Each year, millions of people visit their dentist with a variety of oral health problems ranging from minor to severe. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some of the most common dental problems plaguing patients across the United States, and what you can do to prevent them from happening to you!
Toothache
One of the main reasons people visit the emergency dentist each year is for a toothache. Toothaches can have many causes, but frequently are the result of an infection or dental abscess. Fortunately, while painful, these can often be repaired with the help of a root canal procedure. This treatment removes the infected pulp in your tooth and replaces it with synthetic material, so the tooth is preserved. In some cases, you may need an extraction but if you are fortunate enough to only require a root canal, it will relieve your pain and help safeguard your smile.
Cavities
Cavities are caused by an acid biproduct of the bacteria that live in your mouth and thrive on sugar and carbohydrates that cling to your teeth. Brushing and flossing well is an excellent way to keep them at bay and prevent this problem, however cavities are so common that the World Health Organization estimates 2.3 billion people worldwide have them in their permanent teeth!
Stained Teeth
Cigarette smokers and coffee, wine, and cola drinkers are all at a higher risk of experiencing tooth stains, but even old age and certain medications can increase your odds of embarrassing discoloration. While stained teeth are not a dental emergency, they are a common complaint of many patients. The best way to reduce staining is to brush and floss regularly and avoid eating dark foods. However, attending regular biannual cleaning and checkup appointments can also help keep teeth looking their best as your cleaning will remove built up tartar that could also make them look yellow.
Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth are not a dental emergency, but they can make it difficult to keep your teeth and gums healthy. That’s because when they don’t lay flush, they can be difficult to properly brush and floss, leaving your teeth and gums vulnerable to plaque, bacteria, and food debris that could be making them harder to clean.
Broken Teeth
Broken teeth can be extremely painful and leaving them unrepaired can make the damage and pain worse. This is because when they break, they are vulnerable to infection and cavities, both of which can make discomfort worse and can eventually lead to tooth loss if not fixed!
Remember, while not every oral health problem is a dental emergency, there are many dental issues that can make you ashamed to smile and make caring for your teeth and gums more difficult than they need to be. To prevent and correct a variety of common oral health maladies, be sure to visit your dentist regularly for your biannual exam and cleaning!
About Our Practice
At Holt Family Dentistry, our talented team of dentists are proud to provide a wide variety of dental treatments, ranging from preventive care to restorations like dental implants. Your biannual exam and cleaning can help you diagnose and prevent many common oral health problems, but you won’t know unless you go! If it’s time to schedule your appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 704-542-2325.