With years of experience in the dental field, we at the dentist in Spanish Fork have seen just about everything. Each problem has been unique to the next however they almost always share the same common dental problems. Here is a list of a few common dental issues and explanations that can help you better understand what they are and how they can be treated.

Learn About Common Dental Problems in Spanish Fork

Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, or caries, is a preventable disease that, while not necessarily life threatening, can greatly impact your quality of life. Teeth and gums that are consistently exposed to increased amounts of starches and sugars, acids begin to form. These acids begin to eat away at tooth enamel, the strong outermost covering of the tooth.

Starch and sugar deposits can come from carbohydrate-rich foods like candy, soft drinks, cookies, and fruit juices. Tooth decay is the result of these deposits bonding with bacteria in the mouth, which creates acids that are harmful to the tooth structure.

Sensitive Teeth: Teeth are affected by change in temperature because they expand and contract with it. People with especially sensitive teeth can experience pain and discomfort when ingesting hot or cold food and drinks. This sensitivity can grow over time as the tooth enamel is worn down, gums recede, and when teeth develop microscopic cracks that expose the nerve endings inside. Even breathing cold air can be painful for anyone with abnormally sensitive teeth.

Gum Disease: Gum disease falls under the branch of periodontics. It can cause inflammation, bone damage, and even tooth loss. Plaque is the genesis of gum disease and, if left to settle and infect the gum, it can turn into gingivitis, the early stage of the disease. Affected gums can easily bleed and become red and inflamed. Periodontitis is the next stage, which causes teeth to fall out or become so infected that a dentist must remove the tooth. It can be detected by symptoms of consistently bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, and it is highly preventable by maintaining good oral hygiene.

Bad Breath (Halitosis): The presence and deterioration of food particles, plaque, and bacteria in the mouth cause bad breath. Bad breath from strong foods like garlic and anchovies is temporary, however consistent bad breath could be a sign of something more serious (like gum disease). Frequent brushing and flossing can help prevent the buildup that causes bad breath.

Canker Sores (aphthous ulcers): These are small sores found inside your mouth. Canker sores are sometimes recurring, though generally last 1 or 2 weeks (the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents can reduce this duration). To identify a canker sore, look for a white or grey base with a red border surrounding it.

Orthodontic Problems: These issues pertain to the bite and alignment of the tooth and jaw. Malocclusion, or when a bite does not meet properly, has several causes: it can be inherited or could be cause by missing or extra teeth, misaligned jaws, or crowded teeth. This can also be caused by accidents or developmental issues like within a child who sucks a finger or thumb for an extended period. Orthodontic problems are treatable.