There are several different types of dental problems that many people encounter in their lifetime. Many of these problems can be avoided with general everyday dental care, but sometimes additional care is needed. If you believe you have a good dental care routine, but still find yourself experiencing common dental problems like cavities, we have a few tips to help you out!
What Are Some Common Dental Problems and How Are They Treated?
Cavities and tooth decay are some of the most common types of dental problems that many people experience throughout their life. A cavity is a hole that forms on the surface of your teeth. They can easily be treated with deep cleanings followed by a dental filling. If a cavity is left untreated, the hole can grow deeper and eventually reach your tooth’s pulp. Once the cavity reaches the pulp, it becomes extremely painful, and will likely have to be treated with a root canal. Root canals can be expensive, so prevention and treatment early on is the best policy.
Gum disease is another common dental problem and may be referred to as gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, while periodontitis is more severe. If you suffer from gum disease, your gums will bleed easily and look red and puffy. This inflammation is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth next to your gum line. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss around teeth causing tooth mobility as well as bad breath because of the bacteria buildup. At Eaglehawk Dental, we offer periodontal therapy which includes deep cleaning or scaling and root planing using state-of-the-art equipment to deep clean your teeth and mouth. Root planing involves cleaning deep below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the roots of teeth. It is very important to remove the bacteria on the roots of your teeth to keep them strong and healthy.
Another type of dental issue is broken/chipped teeth. This can happen because of bad dental care, teeth grinding, or even an accident that causes dental trauma.
If you have a damaged or lost tooth due to decay, trauma, or any other reason, it might be necessary to get restorative dentistry such as dentures or implants in their place. Dentures and implants are meant to replace the functionality of missing or damaged natural teeth, which means chewing food properly again as well as improving speech impairments caused by losing these important dental structures!
When you get cavities or experience other dental issues, it can be a sign that your dental hygiene routine needs to change. If you find yourself facing these types of dental problems often but you have great dental hygiene, it may mean there are other factors at play, such as genetics or diet. Some people are simply more prone to dental health issues and are cursed with thin or soft enamel, but luckily there are ways to protect vulnerable teeth from developing issues.
Preventing and Treating Common Dental Issues in Bendigo VIC
Prevention is the best policy when it comes to dental health problems. If you have experienced the issues described above, it is suggested to adopt new habits to avoid them from happening again in the future.
For example:
- Limit intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks which can accelerate tooth decay. Some good snacks to have instead are crunchy fruits and vegetables such as celery and apples. These crunchy foods help to scrape plaque off the surface of your teeth while providing your body with essential vitamins and minerals to help strengthen your teeth.
- Brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush at least twice a day and clean between your teeth using floss or a water flosser at least once a day. Electric toothbrushes are much more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes.
- Avoid smoking. Studies show that smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.
- Visit Eaglehawk Dental every six months for a dental exam and cleaning. We will be sure to check for any developing dental issues, as well as give you a good cleaning. Regular dental checkups are important as they allow us to catch any potential problems early on before drastic measures are required to save your smile.
You may need to take additional measures to protect your teeth if you are more prone to dental issues such as tooth decay. Fluoride and calcium supplements can help strengthen your enamel, as can adjusting your diet to include more enamel-friendly foods such as milk and cheese, if possible. The calcium, vitamin D, and phosphates in dairy products help restore minerals your teeth may have lost while consuming acidic foods.
Limiting certain foods from your diet can help prevent dental health issues as well. For example, sugary foods and drinks can make your teeth more prone to dental infections and cavities. This is because the bacteria that cause tooth decay love sugar, and as they feed on the sugar, they excrete an acid that wears down your enamel. We are not saying sugary treats are off limits if you want a healthy smile, but it is recommended to limit your consumption and clean your teeth afterwards, especially if you’re prone to enamel erosion. It helps to drink water or an unsweetened beverage after eating sugary foods to help wash away the food particles. Keeping your enamel strong is very important, as it serves as a protective barrier for your teeth.
If common dental issues aren’t treated promptly, you may need to have dental surgery such as a root canal or extraction. These procedures can be expensive and time consuming, so it is very important to treat dental issues as soon as possible. If you are in Bendigo VIC or surrounding areas and you notice some of the common signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or have any other concerns about your dental health, feel free to call us at Eaglehawk Dental and set up a consultation! We are eager to help all residents of Bendigo VIC have the healthiest smile possible!
Why Choose Eaglehawk Dental of Bendigo VIC?
There are so many dental health services available at Eaglehawk Dental to help you keep your smile as healthy as possible! Of course, make sure you’re taking care of your teeth properly at home with a twice-daily cleaning regimen consisting of brushing and flossing. Don’t forget to come in for a good cleaning every six months! Following these suggestions will help you prevent dental health problems from showing up down the road. Rest assured that if common dental problems are caught early, they can be easily fixed with the help of our team at Eaglehawk Dental clinic in Bendigo VIC!
If you have any dental health concerns or if it’s time for a cleaning, feel free to contact us at (03) 5446 9859 for a consultation. We will take the time to discuss your dental care routine or any issues that we can help with. We look forward to hearing from you!