Many Canadians seem to value dental care, with almost three-quarters (74.7 percent) of the population seeing a dentist or dental professional in the past year. Over 64 percent of Canadians also have dental insurance that helps offset the possible costs of dental healthcare.
Most of us already know the significance of taking care of our dental and oral health. We’ve been taught to brush, floss, and avoid eating too much sugar throughout our childhood, lest we end up with cavities and other dental health issues.
It’s essential to learn about the possible dental and oral conditions we may encounter in our lives and their possible causes. Some happen due to hygiene and lifestyle factors, while others are influenced by genetics.
Common Dental and Oral Problems/Conditions
Most of us will probably encounter a few dental problems or conditions throughout our lives. Below are the most common diseases or issues one may get concerning their dental and oral health, alongside possible causes and traditional treatment options:
Stained Teeth
Teeth might experience stains or discolourations due to a variety of reasons. They may be extrinsic, intrinsic, or age-related.
- Extrinsic discolouration. This type of discolouration is more surface-level, usually caused by food particles that cause stainings, such as those from coffee, tea, or wine. Frequent smoking could also cause extrinsic discolouration. These stains respond well to dental cleaning and brushing with whitening toothpaste.
- Intrinsic discolouration. This discolouration is located beneath the tooth’s surface, making it more resistant to over-the-counter whitening products. It has a variety of causes, including overuse of fluoride, tooth decay, certain medications, or genetics.
- Age-related discolouration. Age-related discolouration often happens later in life, since our teeth get weaker and are more prone to extrinsic and intrinsic discolouration. As the outer enamel thins over time, it also exposes the dentin within the tooth, which is naturally yellowish.
Tooth Decay
Cavities caused by tooth decay are areas of permanent damage in your teeth, often manifesting as tiny holes. Tooth decay usually occurs due to poor oral hygiene, frequent sugar intake, and bacteria in your mouth.
If left untreated, your cavities could cause mild to intense pain and grow bigger the longer you leave them unattended. Some treatment options for tooth decay include fillings, crowns, or root canals. If your dentist detects the cavity in its early stages, a fluoride treatment might save your tooth.
Gum Inflammation (Gingivitis)
Gingivitis or gum inflammation is a milder, earlier iteration of gum disease (periodontal disease). It causes redness, swelling, and inflammation to your gingiva, the part of your gums nearest to the base of your teeth.
Its most common cause is poor oral hygiene. Before it gets worse, you could reverse its effects through proper oral hygiene and dental care, alongside appointments with your dentist.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Periodontitis is a more severe case of gum disease, often caused by poor oral hygiene and plaque build-up. It damages the soft tissue and could even eat through the bone that supports your teeth if left untreated.
Some common symptoms of periodontitis include the following:
- Red/swollen gums
- Tender/bleeding gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Painful chewing
If you notice any symptoms, see a dentist right away. Catching periodontitis in its early stages gives allowance for non-invasive treatments. Severe periodontitis often requires surgery.
Cracked/Broken Teeth
Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth can have a variety of causes. Due to having weaker teeth, older people are more prone to it. However, they can also be caused by accidents, such as falling over, hitting your face, or biting too hard.
If you see a crack, break, or chip in your teeth, it’s best to see a dentist. The crack could be painful and cause your teeth to be more sensitive, depending on the severity.
Treatments range from cosmetic procedures like veneers to more intensive root canals, depending on the damage.
Sensitive Teeth
If you notice that hot and cold food, drinks, or even air cause your teeth to hurt, you might have sensitive teeth. They are often the result of worn tooth enamel, although they could also be symptoms of other conditions, such as tooth decay, cracked teeth, or gum disease.
Common treatments for sensitive teeth include desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, or root canals (for severe cases). If caused by other conditions, your dentist may advise treatment for the root cause of your sensitive teeth.
Oral Cancer
Mouth or oral cancer is located in any part of the mouth (oral cavity). This cancer can develop in the lips, tongue, inner cheek, the roof of the mouth, or underneath the tongue.
