Common Teeth Diseases and Treatment
Jim Tehrani, DDS
Common dental problems can be avoided in most cases. To maintain oral health, preventing these problems requires brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, a healthy diet, and regular dental examinations.
These habits help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, root infections, enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and misaligned tooth growth.
Table of Contents
Types of Dental Diseases
In addition to 11 common Teeth Diseases, ways to prevent these problems and how to treat them are examined in this article.
1-Bad Breath
Bad breath or halitosis is embarrassing. Studies show that in 85% of cases, bad breath is caused by dental conditions or oral health issues.
“Bad breath that just won’t go away or a constant bad taste in your mouth can be a warning sign of advanced gum disease, which is caused by a sticky, cavity-causing bacteria called plaque.”
MouthHealthy American Dental Association
This condition includes gum disease, oral cancer, tooth decay, dry mouth, and bacteria on the tongue.
Using mouthwash only masks bad breath temporarily. If your mouth constantly smells terrible, go to your dentist so that he can check the cause of the bad breath.
2-Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria combine with sugary or starchy foods. This compound produces acids that damage the tooth enamel.
Tooth decay can occur at any age. Tooth decay is not limited to children. Aging and natural erosion of tooth enamel cause tooth decay.
Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing your teeth daily, and having regular checkups are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. At the same time, eat healthy foods and avoid eating too sweet foods and drinks.
| Cause | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Bacteria combine with sugary or starchy foods. | Brush teeth twice daily and floss daily. |
| Aging and natural erosion of tooth enamel. | Have regular dental checkups and eat healthy foods. |
3-Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion means the loss of tooth structure, which is caused by damage to tooth enamel. Signs of tooth wear include sensitivity and more severe problems such as tooth cracking. Tooth erosion is a common problem that can be prevented by avoiding acidic foods and maintaining proper oral hygiene.
4-Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects millions of people. Cold weather, sweets, and temperature extremes can trigger pain or discomfort due to tooth sensitivity.
Brushing and flossing may also cause discomfort, but sensitive teeth can be treated. So, talk to your dentist about this.
Tooth sensitivity may be a sign of a cracked tooth or tooth abscess. A dentist treats these problems; you may have a tooth abscess or a jawbone infection if not treated.
If you suddenly have tooth sensitivity, visit Beach Cities Dentistry. Our dentists will know if you have a problem that needs treatment.
5-Gum Diseases
Gum disease or periodontal disease is an infection of the gums around your teeth. Gum disease is also the leading cause of permanent tooth loss.
“Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place, often caused by poor oral hygiene.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Several studies show a connection between gum disease and heart problems. Anyone can get gum disease, but it is more common after age 30. Smoking is a major risk factor for conditions like gum disease, dry mouth, and even diabetes.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- bad breath
- Redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding gums
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Pain when chewing
Gingivitis is a mild and early form of gum disease. The disease of the tissues around the teeth accelerates the occurrence of gum diseases. Regular dental examinations, brushing, and flossing prevent gum disease.
If you have symptoms of gum disease, go to your dentist. Timely treatment prevents problems such as tooth loss.
6-Mouth Sores
Some mouth sores are annoying. If these wounds heal within two weeks, there is no need to worry.
Standard mouth ulcers include:
- Small sores in the mouth (canker sores): These small sores appear inside the mouth, not on the lips. These wounds are not contagious and occur for various reasons.
- Herpes: Caused by the herpes simplex virus, cold sores typically form around the lips. Though the sores heal on their own, the virus remains dormant in the body and may reactivate.
- Oral thrush (candidiasis stomatitis): Infectious sores are seen inside the mouth of babies, people with dentures, people with diabetes, and those undergoing cancer treatment.
7-Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a serious condition, but if detected early, it can often be successfully treated. Millions of people are affected by oral cancer, which is more common after the age of 40. In the United States, one person dies every hour from oral cancer.
If the disease is diagnosed in the early stages and treated, this cancer can be cured in most cases.
