Common Dental Problems

Dental caries, or tooth decay, can negatively impact your quality of life, but the good news is that the situation is preventable. It occurs when you’re exposed to a high level of starch, sugars and acid. These eat away at your tooth enamel and bond with the bacteria that usually survive in your mouth and create plaque. Foods that contribute to this disease are high in carbohydrates like candy, cookies, soda and fruit juice. The combination of these deposits and the plaque forming on the teeth damage their mineral structure, which causes tooth decay.

Depending on the temperature, your teeth expand and contract. Because of this, hot and cold food or drinks can irritate your teeth and gums. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, causing gums to recede or the formation of tiny cracks in your teeth. When this happens, extreme sensitivity is created; even inhaling cold air can be painful to those with very sensitive teeth.

This disease can cause tooth loss and bone damage. It begins with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, and carries on into the early stages of the disease, which is gingivitis, where the gums swell and can bleed easily. A sign that gum disease is starting is consistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth. Periodontitis occurs next, which is the next stage of the disease where teeth may fall out or need to be removed. This disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing.

These are small sores inside the mouth that often recur, also known as aphthous ulcers. They usually last one or two weeks. Antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents can help get rid of them sooner. The sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.

These issues are often inherited and can occur when your top and bottom line of teeth don’t always meet together correctly, also known as a malocclusion. A common cause of this is missing or extra teeth or a misaligned jaw. Injuries, developmental issues, or finger and thumb sucking habits over an extended period of time can also cause malocclusions.