Top 10 Common Dental Problems and How to Prevent Them

Not all of these conditions can be addressed by yourself at home; you might need to seek the help of a dentist to help put things right. Regular check ups will help you to stay on top of your oral health issues so you can address them as they arise.

Read on to learn more about the 10 most common dental problems and what you can do to prevent them or treat them.

Bleeding gums

If you spit blood when you brush your teeth, this is one of the early warning signs of gum disease. Gum disease is commonly caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth due to insufficient brushing.

The best way to tackle bleeding gums and gum disease is to visit a dental hygienist regularly. This can help to make sure your teeth are clean and free from plaque and tartar buildup.

Bad breath

Another common oral health complaint is bad breath. Bad breath is typically caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. This could be the result of factors like dietary choices, bad brushing technique, medications you might be taking or an underlying health condition.

If you’re concerned about bad breath, the best option would be to visit your dentist to find the root cause of the issue. You can also focus on brushing and flossing twice daily, and then using a tongue scraper and mouthwash to make sure your mouth is free from bacteria.

Toothache

Toothache can keep you awake at night and make it difficult to do everyday things like eat your favourite foods. There is no treatment for toothache at home, and you’ll need to visit the dentist to understand the cause of the problem and then get help to fix it.

For sore gums, try using a local anaesthetic cream like Bonjela, or a natural alternative like clove oil. You can also use a warm compress on the affected side of your face. These are simply measures you can take to tackle the pain before you can visit a dentist.

Crooked teeth

Crooked teeth can damage your confidence and make it difficult for you to eat and chew your favourite foods. This isn’t always an issue, unless the alignment problems lead to secondary problems.

Orthodontics is the only way to straighten crooked teeth, so you’ll need to visit your dentist to learn more about how you can achieve a straighter smile.

Discolouration

The food and drink that we eat every day has the potential to leave stains on the surface of our teeth and also deep inside the tooth material. This can leave your teeth looking dull and discoloured.

Professional teeth whitening is the only way to achieve a brighter smile, so you’ll need to visit your dentist to learn more about how you can remove those deep set stains and upgrade your smile.

Chips and cracks

Another common dental problem that many people face is chips and cracks in their teeth. This could happen as a result of eating hard foods or it could be simply down to wear and tear over the years.

Chips and cracks should be addressed by your dentist as they could leave your teeth exposed to bacteria and this could cause problems down the line. There’s also a risk that the sharp edge of your tooth could cut your tongue or cheek, so it’s worth visiting the dentist at the first sign of a problem.

Sensitive teeth

If you notice that very hot or very cold things cause pain in your teeth, you might have sensitivity. This is commonly caused by damage to the enamel that protects your teeth. This could be the result of over-brushing or over-use of teeth whitening treatments.

The best treatment for sensitive teeth is to switch to a remineralising toothpaste such as Sensodyne as this will help to repair the gaps in your enamel that lead to sensitivity.

Inflamed gums

If your gums look red or inflamed, this is a sign that you need to change your brushing routine. Inflamed gums could be the result of gum disease which is leading to inflammation due to a buildup of bacteria. It could also be the result of over-brushing your teeth or using a toothbrush that is too hard. Visit a dental hygienist to get personalised advice on how to address this.

Bruxism

If you grind your teeth while you sleep, you could be causing extensive damage. The best way to address this would be with a visit to your dentist. They can create a night guard you can wear while your sleep and this will prevent some of the damage that can occur when teeth grind against other teeth.

Thinning enamel

If the ends of your teeth take on a darker hue, this could be the result of lost enamel. There is no way to get enamel back once it is eroded, but you can take steps to prevent further loss. It’s also possible to address the aesthetic issue using methods such as composite bonding or veneers.