Factors that cause oral cancer include:
- Smoking or using chewing tobacco
- Drinking alcohol
- Human papilloma virus
- Improper nutrition
- Genetic factors
Symptoms of mouth or throat cancer include sores, lumps, hard spots in the mouth, changes in how the teeth fit together, and difficulty chewing or moving the tongue or jaw.
Oral cancer can be prevented early by visiting the dentist regularly. Ask your dentist if oral cancer screening is part of the routine dental checkups.
If you see any of these symptoms, go to your dentist:
- Symptoms of oral cancer
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
8-Toothache and Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be distressing and require prompt attention. Dental problems, like other emergencies, require immediate treatment. Issues that need a quick visit to the dentist include:
- Broken or cracked tooth
- Rotten tooth
- Tooth lost due to accident
If any of these problems occur, call Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach immediately.
For these urgent dental issues, contact us immediately:
- Fracture or displacement of the jaw
- Cuts on the tongue, lips, or mouth
- Difficulty swallowing due to tooth abscess
- facial swelling
While an imperfect smile isn’t a medical issue, many patients seek dental care to improve the appearance of their teeth and boost their confidence.
The appearance of your smile may affect your self-esteem. Fortunately, this problem can be solved with today’s tools and methods.
Appearance changes include:
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Implants
- Orthodontics (for example, braces and retainers)
- Other Dental Cosmetic Procedures
9-Tooth Root Infection
Persistent tooth pain and sensitivity may indicate a root infection. If caries or damage to the tooth is not completely treated, the root of the tooth becomes infected.
Bacteria weakens the tooth’s root, which is located under the tooth’s crown. Bacteria invade the root canal and can spread toward the jawbone if left untreated.
If you have a root infection, you need root canal treatment. During this treatment, the bacteria will be removed from the root canal, and the tooth will be covered or filled. Root canal treatment will lead to complete or partial treatment of the tissue around the tooth.
Root canal treatment is highly effective and can save your natural tooth when performed on time. Successful root canal treatment will relieve tooth pain and sensitivity, help you eat better, maintain good oral hygiene, and prevent further infections.
10-Grinding teeth
Teeth grinding is also called bruxism. Teeth grinding happens when you grind your teeth together at night without realizing it.
Grinding your teeth puts much pressure on your teeth and jaw, which may cause dental and other health problems such as cracked teeth, jaw tightness, jaw and neck pain, and headaches over time.
Treatment for teeth grinding includes using a night guard, mouth guard, or dental splint. This tool does not prevent teeth grinding but prevents the teeth from being damaged. Sedatives may also be prescribed because these drugs slow down muscle movement.
In this way, teeth grinding may slow down or stop. Sometimes, anxiety is the cause of teeth grinding. Cognitive-behavioral therapy or other stress-reducing treatments may help you stop grinding your teeth.
11-Temporomandibular Disorders
TMD disorders include more than 30 conditions that affect the jaw joint. In addition to the muscles connected to them, the temporomandibular joints control most jaw movements.
Temporomandibular disorders and jaw joint disorders occur when the lower jaw is misaligned or does not move in sync. Temporomandibular disorders include jaw pain and problems in jaw function.
As a result, a person with temporomandibular disorders may have difficulty chewing and swallowing, yawning, speaking, or other jaw functions.
Conclusion
Most common dental problems can be prevented if:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss every day
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Avoid smoking
- Seek professional help for any unusual signs like mouth sores or rough patches
At Beach Cities Dentistry, our expert team specializes in diagnosing and treating various dental problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health concerns.
Whether you need preventive care, restorative treatments, or emergency dental services, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
At Beach Cities Dentistry, our talented and experienced dental professionals work together to provide top-quality care for our patients.
Jim Tehrani, DDS
– USC graduate (1997)
– Invisalign I/II certified
– Laser dentistry certified
– Member of ADA, CDA, Western Dental Society