Four of the Biggest Dental Problems Dentists Treat in the US

We have all heard our dentists repeatedly tell us about the importance of looking after our teeth, but in the modern world of high-sugar diets and fast-paced living, we might not spend as much time doing it as we should.

Poor dental hygiene, combined with an unbalanced diet, and can lead to pain, sensitivity, and problems elsewhere in the body. In today’s post, we will highlight some of the biggest dental problems affecting adults in the United States today and how some small changes can help keep these problems from becoming a real pain for you and your bank account.

Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) is one of the most embarrassing problems that we will face. In many cases, it is the result of eating something full of garlic, onions, or other pungent spices. However, if bad breath is a regular occurrence for you, this indicates there may be more going on.

Bad breath is a symptom of infection, gum disease, a dry mouth, and, potentially, oral cancer. If you are concerned about your breath, book an appointment with your dentist who will be able to carry out a thorough investigation to find the culprit. From there, they will take care of any treatment that is required while also making some dietary and lifestyle recommendations to ensure that bad breath doesn’t rear its ugly head again.

Teeth Grinding

This is a widespread problem and can happen for a variety of reasons such as having a poor bite, sleep apnea, and stress. Whatever the cause, the results are the same, as repeated grinding can damage teeth and fillings, and increase sensitivity.

There are many solutions available, such as mouth guards that provide effective protection against further damage. If you or your partner notice that you grind your teeth while sleeping, it is well worth speaking to your doctor so they can investigate the overall health of your teeth and bite.

If the grinding is a result of stress, a visit to your doctor might help, as there are numerous treatments available to help manage the symptoms of stress.

Cavities

Cavities as a result of tooth decay are probably the most commonly recorded problems among dentists throughout the United States. This is due to a poor diet and insufficient dental hygiene. When combined, these create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria slowly eat through your teeth, which leads to cavities. If the decay is left unchecked, the damage can become more extensive and cause lots of complications.

Luckily, the solution is quite simple: tooth brushing and flossing twice a day, plus regular visits to your dentist for checkups, as well as a thorough clean, scale, and polish. This should reduce the need for fillings.

Gum Disease

Failure to look after your teeth can lead to problems with your gums, which is never fun. Like cavities, gum disease is avoidable if you regularly clean your teeth and eat a balanced diet low in sugars and starches. However, if gum disease is left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss and can even cause problems with your heart. It is well worth attending your six-month checkups, as the early signs of gum disease can be easily spotted and treated.

Whether you have pain or not, it is essential that you take the time to look after your teeth and visit your dentist. Some of these problems can be major sources of embarrassment, but your dentist is well trained in spotting the problems early and giving you treatment and advice to stop these issues affecting your smile.