because teeth grinding hastens the deterioration process that occurs naturally. Veneers or dental crowns are two options for treating worn teeth, and if this condition is not taken care of, the teeth may become more prone to damage, and you may find it difficult to chew.

4. Gum Disease

An infection in the gums around your teeth is known as gum disease, which significantly decreases your oral hygiene. It's also an important factor in adult tooth loss, and research indicates that gum disease could be a serious danger for everyone. However, beyond the age of thirty, it becomes more prevalent, and along with diseases like diabetes and dry lips, smoking poses a serious risk if you have gum disease. 



The most common signs of this problem are foul breath, bleeding or swollen gums, teeth sensitivity, and pain and discomfort while chewing food. Gum disease is scientifically known as gingivitis, and advanced gum disease is called periodontitis by doctors. This issue may be avoided by following a few dental hygiene tips, such as regular dental examinations, brushing, and flossing.  

5. Root Infection

An infection in the tooth's root is the cause of persistent, throbbing tooth pain, and this kind of illness can arise if dental decay or damage is not adequately addressed. The area of a tooth beneath the crown is called the root, and it becomes weaker due to bacterial infection, and slowly, the infection reaches the jaw bone and causes pain. 

If you get a root infection, you will require root canal therapy. This medical procedure cleans the canal to remove the microorganisms before sealing the tooth with a filling. The surrounding tissue may fully or partially recover after receiving a root canal, and studies reveal that almost eighty percent of patients, on average, fully recover. 

Pain and sensitivity will be reduced after a successful root canal, enabling you to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent further infections.

6. Enamel Erosion

Enamel erosion causes teeth to become discolored and rounded-looking over time, and the main cause of it is ingesting large amounts of acidic and sugary foods, such as soft drinks and sweets, over an extended period of time. 

Teeth that have had enamel erosion are weaker, more fragile, and prone to chipping, however, the tooth that has enamel erosion cannot have the lost enamel replaced, but if you consume fewer sugary and acidic meals, you can significantly lessen any further enamel loss.

How to Prevent Dental Problems? 

Simple daily oral hygiene practices can help avoid and manage all of these common dental issues, but merely brushing your teeth in the morning and right before bed will not be sufficient to maintain optimal oral health. You have to make routine visits to your dentist and have your teeth examined and cleaned on a regular basis to maintain good oral health. However, a fairly basic oral hygiene regimen, such as flossing your teeth once a day, and brushing for two minutes at least twice a day is also important to keep your teeth healthy. 

A change in lifestyle might also help avoid problems, and it is advised to stay away from alcohol and smoking since they might increase your susceptibility to infection and teeth deterioration. It's recommended to stay away from foods that might stain your teeth, such as berries, tea, and coffee, and wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports is advised since these sports can injure your teeth. You should also increase your water intake because drinking water keeps your mouth healthy and moisturized, which helps with oral health.  

Final Remarks

The majority of the population faces dental problems and oral health issues at some point in their life. When you have dental health problems, your teeth and gums might become painful, and the best solution is to visit a dentist. There are many treatment options available, and almost all of them, such as fillings and root canal therapy, may be obtained easily through the health service. 

You will learn from a dentist how to properly take care of your teeth and gums every day, and all healthcare professionals recommend that you have dental examinations and cleanings from your dentist twice a year.

To receive care from the best dentists, contact Medanta today! They offer all types of dental treatment that may be bothering you.  

Dr. Ravi Raushan
Dentistry
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