Wed Oct 16

Common Dental Issues & Potential Treatments

Oral health is as important as any other aspect of your overall health & well-being and we need to adopt a proactive approach to oral hygiene in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Here are some of the common dental issues along with potential treatments.

Cavities – People of all ages can suffer from tooth decay, especially children who indulge in sweet things. Sugar reacts with certain bacteria and that eats away at tooth enamel; regular brushing, flossing and the use of antiseptic mouthwash can prevent cavities. The best treatment is for your local Dentist Fountain Gate to drill out the cavity and fill it with a composite filling. Of course, the sooner you seek out a dentist, the quicker the cavity can be filled.

Crooked teeth – Nature doesn’t always endow us with perfection and it is often the case that our teeth erupt in a crooked way; all is not lost, however, as clear plastic aligners such as Invisalign can straighten your teeth. This treatment is for all ages, not just teenagers and the dentist would create a treatment plan, which might last for 6 months to 2 years, depending on the severity of the condition.

Missing teeth – It might be a sporting collision or a fall, or even facial trauma from a car accident, if you lose a tooth, dental implants are the go-to solution. The treatment involves fitting titanium pins into the jawbone and after a couple of months, the pins bond with bone and tissue. The treatment ranges from a single tooth to a complete upper and lower set of teeth.

Abscess & gum infection – If you get a small cut in your gums, this can quickly become infected, due to the high volume of bacteria we have in our mouths. If you notice a slight swelling on your gums, make an appointment with your local dentist, otherwise, the swelling will grow and the abscess becomes very painful. In some cases, surgery is required to remove the poison. Click here to find out about eye care in this digital age.

Stained teeth – Red wine, coffee and acidic fruits can eat away at your tooth enamel; regular use of antiseptic mouthwash can reduce the risk of discoloured teeth. The latest generation of teeth whitening is laser-powered and you can sit down with your dentist and choose the shade of white. It might take several sessions to get to that white shade and periodic treatment will maintain that Hollywood smile.

Under/overbite - When the upper and lower jaw come together and the front is too far forward, this is known as overbite, while underbite is where the lower jaw protrudes. Consult with an established orthodontist and they can formulate a treatment plan to reduce the severity.

If you are not experiencing any dental issues, you should see a professional dentist every 6 months and the healthcare professional can check that all is well.