Common Dental Problems

Tooth decay is a preventable disease that ultimately leads to caries, or cavities. While cavities might not be life threatening, they can negatively impact your quality of life and cause more serious issues, such as infection or tooth loss.

Carbohydrate-rich or sugary foods, including candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices, leave deposits on your teeth. These deposits bond with the bacteria normally found in the mouth and form plaque. The plaque and deposits interact, creating acid that eats away at the tooth enamel. This damages the mineral structure of the teeth, resulting in tooth decay.

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. In the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis, the gums may bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, bone damage and tooth loss can occur or, in some cases, the dentist may need to remove teeth. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by brushing and flossing daily. Consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth are indicators of periodontal disease.

Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages or even just breathing in cold air might cause pain when you have sensitive teeth. Over time, the tooth enamel can wear down, gums may recede or teeth can develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the teeth and irritating nerve endings, causing sensitivity and discomfort.

Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Often, food debris left in the mouth deteriorates, causing bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, persistent bad breath can be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem.

A bite that doesn’t come together properly, known as malocclusion, can be inherited or, at other times, acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may also cause malocclusion.