Understand common dental problems

When something chips, breaks, smells, hurts, or looks bad in our mouth, most of us start to panic. While there are obviously more serious problems that can arise, many dental issues are relatively minor and can be fixed with minimal intervention.

Understanding what is going on in our mouths can help us to pay attention to the things that need attention so that we can ensure problems are dealt with swiftly and appropriately. In order to help you know what to do when problems arise, we have provided brief explanations of some of the most common dental problems, and what an appropriate course of action might be.

Understanding Dental Pain

While there are always atypical variations, most pain in the mouth can be described generally in one of 2 ways. A sharp pain, usually described as sensitivity, or a dull aching pain, usually described as a tooth ache.

Cavities And Decay

Dental cavities caused by decay, are simply where some of our tooth structure is lost due to the bacteria in our mouths.

Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Not every problem we have in our mouth occurs because we don’t clean our teeth properly, and cracked teeth is one of these problems.

Missing Teeth

While many people are not too bothered replacing missing teeth, not having a tooth can sometimes affect us in ways we’re not ready for.

Tooth Wear (Erosion, Attrition, Abrasion)

We often think of decay as the reason for holes and while that is a common cause, we can also lose tooth structure without decay.

Gum (Periodontal) Disease

There are 2 distinct conditions that are often referred to generically as gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis.

Discoloured Teeth

Obviously, we all would love to have a smile that we’re proud of and happy to show to everyone that makes us laugh, but the reality is that many people are self-conscious

Crooked Teeth

There is a saying, “no one ever died of crooked teeth”. This may be true, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any adverse side effects.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is something that most people will experience at some stage in their lives, and one of the most common reasons people seek out a dentist.

Snoring And Sleep Disorders

Getting a good night’s sleep is a really important component of our overall health. Those void of a good night’s sleepcan often struggle with things like daytime tiredness.