Six common dental problems and how to fix them

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Although we all strive for excellent dental health, maintaining it can be difficult. People can experience many common dental problems throughout their lifetime, like bad breath, a gap in teeth, gum disease, and much more. It can damage your confidence, but the important thing to remember is that some issues are much more common than you think. This article will discuss six of them in more detail and tell you everything you need to know to fix these issues and achieve optimal dental health. 

Bad Breath

Bad breath is a common dental problem that most of us will experience throughout our lifetime. It can make people feel rather self-conscious, and you may question whether your dental hygiene is up to scratch. The important thing to remember is sometimes bad breath can be triggered by factors that are out of your control. For example, certain medications, or infections, can trigger it. You can learn more about bad breath triggers online. Bad breath can also be a product of poor hygiene. Luckily, there are some things you can do to address the issue. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and using fluoride toothpaste can help. You should also clean your tongue once a day using a scraper. 

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious gum infection that can lead to symptoms such as bleeding or swollen gums. It can also cause bad breath. Without the correct treatment, gum disease will continue to damage the soft tissue and bone that supports your teeth. Be aware that gum disease is not necessarily painful. Some people may live with it for a while until they are aware of it. Initial symptoms include bleeding and swollen gums, which is something to look out for. Luckily, there are treatments available for gum disease. Maintaining a good level of oral hygiene will certainly help. Make sure to visit your dentist, who will be able to offer guidance on this. They may also offer to clean your teeth for you to remove any plaque that has built up. 

Photo credit Diana Polekhina via Unsplash

Teeth Spacing

If you have a tooth gap, you may feel quite self-conscious about it. The important thing to remember is you are not alone. Many people have a tooth gap, which can often be corrected with dental treatment. A Tooth gap results from gum disease - or when the jaw is overly large. They can be corrected with the help of a clear aligner. This is a plastic form of braces that are formed into the shape of your teeth. Not only are they discreet, but they have been proven to correct any tooth gap, regardless of its size. If you are interested in knowing more about clear aligners, Straight My Teeth are an organisation that can help. Their team of experienced orthodontists can tell you everything you need to know and guide you through the process, to give you a smile that you are proud to show off.

Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth can result from an injury - or even from chewing hard foods - and are very unpleasant. It can cause pain and knock your confidence, so you must get it checked out as soon as possible. Make an appointment with your dentist who will discuss your treatment options with you. Some of the most common treatments for cracked teeth include a crown, veneer, or filling. If you are suffering from swelling due to the cracked tooth, you can rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the area. Your dentist may also advise that you take some anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen. This can be purchased over the counter in your local pharmacy. 

Sensitive Teeth

Once the enamel on your teeth starts to wear down, you will notice that your teeth become much more sensitive. This is a common problem that many people face. Your teeth can become susceptible to certain foods and drink, and it can cause you a lot of discomfort. Although the wearing down of enamel plays a huge role in the development of this issue, it can also come down to other factors such as gum disease, receding gums, broken teeth, and much more. Luckily, specific toothpaste and mouthwashes have been designed for sensitive teeth. They can help minimise discomfort, so they are worth checking out. You can find the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth by reading some online reviews.  

Cavities 

A cavity results from tooth decay. Unfortunately, the damage they cause is permanent - but can be repaired with a filling. So, how do you know if you have cavities? You may start to notice some symptoms, such as tooth sensitivity. Some hot and cold foods may cause you a lot of discomfort. You will also notice that you are regularly experiencing tooth pain. It often feels like a sharp, stabbing pain. At first, it can be mild, but it will worsen without treatment. If you want to minimise your risk of cavities in the future, make sure you regularly brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and visit your dentist regularly.