Ten Common Dental Problems

Ten Common Dental Problems and Their Solutions

Dental patients don’t often come into appointments with smiles. But they’ll walk out with one.

Oral health issues don’t just cause bad breath. They can cause severe pain or be a sign of a larger medical problem.

Want a career as a dental assistant? Here are some common health problems patients have.

Cavities

Cavities are holes caused by tooth decay. They’re created by plaque, a layer of bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth. Plaque damages the enamel that protects the teeth, causing tooth decay.

Patients can avoid cavities by practicing good dental hygiene and limiting sugar intake. If a patient already has cavities, they’ll need a dental filling. Not addressing the issue can lead to infections and further decay.

Hypodontia

Hypodontia refers to the developmental lack of teeth. It’s often the result of genetic disorders. However, missing teeth can also be caused by environmental issues such as trauma. Not resolving hypodontia can lead to chewing and speech problems.

This disorder is treated by dental implants or dentures.

Teeth Stains

Food and chewing tobacco easily stain teeth. Luckily a quick trip to the dentist can get that bright smile back. Dentists use a whitening agent to clean stained teeth.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding might not just be a force of habit. It could be a sign of an abnormal bite. Over time, grinding damages teeth and the jaw.

Teeth grinding could be a sign of stress. In this case, the solution lies outside the dental office. If the grinding stems from dental issues it can be resolved with a mouthguard.

Chipped Teeth

It happens to the best of us. Maybe you took a bite of a delicious apple that was a little hard. Or you walked straight into a glass wall you didn’t know was there.

However it happened, you now have a cracked tooth that’s extra sensitive. If it’s above the crown line, a crown and a root canal can fix it. Cracks below the crown line requires a tooth extraction.

Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth affect more than appearance. Straightening teeth relieves jaw pain and improves chewing.

This issue can’t be resolved in a quick-fix dental appointment. Crooked teeth need to be slowly put back in place using braces and aligners.

Sensitive Teeth

It’s natural for your body to be affected by changing weather. But if the cold or the heat causes tooth pain it’s time to visit the dentist.

There are different causes for sensitive teeth. Common root issues are:

Enamel erosion
Exposed roots
Gum disease

Once the issue is resolved, your teeth will lose the sensitivity.

Bleeding or Sore Gums

Sensitive gums are a strong indicator of gingivitis. This gum disease is a result of plaque buildup. Left untreated, gingivitis results in chewing issues and further disease.

Simple professional cleanings are all it takes to resolve gum inflammation.

Mouth Sores

Mouth sores cover a broad range of issues, including:

- Canker sore: These are small and white with a ring of inflammation. These are minor and will quickly resolve themselves.
- Food allergy: The solution to food allergies depends on the severity of the reaction. Mild reactions will self-resolve. Severe food allergies might require a trip to the hospital.
- Anemia: Results from a vitamin B deficiency. Other symptoms of anemia include fatigue and tongue swelling. You can avoid anemia by eating nutrient-rich foods, including leafy greens and legumes. In some cases, doctors recommend a folate medication to get levels to normal.
- Celiac disease: This is an autoimmune disease caused by a negative reaction to gluten. Other indicators of celiac disease are bloating, constipation, and fatigue. Unfortunately, there is no cure for celiac disease. It’s recommended that those diagnosed maintain a gluten-free diet.
- Oral cancer: Mouth cancer is the result of abnormal cell growth. These sores are white or yellow patches that don’t heal. See an oncologist to determine the next steps for treatment.

10. Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are third molars that are sometimes unable to fully grow in. They come in early adulthood and can impact the other teeth if left untreated. Wisdom tooth removal is the only solution.

Become a Dental Assistant Today

Dentists can’t save smiles by themselves. They require a lot of support from dental assistants.

You can prepare for your career by enrolling in PCI Health’s dental assistant program. In as little as nine months, you could make smiles a little brighter.

Visit our website for more information.

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For more information about our graduation rates and other important information, please visit our website at www.pcihealth.edu/consumer-information.