Dental problems

It would be odd not to start the list with toothache, as it's one of the main reasons patients visit the dentist. Toothache can have many causes, such as tooth decay, a loose filling, a broken or cracked tooth, or an infection. Visit your dentist if the pain lasts more than two days, if pain relief doesn’t help, or if your face feels swollen. Until your appointment, you can take painkillers, rinse with salt water, eat soft foods, and avoid chewing on the affected tooth.

Tooth discoloration can be either external or internal. External discoloration is more common and is caused by things like coffee, wine, certain foods, or smoking. Internal discoloration affects the inner structure of the tooth. External discoloration is easier to treat, and teeth whitening usually delivers good results.

Tooth decay gradually damages the tooth’s outer hard tissue. Over time, the damage becomes significant enough that small openings or holes form in the tooth. Cavities can cause pain and tooth sensitivity, often making the tooth sensitive to hot or cold. Prevention is key: regular check-ups, proper brushing, and flossing techniques. Most cavities can be treated with a filling.

A tooth can break in many ways, often as a result of an accident, fall, or impact. In some cases, the tooth may even break vertically, develop cracks, or split. The treatment depends on the type and extent of the break. A broken front tooth, for instance, can often be repaired with bonding or a crown. However, in some cases of vertical fractures, tooth extraction may be the only solution.

An impacted tooth is one that, for some reason, hasn’t fully emerged through the gum. In some cases, part of the tooth is visible above the gum, while another part remains beneath it. Often, an impacted tooth doesn’t cause any issues and is only discovered through an X-ray.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when certain stimuli cause pain or discomfort in the tooth. The most common triggers are cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, brushing, cold water, and cold air. The symptoms can range from mild to more intense. Tooth sensitivity can have several causes, such as brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles, as well as frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks.

Orthodontics deals with the treatment of crooked teeth. The issue can be functional, aesthetic, or both. This includes gaps between teeth, crowding, or teeth that are misaligned or rotated. It also covers cases where a patient has a bite problem, such as a crossbite, overbite, deep bite, or when the upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly. In some cases, the problem may also affect the position of the jaw.

Gum problems include gingivitis and periodontal disease. Patients may notice that their gums bleed or have receded. Many gum issues are caused by poor habits, such as improper diet, inadequate brushing, or smoking.

A patient may grind their teeth unconsciously while awake or during sleep. Those who grind their teeth at night often experience other sleep-related disorders. Mild teeth grinding may not require treatment, but in some cases, it can lead to issues like headaches, jaw joint problems, or tooth wear.

Bad breath (halitosis) is when it persists despite brushing or using gum. It’s often caused by an underlying dental issue, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or dry mouth.

Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. It’s often a side effect of certain medications, aging, or radiation therapy. Less commonly, it can be caused by a condition that directly affects the salivary glands. Common signs include bad breath, a dry feeling in the mouth, saliva that feels thicker than usual, difficulty chewing, and a dry throat or tongue.

Jaw pain can affect chewing and speaking, and it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause. Some possible reasons include TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), sinus issues, or tooth-related pain that radiates to the jaw.

Teeth can wear down in various ways. Tooth wear can be classified based on which surface is affected and what causes it. The chewing surfaces can wear down due to mechanical factors like teeth grinding. Improper brushing techniques can also lead to wear. Additionally, acid erosion can cause the tooth’s surface to wear away.