Dental problems are highly dreaded by many people. Thankfully, it’s easy to prevent the majority of them by high-quality maintenance and regular visits to the dentist’s office.

Unfortunately, many people are afraid of dentists. This forces them to avoid a visit and leave minor issues to develop into serious problems.

Educating yourself about possible dental problems and learning how to act is vital to preventing costly treatments. Let’s talk about the most common dental issues and what you can do to deal with them.

1.  Toothache

Toothache can come unexpectedly and ruin your plans. The causes of a toothache can vary greatly.

  • Mouth injury
  • Sinus infection
  • Teething
  • Tooth decay
  • Lost filling
  • Wedged pieces of food
  • Gum disease
  • and much more.

It’s hard to identify the cause of the toothache on your own. That’s why such pain usually warrants medical attention. Before you have a chance to visit the dentist, you can try flossing your teeth, taking NSAIDs, and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash or warm water.

If the pain subsides, it doesn’t mean the problem is fixed. Consider setting up a dentist’s appointment anyway.

2.  Cavities (Tooth Decay)

Cavities are holes in your teeth. They appear when the hard surface of your tooth is damaged. Cavities are commonly referred to as caries. They can be caused by different factors, such as poor food choices, physical damage, lack of hygiene, and bacteria.

Caries is one of the most common tooth problems for people of all ages. As soon as infants grow teeth, they can encounter caries.

It’s impossible to deal with cavities on your own. They need immediate medical attention. The longer you allow the cavity to stay untreated, the further your teeth may decay. Eventually, you may face tooth extraction.

3.  Chipped Tooth

People encounter chipped teeth very often. Some dentists call it the number 1 dental problem in the world. The severity of a chip can be different. Some can be fixed by applying a small filling, bonding, or attaching a veneer. In case the pulp is damaged, you may need a crown.

According to experts from a San Diego dental clinic, even if a chip looks minor, you need to see a dentist. Otherwise, it may progress and cause severe dental problems.

4.  Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is a tooth that doesn’t grow the right way. Some teeth grow at an angle and damage their neighbors. Others can hurt the bone or soft tissue.

Dentists have different opinions about these teeth. Some recommend leaving them alone unless they cause pain. Others say that such teeth need immediate attention.

In any case, if you notice the tooth growing the wrong way, consult a dentist.

5.  Sensitive Teeth

Sensitivity is another common dental problem. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Cavities
  • Gingivitis
  • Gum recession
  • Teeth grinding
  • Plaque buildup
  • And more

If you experience tooth sensitivity, don’t endure it. Talk to your dentist. In many cases, the problem is easy to fix.

6. Gum Disease

Periodontal (gum) disease is a common problem for adults. It’s an infection that affects gums that surround teeth. If left untreated, gum disease could lead to tooth loss. Generally, gum disease occurs in patients older than 30. However, younger people can acquire it as well. Risk factors for gum disease are:

  • Smoking
  • Genetics
  • Stress
  • Medications
  • Poor nutrition
  • Obesity
  • Teeth grinding  
  • Diabetes

The symptoms of gum disease include bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, pain while chewing. 

You can prevent gum disease by leading a healthy lifestyle and consulting your dentist on a regular basis. 

7. Dry Mouth

While it’s not a direct tooth problem, dry mouth can affect the health of your teeth and gums. People who suffer from this condition can’t produce sufficient saliva to moisten the inside of their mouths. 

Since saliva has an antibacterial effect and can achieve a proper pH balance in the mouth, without it, patients experience tooth and gum problems. Factors that may cause dry mouth are:

  • Old age
  • Chemotherapy
  • Certain medications 

The lack of moisture leads to cavities, plaque, and tooth decay. Currently, there is no cure for dry mouth. Patients can keep their mouths hydrated by drinking more water. They should also visit their dentist more often to catch problems timely. 

Final Thoughts

While going to the dentist may be stressful, avoiding regular appointments is much worse. Teeth problems don’t tend to disappear on their own. In many cases, they just get worse with time. If you experience any of the above issues, contact your dentist today.