It can have many different risk factors, including smoking and tobacco use, human papillomavirus (HPV), excess sun exposure, family history of cancer, etc.
If you notice sores, bumps, discoloration, or pain in your mouth area that lasts for more than two weeks, consult your doctor.
Dental Care and Oral Hygiene Tips
Good oral health is the common denominator in preventing most, if not all, dental and oral problems. On the other hand, bad oral hygiene often exacerbates these conditions.
We’ve compiled some oral hygiene tips to keep these issues at bay and help you feel good about your smile:
Brush Properly and Regularly
Despite most Canadians visiting a dentist in the past year, only 37.5 percent of them brushed their teeth at least two times a day and flossed at least once a day. Clean teeth minimize bacteria and plaque build-up, keeping your mouth fresh and healthy.
Use Fluoride
Fluoride in your toothpaste helps strengthen your tooth enamel, fighting against tooth decay by slowing the acid production of the bacteria in your mouth.
Floss Daily
Using dental floss to clean your teeth helps avoid dental plaque build-up, especially between your teeth or areas your toothbrush cannot reach.
Limit Sugar and Starch Intake
Sugar and starch residue in your mouth attracts acid-producing bacteria that cause tooth decay. Eating sugar less frequently helps reduce the risk of cavities.
Eat a Balanced Diet
A healthy, vitamin-and-mineral-rich diet helps strengthen your teeth, making them more resistant to cavity-causing bacteria and other oral problems.
See a Dentist Regularly
Regular or frequent visits to your dentist help you stay on top of your dental health. Your dentist could catch possible problems as they arise, allowing you to address them right away.
Oral Health and Your Overall Health
Your oral health could be a window to your overall health. Poor oral and dental practices could affect the rest of your body. On the flip side, some diseases could also affect your oral health, manifesting as various oral problems.
Below are some diseases with possible links to oral health:
- This infection of your heart’s inner linings is often caused by bacteria from other parts of the body (including the mouth) that reach the heart.
- Cardiovascular disease. Although not yet fully understood, some studies suggest a link between cardiovascular issues and oral health.
- Some oral bacteria could reach the lungs, increasing the risk for pneumonia.
- Pregnancy and birth issues. Pregnant women are more prone to gum diseases, and links have been found between poor oral health and birth issues, such as premature births.
On the other hand, the conditions listed below may manifest in poor oral health:
- Due to poor resistance to infections, diabetes could increase the risk for gum disease.
- This condition weakens one’s bones and possibly affects your jawbone and teeth.
- Alzheimer’s disease. As the condition worsens, the person may no longer have the faculties to care for their teeth.
- HIV/AIDS. Oral lesions are common in people living with HIV/AIDS. The condition also hinders their capability to fight infections.
Did you know?There are different kinds of dentists and dental specialists to help with specific areas and problems pertaining to mouth health. |
Get Your Teeth Professionally Checked Today
Our lifestyle choices and family histories could pose various risks to our dental and oral health. Knowing them and the conditions that may arise helps us adjust to prioritize our health and ask for help when necessary.
Whether you need an orthodontist in Hamilton, treatments for specific conditions, or just a general checkup, Dentistry on 7th is the Hamilton dental office for you.
Their expert team will provide you with valuable advice and high-quality treatments for any dental or oral concerns you may have.
Let Dentistry on 7th take care of your oral health. Contact us today for your next dental checkup.
FAQs on Your Guide to Common Dental and Oral Conditions
1. What can you expect from a dental exam?
A dental exam will often include an overall mouth checkup, teeth cleaning, and x-rays when necessary.
2. What are the risk factors for cavities?
Nearly everyone is at risk for cavities, but here are some common risk factors for tooth decay:
- Frequent snacking/sipping of beverages
- Poor dental hygiene
- Tooth location
- Age
- Not enough fluoride
3. How do I choose a dentist?
There are various factors to consider, depending on your priorities. Below are a few suggestions:
- Recommendations from family, friends, doctors, or former dentists
- Experience and specialization, especially if you are looking for specific services
- Cost
- Proximity and convenience