Common Dental Problems

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Common Dental Problems and How to Prevent Them

Your mouth is a complex system, and keeping it healthy means staying ahead of several common dental issues. From tooth decay and gum disease to sensitive teeth and bad breath, many oral health problems are preventable with the right care. Understanding what causes these conditions—and how to avoid them—can help you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common dental problems, what causes them, and how you can protect your teeth and gums every day.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, also known as caries or cavities, is preventable. Carbohydrate-rich foods, such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices, leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth and eat away at tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.

Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold foods and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Simply breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.

Gum, or periodontal, disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage, and common indicators are consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Gums in the early stage of disease, known as gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided through daily brushing and flossing.

Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent the build-up of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem.

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. They have a white or gray base surrounded by a red border. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents.

A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types of improper bites may be acquired. Common causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth, misaligned jaws, injuries/trauma or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking.

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Chicago Dental 312
25 E Washington St # 1211, Chicago, IL 60602

(312) 263-5090

info@chicagodental312.com

Monday: 7:30am – 4:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday: 7:00am – 5:30pm
Thursday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am – 12:00pm (bi-monthly)
Sunday: Closed