The basics of dental hygiene are taught to most people from childhood. This is because teeth serve multiple purposes which all are very important. Their primary objective is chewing food for effective digestion though they also play a big part in our appearance and smile. As important and useful as teeth are, they aren’t unbreakable. That’s why it’s critical to brush and floss daily along with regularly visiting the dentist. Educating yourself about dental issues can also help a lot in preventing them.
At Sherwood Family Dental, we have been providing dental care in Victoria, BC for over two decades. Our focus is always to offer solutions in time before your oral issue escalates into something expensive and painful. The following is a list of common dental problems for you to be aware of:
Bad breath
Unpleasant odour can be resolved only by knowing the cause behind it. It can be due to:
Lingering food particles in the mouth
Dryness of the mouth
Poor dental hygiene
Mouth infection
Simply brushing the teeth or by using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria can help a lot. If the source is an infection, it’s better to consult a dentist.
Gum disease
It is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults. It usually occurs after 30 but for some people, it can happen early. There are two types of gum diseases: periodontitis and gingivitis. During gingivitis, the gums turn red and swollen, with bleeding being a distinct possibility. This is reversible. Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is left untreated and it is an advanced stage of gum disease. Here, plaque spreads around the gum, producing toxins.Treatment for these problems ranges from non-surgical procedures (scaling, root planning and antibiotics) to surgical treatments (periodontal pocket reduction).
Mouth sores
There are different types of mouth sores that appear in the various parts of the mouth including inner cheeks, lips, tongue and gums. They can range from mild ones caused due to biting one’s cheek to serious ones that indicate mouth cancer. The most common ones are cold and canker sores. Canker sores are non-contagious and may be caused by stress, hormone changes or lack of certain vitamins. Cold sores are highly contagious and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. These can be prevented by reducing stress and taking suitable medicines.
Toothaches
There can be several reasons for toothaches. The most common cause is inflammation of the pulp called pulpitis, the result of cavities and tooth decay. Toothaches may also be caused by gum infections, wisdom tooth eruption or damaged teeth. Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a good dental hygiene program can help you to an extent. In case of prolonged pain, it’s better to consult a dentist. Treatments range from antibiotics to tooth extraction.
Yellow teeth
Also known as tooth discolouration, it is a condition in which the teeth become discoloured or stained. There are numerous potential causes, including:Aging
Smoking
Medication
Excessive fluoride
Certain types of food
Plaque or tartar buildup
Most of the times, the condition can be reversed by a change in habit. Performing teeth whitening every six months is also helpful.
Tooth sensitivity
The sensitive nerves of the teeth are protected by a layer called dentin. It may become exposed due to factors like age, receding gums, overzealous brushing or even certain tooth-whitening products. The person could experience pain or irritation from eating cold, hot, sweet or acidic foods. Even breathing cold air may cause pain. This condition is called tooth sensitivity. Good oral care can prevent tooth sensitivity to a certain limit; treatment will be needed if the problem persists.
LET SHERWOOD FAMILY DENTAL HELP
It’s very crucial to select an experienced dentist for your oral health. We have been providing quality dental care for the past 26 years. We welcome patients of all ages, including seniors and children. Our services range from general dentistry to oral surgery. Read our blog post on smile makeover and learn how we can help you smile confidently. Call us to make an appointment today.