A healthy mouth is vital to the well-being of your entire body. You might not know this, but there are a number of dental problems that can lead to serious health complications. Learning about common dental problems and tooth diseases (such as gum disease, cavities, and loose or broken teeth) could very well save your life. Don’t take your oral health for granted.
The first signs of dental problems are pain. This is the main reason why you should visit a dentist regularly. Before you know it, an untreated abscess, periodontitis, broken tooth or faulty crown may turn into a complex dental problem requiring major work and serious repair costs.
What is Oral Health?
Oral health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. It is an important part of overall health, which is affected by how well you take care of your teeth and gums.
Teeth play an important role in maintaining oral health because they help to chew food and act as a natural toothbrush.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a common dental problem that affects people of all ages. It can cause pain, tooth sensitivity and gum disease, but it’s also easy to prevent.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may have a cavity:
- A dull ache in your tooth or jaw area
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
- Toothache that comes and goes
- A change in the color of your teeth or gums
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious problem. It can lead to tooth loss, infection, and even heart disease. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s time to get checked out by a dentist:
- Bleeding gums
- Pain when chewing
- Red or swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common dental problem, and it can be a sign of an underlying condition. Tooth sensitivity is caused by a variety of factors, and the treatment for it will vary depending on the cause.
Symptoms of tooth sensitivity include:
- A prickly or hot feeling in your mouth that lasts for several seconds after eating or drinking something cold or hot
- Your teeth feeling too sensitive to bite down on something hard (for example, crunching ice)
- Pain when you eat or drink something cold or hot
Bruxism
If you grind your teeth at night, you may be suffering from bruxism. Bruxism is a condition in which you clench and grind your teeth together, causing them to wear down and potentially cause other problems in your mouth.
Bruxism symptoms can include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching during sleep (bruxing)
- Teeth that feel loose or become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures after grinding
- Tooth pain and sensitivity while chewing food
- Tooth misalignment, as well as misaligned bite patterns that can lead to jaw discomfort and headaches
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth symptoms are a sign of dehydration. The mouth is one of the first places to feel the effects of dehydration, so it can be a good indicator that something is wrong. Dry mouth symptoms can also be caused by certain medications, including antidepressants and antihistamines.
It can be caused by many things, including:
- Aging
- Medications
- Illnesses such as diabetes or Sjogren’s syndrome (a chronic condition that causes dry eyes and dry mouth)
- Smoking
- Dryness in the air (for example, due to central heating)
If you experience dry mouth symptoms, it’s important that you speak with your dentist about what may be causing them. If the problem is related to medication, your dentist may recommend other options or changing dosages. If it’s due to an illness or other health condition, your dentist may refer you to a doctor who can help manage that condition so that it doesn’t cause further damage.
Jaw Disorders
Jaw disorder symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, including jaw misalignment, TMJ syndrome, or an improper bite. Sometimes, jaw pain can be a sign of a medical problem. If you feel pain in your jaw, it’s important to know what kind of pain you’re experiencing.
Jaw disorder symptoms include:
- Pain when chewing food or opening your mouth wide
- Pain when moving or touching the jaw or face
- Trouble swallowing or speaking due to discomfort in the mouth and throat area
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a disease that affects the mouth and throat. It’s one of the 10 most common cancers in men and women, with more than 50,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Oral cancer can be devastating to your health. Early detection is the key to getting treatment, so knowing the warning signs is crucial.
The symptoms of oral cancer can vary widely, depending on where it starts. Some common signs include:
- A sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- A lump or thickening in the mouth or on the lips
- A painless swelling or growth under the tongue
- Unexplained hoarseness or trouble swallowing
Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion is a condition in which the enamel on your teeth is worn away by acids in your mouth. Tooth erosion occurs when acid from foods and drinks react with your teeth over time. This can cause cavities and weaken your teeth so they break more easily. You may notice that some areas of your teeth feel rough or look dull. The erosion can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Sugar and carbohydrates
- Drinking acidic beverages like coffee, tea, soda, or wine
- Not enough saliva in your mouth (a condition called xerostomia)
- Overuse of dental products (such as toothpaste or mouthwash) that contain fluoride
If you think you have tooth erosion, it’s important to see a dentist right away.
Oral Manifestations of Systemic Diseases
Oral manifestations of systemic diseases are a type of problem that may be overlooked by many physicians. The symptoms are often subtle and easily overlooked, and there is also a lack of awareness among medical professionals about how to differentiate between oral manifestations and other problems such as dental issues.
What are Oral Manifestations?
Oral manifestations refer to any changes in the mouth that occur due to an underlying systemic disease. These changes may include gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), periodontal disease (inflammation of the bone surrounding teeth), or other problems such as tooth loss due to gum disease or tooth decay.
The most common oral manifestations of systemic diseases include:
- Sores in the mouth that don’t heal
- White patches on the tongue or inside the mouth
- Receding gums
- Brittle teeth
Pregnancy Gingivitis
During pregnancy, women’s hormones are out of whack and their bodies are going through a lot of changes. Some of these changes can affect the gums and cause them to bleed easily. This is called pregnancy gingivitis.
What causes pregnancy gingivitis?
During pregnancy, the body produces more estrogen and progesterone than usual. These hormones can cause changes in the mouth that cause inflammation and increase the risk of periodontal disease. Additionally, pregnant women tend to have lower levels of vitamin C, which can also increase their risk for periodontal disease.
Pregnancy gingivitis symptoms can include:
- Bleeding from the gums when flossing or brushing your teeth
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Pain when chewing or biting into hard foods
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to go see your dentist as soon as possible!
There are a variety of warning signs to look for recognizing dental problems, whether you can’t tell if your teeth or gums are healthy. Just be sure to not ignore any warning signs, and do what it takes to fix the issue as soon as you notice any of these common dental problems or tooth disease symptoms so you can avoid the even worse: having to deal with an oral health emergency situation.
Importance of Oral Health
The importance of oral health cannot be understated. Your mouth plays a key role in your overall health because it is the gateway to the rest of your body. This means that diseases originating in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body via your bloodstream. The most common example is gum disease (or periodontitis), which can lead to heart disease and stroke or even death.
The best way to improve your oral health is by practicing good habits. These include:
Brushing at least twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles and a small head
Flossing once a day with non-waxed floss
Visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups
Get Dental Problems Treated at Jeet Dental Clinic
With the above information about common dental problems, Jeet Dental Clinic is working best for every generation. Our goal is to spread education about health and stop the problems before they happen. We have a team of educated dentists who can solve every problem related to teeth and give you a maintainable smile. So do visit Jeet dental clinic once you face any problem related to your teeth.