9 Major Dental Problems That Are More Common Than You Think

Did you know that nearly 1 in 4 adults in the United States struggle with tooth decay? There are also almost 46% of patients who show signs of gum disease.

Dental problems can happen to anyone, which is why we need to be careful with our teeth if we want a healthy and fresh smile.

However, many people are not aware of orthodontic problems that are affecting their confidence. Here is everything you need to know about the 9 major dental problems that are more common than you ever thought.

1. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common tooth problems. This is one of the most common dental problems that dentists see in their patients. At some point in life, everyone has experienced a certain level of tooth decay.

This can occur when bacteria form a film called plaque on the surface of your teeth. Bacteria from tooth decay produce acids from all the sugars in our food. These acids then eat and permanently damage the enamel, which is the outer layer of your tooth.

The acids work hard to soften the dentin layer beneath the enamel. This tooth breakdown can then lead to holes in your teeth or cavities.

You may experience a lot of pain and toothache when you eat or drink cold, sweet, or hot foods. Some other symptoms of tooth decay are brown or black spots on the tooth, an unpleasant taste, or consistent bad breath.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease or gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease. This is a bacterial infection that occurs when someone has a lot of plaque buildup. Some of the most common symptoms are swollen or red gums that can bleed easily.

You may also experience sensitive teeth while chewing food and bad breath. Skipping brushing or poor techniques contribute to gum disease. You can also increase your risk if you are pregnant or have diabetes.

The reason gingivitis is considered mild is that it is painful. All you need is a regular dental checkup to avoid this common dental problem.

3. Periodontitis

This is one of the more severe forms of gingivitis that can occur if pockets in your gums become infected. Periodontitis can lead to bone and tissue damage.

Other symptoms are loose permanent teeth, a change in bite, persistent bad breath, and receding gums. The best way to treat this orthodontic problem is by using topical antibiotics or by visiting a gum specialist.

4. Foul Breath

Halitosis or bad breath is one of the most common problems with your teeth. It can also be the most stressful because you do not want to put off others by breathing too close to them. Bad breath can be caused by dry mouth, infection, acid reflux, and poor oral hygiene.

5. Sensitive Teeth

If your enamel is worn out, your teeth can become sensitive to cold or hot foods. This is because the dentin is exposed, which has tubes leading to a deeper nerve inside your tooth.

Since hot and cold substances travel along these tubes, you can feel intense pain. Tooth sensitivity or hypersensitivity is typically caused by tooth decay. You may also have sensitive teeth from enamel erosion, root infection, broken teeth, or worn-down fillings.

Despite having the best oral hygiene, you might still have sensitive teeth if your enamel is naturally thin. This is when your doctor can recommend specific mouthwashes or toothpaste to fix your teeth.

6. Cracked Teeth

Cracked or broken teeth can be caused by chewing hard food, grinding teeth in your sleep, mouth piercings, or an injury. With cracks in your teeth, you may experience a tremendous amount of pain depending on how much damage there is.

No matter how bad you think a chip in your tooth is, you should always see a dentist. They will suggest a crown or veneer to help fix these problems with your teeth.

7. Receding Gums

Receding gums is a painful experience that can lead to other problems with your teeth. This condition can expose the sensitive root in your tooth to make it vulnerable to damage.

Receding gums can be caused by high blood pressure, brushing too hard, or poor oral hygiene. Other causes can be smoking and hormonal fluctuations. Even if you practice good oral hygiene, you can still have receding gums because it is genetic.

If your bad gums run in the family, you should speak to a dental professional who will show you better brushing techniques or a gum graft.

8. Overbite

Overbite or buck teeth is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper set of your teeth overlaps the lower set. This means that your jaw is not aligned, causing the upper teeth to stick out more than they should.

The best way to treat this dental problem is to contact your dentist. They should recommend braces to pull your jaw into the right position or Invisalign. You may also need to get surgery to correct the bones.

This will help your lower and upper jaws fit together much better. It is critical to get an overbite fixed. Here is more information if you want to know can Invisalign fix an overbite.

9. Root Infection

A root infection can occur if the base or your tooth’s root becomes swollen or infected, thanks to bacteria. This can happen a lot if you have fractures, cracks, or cavities in the mouth.

If left untreated, root infection can lead to damaged nerves and tissues that can develop abscesses. The most obvious symptom of this condition is a chronic and persistent throbbing toothache.

You may find that biting or chewing food can become the most painful experience. The part of your mouth where the infection is located can also become very sensitive to cold or hot drinks and food.

Avoid Dental Problems

Now that you know the 9 most common dental problems, it is time to call your dentist to start treatment. The longer you delay getting a dental checkup, the more pain you may feel.

It is always important to practice good oral hygiene to prevent these problems. Otherwise, you can expect intense pain and bleeding gums if you ignore any symptoms for too long.

If you enjoyed reading this dental guide, check out some of our other posts for more information.