Maintaining excellent dental health is critical for overall well-being. At Dr. Gobran’s, we appreciate that having knowledge about common oral problems and the way they are treated can enhance your oral health care. We shall discuss the top ten dental problems people face, along with their treatments.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, or cavities, is one of the most widespread oral diseases globally, where plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria, grows on the teeth and produces acids that wear down the enamel. Treatment options include fillings for early-stage decay and root canals for severe cases that restore natural tooth function.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects gums and may lead to tooth loss if not treated. Initial stages, such as gingivitis, cause sore and swollen gums. Later stages necessitate deep cleaning techniques like scaling or root planning to remove tartar or plaque buildup below the gum line.
Tooth Sensitivity
When your teeth hurt after getting exposed to hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods or drinks, then you have sensitive teeth. Desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants can help prevent discomfort by hardening enamel and reducing stimulus exposure.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Persistent bad breath can arise from several causes, including poor oral hygiene, gum diseases, dry mouth or certain foods taken in large quantities. Treatment focuses on enhancing good oral hygiene practices, addressing underlying causes, and using mouthwashes and tongue scrapers, which have long been used to successfully freshen breath.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer affects the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat areas. Early detection through regular dental check-ups is crucial for successful treatment procedures. Treatments can involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.
Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion occurs when acids eat away at the enamel, often due to eating too much acidic food or drinking too many acidic beverages. Prevention involves limiting the intake of acid, using fluoride toothpaste, and using dental bonding or veneers to restore tooth structure and prevent further erosion.
Toothaches and Dental Emergencies
Toothaches can be caused by various factors, such as tooth decay, abscesses, or injury. Immediate treatment may include pain relief medications, antibiotics for infections, root canal therapy, or any procedure that will relieve the pain and save the tooth.
Overbites, Underbites, and Misaligned Teeth
Orthodontic issues like overbites and underbites and wrongly positioned teeth affect oral functionality as well as aesthetics. Treatment plans in these conditions involve braces and aligners, which are orthodontic appliances worn over a fixed period of time for gradual correction of the malposition of either the anterior or posterior teeth, thus improving both oral health and the beauty of the smile.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Dry mouth is a condition where the salivary glands function less effectively; hence, there is inadequate salivary flow, leading to discomfort while chewing, swallowing, and oral infections. It may be treated through the identification and management of underlying factors, the use of saliva substitutes, and good oral hygiene practices aimed at preventing complications.
Wisdom Teeth Issues
The impacted last molars, known as wisdom teeth, can cause impactions, crowding, and infections due to inadequate space on the jaw. Treatment methods differ, with some being asymptomatic while others requiring surgical extraction where they are impacted or painful.
Understanding these common oral problems and how they can be treated effectively will enable you to take preventative measures towards maintaining good oral health. At Dr. Gobran, we aim to offer full dental care customized for you. Book routine visits and consult our experienced staff to maintain your lovely smile for many years.
