4 Common Dental Health Problems and How to Assess Your Symptoms

Everyone experiences some sort of dental issue at some point in their lives. While regular checkups and cleanings are important, sometimes prevention isn’t always enough to avoid these issues. One way that you can help yourself is by closely observing your dental health and knowing the signs of potential dental health problems.

Here are some common conditions and ways to read the signs:

1) Crowded Teeth

Rarely does anyone have a perfect smile? In fact, more people deal with crowded teeth than you might think. Not only do the movements of your teeth affect your appearance, but they can even make it more difficult for you to properly clean your teeth.

If your teeth get too crowded, you’ll be unable to reach certain spots with your toothbrush. This causes the buildup of excess bacteria. If you believe that your teeth have shifted to a crowded position, consult a dentist immediately to avoid tooth erosion and tissue/bone damage.

At hamptonsdental.com you can get a realignment plan for your teeth. If tooth crowding is your problem, you’ll probably be fitted with a retainer or braces. Another potential solution is a spacer.
2) Teeth Grinding

Another common dental problem is teeth grinding, which is also called bruxism. Bruxism is when people clench their jaw, usually during sleep, causing their upper and lower teeth to rub together. The habit is usually hard to break or even become aware of since bruxism usually affects people during sleep.

Aside from pain, bruxism is another cause of tooth decay or broken teeth. In severe cases, teeth grinding can affect your bone structure and the muscles in your face. If you have noticed symptoms of bruxism, contact your dentist immediately to be fitted with a nightguard.

3) Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, otherwise known as cavities, is arguably the most common dental health problem. Cavities form when plaque sits on the teeth and produces an acid that causes damage to the enamel. This is why dentists warn you about eating too much sugar: sweets can expedite this process.

To minimize your risk of cavities, it’s imperative that you brush and floss regularly. You can even use a fluoride treatment at home. You can also reduce the amount of sugar you consume and avoid carb-heavy foods like chips.

As always, see a dentist so they can assess your smile and see if you are displaying signs of tooth decay. If your tooth decay has progressed too far, you may have to install a dental implant.

4) Halitosis

Did you know that bad breath can actually be a sign of a more pressing dental issue? If your bad breath is persistent, that could be a sign of Halitosis which is usually a result of cavities.

Since cavities create holes in your teeth, bacteria tend to nest in those spaces and cause an odor. If your toothbrush cannot reach into those holes to brush the bacteria away, it causes an odor.

To combat halitosis, try to drink less coffee and instead drink more water. Use a fluoride toothpaste and don’t forget to floss so you can clean those hard-to-reach places. And of course, visit a dentist if the problem persists.

How to Get Help

So many people neglect to see their dentists routinely. Dentists are equipped with knowledge that average people don’t have, meaning they are better prepared to handle dental health issues. You may not always be able to assess your symptoms, so it’s better to let specialists handle it. This way, you can receive a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.