1 in 3 Canadians say that they have a dental need that requires professional care, according to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). If you identify as one of these people, you might be dealing with a common problem.
There are various dental issues that dentists see often because of poor oral health habits. It's important to schedule a dental visit right away if you are dealing with dental problems.
Keep reading to learn about the most common ones.
1. Tooth Decay
One of the most common dental problems that requires a dental visit is tooth decay. Tooth decay, also known as dental cavities or dental caries, occurs when bacteria form plaque on the teeth.
Plaque will eat away and permanently damage tooth enamel before working on the dentin layer beneath the enamel. Common symptoms of tooth decay include:
Holes in your teeth
Toothaches
Bad breath
An unpleasant taste in the mouth
A dentist will assess the extent of tooth decay and form a plan of action. You might need a root canal, filling, crown, or tooth extraction.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease, or gingivitis, is a bacterial infection caused by the buildup of plaque. Common symptoms of gum disease are:
Red and swollen gums
Gums that bleed easily
Bad breath
Sensitive teeth
Poor brushing habits can contribute to gum disease, but crooked teeth can also cause gingivitis because they are hard to brush properly.
A thorough cleaning from your dentist can help treat gum disease, but you have to prevent it from coming back with twice-daily brushing. Visit your dentist for regular dental checkups as well.
3. Cracked or Broken Teeth
You should always see a dentist for cracked or broken teeth. Tooth pain is the most common symptom of this dental issue. Cracked and broken teeth are often caused by:
Chewing hard foods
Grinding your teeth
Mouth piercings
Injury
Even if you think the crack or chip in your tooth isn't bad, you should have it examined by a dentist. A dentist can fix the problem with a crown, tooth-coloured filling, or veneer.
If you can't afford a dental visit, look for mobile clinics offering dental care.
4. Receding Gums
You should receive dental services for receding gums because they can lead to other dental problems. In severe cases, you could lose a tooth.
Receding gums expose the root of the tooth and make it more susceptible to damage. This condition can be caused by these factors:
Brushing your teeth too hard
Poor oral hygiene
Smoking
High blood pressure
Receding gums may be genetic. A dentist can care for receding gums with a thorough cleaning and a lesson on property brushing techniques. In complex cases, you may need a gum graft or another form of oral surgery.
Schedule Your Next Dental Visit in Kamloops Now
It's important to schedule your next dental visit as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the above problems. These common dental issues require the professional help of a dental professional.
However, you can prevent common dental problems with a proper oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time to mitigate your risk of diseases and pain.
Aberdeen Dental Arts can help you keep your teeth strong and healthy. Schedule an appointment if you need routine dental care or have a dental emergency in Kamloops.