Did you know your teeth impact more than just how you eat and smile? Often dental problems can be indicated by symptoms occurring elsewhere in the body.
In the United States, dental problems are on the rise, with 26% of adults having untreated tooth decay and 46% showing signs of gum disease. These statistics are staggering but not surprising, as tooth and oral hygiene is multifaceted and depends on many genetic, environmental, and personal factors.
The typical American diet is not oral-health friendly and contains lots of refined sugar, and salt, and has little nutritive value. This can have a tremendous impact on your oral health and the strength of your teeth. Abrasive foods like lemon juice, vinegar, alcohol, and sodas can also affect your teeth and make them more sensitive.
Luckily, most dental issues are preventable and easy to fix, especially with the development of modern dental technology. Keep reading to learn about 5 of the most common dental health problems and how to recognize them before it’s too late.
1. Bleeding Gums After Brushing or Flossing
Bleeding gums are a common dental issue and it’s usually not a cause for concern. But if your gums are bleeding after each flossing and brushing, and then throughout the day, you need to check what’s happening.
If the bleeding continues, you may be developing gum disease (also known as Periodontitis). This can cause severe tooth decay, receding gums, tooth loss, and pain in your oral cavity.
Bleeding gums can also be a result of dental crown problems if the crown isn’t fixed properly or doesn’t fit the tooth as it should. In some cases, bleeding gums can be caused by brushing your teeth too intensely and using a toothbrush with very coarse bristles.
2. Tooth Sensitivity
Some people have naturally sensitive teeth but if you’re not one of them and your teeth react strongly to hot or cold, it’s time to call your dentist. This is a common tooth problem when the enamel on the tooth weakens or is eroded and becomes more sensitive.
The best way to prevent this is to avoid extremely cold and hot food and drinks, use a special toothpaste and soft toothbrush, and do regular dental checkups. In the meantime, you should avoid eating ice cream or any food straight from the freezer, as well as ice-cold water, sodas, and alcoholic drinks. The same goes for hot coffee and tea and hot food.
Tooth sensitivity can also be a symptom of a more serious problem such as cavity, abscess, or cracks in your tooth. If your teeth have become much more sensitive than usual and it’s becoming difficult to chew, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
3. Shifting Teeth and Receding Gums
Receding gums are among the top three most common gum problems that need immediate treatment. If you notice more of your tooth showing and the gum has started to recede towards the root, it’s time to get treatment.
Receding gums can cause your teeth to shift or become loose, which can lead to all kinds of problems down the line. As soon as you notice any change in your gums, you need to call your dentist. They’ll let you know if you should go for a checkup based on your oral health history.
Note that shifting teeth and receding gums can sometimes be a normal process that happens with age. Also, if you recently got braces or had a tooth extraction, the teeth will naturally start to shift. However, if you haven’t had any procedures lately and you notice your teeth moving, go to the dentist.
4. Sudden Toothache
If you’re experiencing a toothache that came out of nowhere, it’s a surefire sign your tooth is either cracked or damaged from untreated cavities. Most of the time, a toothache is your tooth’s last resort to get your attention and when the pain is unbearable, you need to call your dentist right away.
What’s causing the pain is an exposed or irritated nerve that’s been triggered by something. Either you’ve eaten something sweet, hot, cold, or hard so your tooth got infected. In some cases, a toothache can be a result of another health problem so it’s always best to consult your dentist.
If you don’t treat your toothache, it can cause other serious issues and infections in your throat, ears, jaw, and face. Do not postpone your dental appointment even if the pain is gone. Treatment is the best option when it comes to rotten, infected, or cracked teeth to prevent further complications.
5. Mouth Sores and Bumps
Mouth sores, bumps, and oral lesions are a surefire sign there’s something going on with your teeth. They’re also common dental implants problems when your mouth isn’t yet used to the idea of a foreign body.
In most cases, canker sores are harmless and will go away on their own. If they persist and stick around, you need to go for a dental checkup to learn what’s causing them. In the meantime, you can ease the discomfort by using mouthwash, applying ice to painful spots, and rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide.
How can you spot a mouth sore that needs treatment? If you’ve eaten something spicy, coarse, or hot and you get a mouth sore, it’ll likely go away in a few days. If you haven’t eaten these foods and an ulcer appeared out of nowhere, something on your tongue, teeth, or throat may be causing the sores.
The most common causes of thrush and mouth lesions include bacterial and viral infections, fungal infections like candida, oral cancer, and other illnesses in the body such as diabetes.
Prevent and Resolve the Most Common Dental Problems With These Simple Tips
Your oral health is essential to your overall health, and any toothache, crack, and mouth sore can cause serious dental problems. With these tips, you can recognize, prevent, and treat the most common dental issues before they get too severe.
Regular dental checkups can do wonders for your oral health and your dentist will give you all the tips, tools, and recommendations for keeping your teeth clean, healthy, and white.
Read this blog post next to discover how your oral health affects your entire body and what the most important factors are for a bright, healthy smile.