3 Common Dental Diseases

While some teeth and gum diseases are uncommon or even rare, there are a few that almost every other person has had to experience. In this article, we have selected three diseases that are quite commonly diagnosed by dentists:

Tooth Sensitivity

When the enamel wears away and the dentin is exposed, your teeth become sensitive to hot and cold meals and drinks.

The dentin contains tubes that lead to the nerve, which is located deeper within the tooth. The passage of hot or cold substances through the tubes to the nerve can produce excruciating pain.

Tooth decay is a possible reason for tooth sensitivity, which is also referred to as dentin hypersensitivity. Other factors leading to sensitive teeth include:

• A broken or cracked tooth
• Dental work such as crowns and fillings becoming word down
• Receding gums
• Gum disease
• Root canal infection
• Enamel erosion

In some people, the enamel is naturally thin. People with this issue are more prone to sensitive teeth. There are toothpaste and mouthwashes specifically designed for people who have sensitive teeth. A fluoride treatment, crown, gum graft, or root canal may be recommended by your dentist. The treatment you receive is determined by the severity of your condition.

Tooth Decay

Dental caries or cavities are commonly used terms for tooth decay. It is the most common dental condition encountered by dentists. Almost everyone has suffered tooth decay at some point in their lives.

Plaque on teeth, a film formed by bacteria on the surface of teeth, causes tooth decay. From the carbohydrates in the food, bacteria generate acids. The acids erode at the enamel, or outer covering, of the tooth, causing irreversible damage. The acids then attack the dentin layer underlying the enamel, which is softer.

Cavities or holes in your teeth can result from this tooth disintegration. It can also induce toothaches, such as when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet. Signs of tooth decay can include an unpleasant taste in the mouth, bad breath, and black or brown spots on the teeth.

If cavities go unchecked, you may ultimately have to suffer tooth loss. The first step in dental care is determining the extent of your tooth decay and prescribing a treatment plan. Fillings, crowns, and root canals are all options. If you get an extraction, it may be followed by dental implants or dentures as a treatment option.

Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay. Also, see your dentist regularly to have the plaque on teeth scraped away.

Gum Disease

Gum or periodontal disease is a disease that affects the tissues around teeth. It is also one of the major causes of tooth loss in adults. Anybody can develop this dental problem but people over 30 are at more risk. Smoking, diabetes, and dry mouth also increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.

Signs of having this oral issue include bad breath, sensitive teeth, swollen, red, tender, or bleeding gums, and pain while chewing. Proper dental care at home and regular check-ups and cleanings at the dentist can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease.

At Fine Dentistry clinic in San Diego, we offer quality and affordable treatments for a wide range of teeth and gum diseases. Call or visit us to learn more or book an appointment.