What are the most common dental problems that call for a visit to the dentist? If you have one of the issues described below, you aren’t alone. Learn more about these dental problems and how you can take good care of your dental health, comfort, and overall wellness. For dental treatment, contact Lovett Dental Webster today.
What Are Some Common Dental Problems?
Among the most common dental problems are bad breath, decayed teeth, sores in the mouth, sensitivity, dental emergencies and toothaches, oral cancer, and gum disease.
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be the result of many things and is quite common. In most cases, a dental condition is to blame. Dry mouth, oral cancer, cavities, gum disease, or a tongue covered with bacteria can be the source of bad breath.
Cavities are very common, and a regular dental exam can find them. Avoidance of sugary drinks and candies goes a long way in preventing the plaque from building up and causing decay. Fluoride treatments are popular for preventing cavities and keeping the teeth strong.
Sores in the mouth are bothersome, but minor ones usually disappear on their own. These sores may be canker sores inside the mouth or fever blisters, or cold sores on the lips. Canker sores may vanish after two weeks. Fever blisters, however, are contagious and are the result of a virus. Other mouth sores can be the result of oral thrush or candidiasis, which is a yeast infection.
Oral cancer sends some to the dentist and is a serious disease. Signs of this may be sores or lumps in the mouth. Some risk factors for oral cancer include using chewing tobacco and having human papillomavirus (HPV). Regular visits to a dentist can detect oral cancer in its early stages. Having trouble with moving your tongue, chewing, or swallowing means a visit to the dentist is the action to take.
Symptoms of gum disease is another common reason that people see a dentist. After the age of 30, most people are at risk for gum disease. Smokers may particularly be vulnerable. Dry mouth and diabetes can also make people more prone to gum problems. Symptoms include painful chewing, red and swollen gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, and teeth that are sensitive.
Dental Emergencies
If you have a dental emergency, you may be in severe pain. This kind of emergency needs immediate attention. The pain could be the result of an infection, which can put your total health at risk. The swelling of the face or lymph nodes nearby may also be a sign of a dental infection.
When an abscess is detected as the cause of pain, your emergency dentist might open up the tooth to let it drain and relieve the pressure. They will probably prescribe an antibiotic treatment. You will then have an endodontist do a root canal, which is the specialty of this type of dentist. Root canal visits take a bit longer than filling a cavity but are usually not painful.
Losing a tooth, especially if it’s knocked out, is another reason for an emergency visit. Luckily, a dentist can often re-implant the tooth when the patient gets attention right away.
A Winning Smile
Another reason to visit a dentist is to improve the look of your smile. Yellow or dull-looking teeth are problems for some. People seek to have a better appearance through teeth whitening, dental implants, veneers, and an array of other cosmetic dental work.
If you think you might have one of these common issues, schedule a visit for an exam at Lovett Dental Webster. Contact us at 832-932-5584. Don’t let fear prevent you from having a winning smile and a healthy mouth.
