common problems
Tooth DecayCaries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. While caries might not endanger your life, they may negatively impact your quality of life.
When your teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, with tooth decay resulting.
Sensitive Teeth
Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.
Gum Disease
The same plaque that causes cavities can also cause gum, or periodontal, disease. This infection can cause inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage. In the early stage of disease, gums can bleed easily and become red and swollen. This is called gingivitis. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, destruction of supporting bone can cause teeth to loosen or even fall out. One indicator of gum disease is the deepening of the collar of gum around each tooth. As it deepens it becomes a “pocket” where infection starts then accelerates. Treatment involves deep cleaning these pockets. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or onions, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease, cavities, or other general health problems.
Canker Sores
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.
