Common Teeth Issues People May Face in Their Lives
Dental and oral health is important to our overall well-being. And poor dental and oral health can lead to problems, some common and others more serious.
In this article, we’ll list the most common teeth issues you may face in your life. If you haven’t experienced any of these, consider yourself lucky. If you have, then we also provide quick tips to fix them.
Let’s dig into them.
Bad Breath
One of the most common and unpleasant oral problems many people have is bad breath. That obnoxious smell can be a result of eating smelly foods like garlic, hard-boiled eggs, onions, and others.
But bad breath can also be a symptom of more serious problems that solid brushing may not solve. These problems include:
- Gum diseases
- Infection
- Dry mouth
- Diabetes
- Acid reflux
- Liver or kidney disease
If you suspect your bad breath is caused by any of these, consult your doctor immediately.
Cavities
If you find little holes in your teeth, start worrying. Those are cavities, and you get them when plaque (a sticky bacteria) builds up on your teeth. Plaque destroys the outer shell of your teeth (enamel).
To prevent cavities, brushing at least twice a day is perfect. Limit your snacks, and don’t forget to floss. Use a fluoride mouthwash, and keep your appointments with your dentist.
Gum Diseases
Every year, millions of gum diseases are recorded. Also known as periodontitis, gum diseases are common AND serious. According to a study, gum diseases may also relate to developing heart diseases and diabetes.
To prevent gum diseases, practice good oral hygiene. If you have to, set a regular cleaning schedule with your dentist.
Yellow Teeth
Yes, having yellow teeth isn’t technically a disease. But it’s still an issue.
Yellow teeth can be a sign of poor dental and oral hygiene. Other times, it may also be a sign of more serious oral problems hiding beneath the yellow color.
Fortunately, visiting your dentist and having a thorough cleaning at least once in six months can prevent this. In more serious cases, you must change your lifestyle and diet.
Toothaches
Toothaches are extremely painful. And you shouldn’t ignore that excruciating pain.
Many toothache cases happen because of minor inflammation. However, just like yellowish teeth and bad breath, toothaches may indicate more serious problems like:
- Gum diseases
- Cavities
- Pulpitis
- Broken tooth
If you suffer toothaches, make sure you visit your dentist right away.
Tooth Erosion
Remember enamel? That outer shell of our teeth is one of the strongest substances in our body. Tooth erosion damages the enamel. And it’s bad news because once the enamel is gone, you can’t bring it back.
Consuming too much sugar, soda, and acidic foods can erode our enamel. To avoid that, cut down on said foods and brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Chipped Tooth
While it’s much more an injury than an oral illness, it’s still one of the most unpleasant (and un-aesthetic) teeth issues you can experience.
You can chip your teeth through accidents or eating foods that are too hard. If you got a chip, your dentist might recommend a crown. Or, if needed, you can replace the chipped area with a strong filling.
In some instances, the pulp may be at risk. You may then need a root canal before the veneer or crown.
Impacted teeth
Impacted teeth are a result of a tooth that is stuck against another tooth, bone, or even soft tissue.
If an impacted tooth doesn’t bother you, it’s often better to leave it alone. However, it if hurts or causes other problems, removal is the best solution.
Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth are perhaps the most common reasons why many people cannot smile as prettily as they want.
Aligners can help you find the best providers of dental treatments for this problem. Also, straightening crooked teeth doesn’t only help you smile more; it can also be an important part of improving your overall dental health.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity means you feel pain or discomfort after having cold or hot foods or beverages. This sometimes occurs after undergoing procedures like a root canal or a filling.
Of course, if you didn’t undergo those processes and you have tooth sensitivity, you may be suffering from:
- Gum disease
- Receding gums
- Cracked tooth
- Worn-down fillings or crowns
Other times, you may simply have thin enamel. For naturally sensitive teeth, a change in your daily oral habits is necessary. Also, search for toothpaste and mouthwash brands made for people with tooth sensitivity.
Hyperdontia (Too Many Teeth)
The average number of teeth for most people is around 32. Although it’s rare, some people do grow extra teeth, a condition we call hyperdontia.
Sometimes, people develop hyperdontia when they have other conditions like a cleft palate or Gardner’s Syndrome, which forms non-cancerous tumors.
Treatments include the removal of the extra teeth and using orthodontics to straighten the bite.
Oral Cancers
Oral cancers are quite scary, and they’re the most serious ones on this list. They develop in the tissues of the mouth or throat. Most of them start with the mouth, tongue, and lips.
According to stats, about 53,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the US.
Oral cancers may be cancer of the:
- Gums
- Tongue
- Lips
- Cheek
- The floor of the mouth
- The hard or soft palate
Symptoms include:
- Swelling in the neck area
- A lump in the cheek
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- A lump in the throat
- Problems with jaw or tongue movement
- Weight loss
- Constant bad breath
Risk factors include smoking and chewing tobacco. A dentist often recognizes oral cancers first. If you suspect you have the symptoms of any oral cancer, you should consult your doctor or dentist as soon as you can.
The earlier the oral cancer is detected, the better your chances of fighting it and healing are.
Taking Care of Your Dental and Oral Health
Your dental and oral healthcare can greatly affect your overall health and well-being. You’ll likely experience various teeth issues and problems. Ignoring them can cause serious problems to your health.
So, make your dental and oral care a priority today.
