Oral health issues can come in many different forms. While many threats to your smile can potentially be avoided with routine preventive care, it’s still important to be prepared to deal with any problems that come up. As such, it’s worth taking your time to familiarize yourself with the following 3 common dental issues and how you can ensure that they’re properly treated.
1. Cavities
When the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar in the foods you eat, they create acid as a byproduct. Over time, the acid can wear away the enamel protecting your teeth and eventually lead to the formation of cavities. Unfortunately, teeth lack the means to repair themselves after cavities develop; as such, the problem will only continue to grow worse, and it could eventually lead to a serious infection.
The good news is that your dentist can identify cavities in their early stages during your biannual dental checkups and cleanings. In many cases, they’ll be able to repair the tooth in question and prevent the decay from spreading further by placing a tooth-colored filling.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue that can potentially occur if plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate in your mouth. There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis has milder symptoms (such as bleeding or inflamed gum tissue) and can often be reversed with good oral hygiene. Periodontitis is a more severe issue that can ultimately lead to tooth loss; it can’t be cured entirely, but it can be managed.
If your dentist finds signs of gum disease, they can help you explore your options for treatment. In many cases, they may suggest scaling and root planing. Scaling involves thoroughly cleaning the area beneath the gumline to get rid of plaque and tartar; root planing is the process of smoothing out the tooth roots to reduce the chances of bacteria building up in the future.
3. Tooth Injury
A sudden blow to the mouth or jaw could break one of your teeth or even knock it out of your mouth entirely. This type of injury is particularly common among those who play sports, but it can also be the result of a sudden fall or a car accident.
If you have a broken or knocked-out tooth, you should call your dentist right away to schedule an emergency appointment. A damaged tooth can often be repaired with a dental crown. Meanwhile, a knocked-out tooth can sometimes be reimplanted, but in certain cases, it might have to be replaced.
No matter what type of dental issue you’re suffering from, the trick to dealing with it is to stay calm and seek treatment as promptly as possible. The sooner you can see your dentist, the sooner they can help you put together a treatment plan so you can reclaim a healthy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver studied dentistry at the University of Michigan. He has studied at the Dawson Academy and is a member of the Michigan Dental Association as well as other organizations. Thanks to his training, he’s able to offer a wide range of services under a single roof to help his patients in Shelby Township protect their smiles from a variety of oral health issues. If you’re currently dealing with a dental problem that requires professional attention, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Van de Vyver at Smiles in Shelby by visiting his website or calling (586) 677-2828.