Dental issues are actually pretty common, and they can be the result of poor dental hygiene, lifestyle habits, or even genetics. No matter what the cause, it’s important to take your oral health seriously to avoid further issues and complications. However, certain dental problems can be easily fixed.
#1: Broken/Cracked Teeth
Cracked, chipped, and broken teeth are usually caused by an impact to the mouth, or even from eating/chewing. Most of the time, a damaged tooth can be saved as long as the tooth isn’t sensitive to hot and cold— which indicates nerve damage. In this case, the tooth will have to be pulled, and an implant inserted in its place.
Bonding and fillings can repair damaged teeth. Fillings are placed directly on the surface of the tooth or they cover the entire tooth if necessary. Bonding, which is often used on broken teeth, uses a composite solution that gets molded into the shape of a tooth and cured with a high intensity light to create a natural-looking and sturdy tooth structure.
#2: Cavities
Cavities occur when the enamel on the teeth wears down, creating erosion of the teeth. The main causes of cavities include bacteria in the mouth, citrus fruits, frequent snacking (especially on chewy candy and starchy snacks), and sugary drinks. Not brushing your teeth correctly (twice a day for at least two minutes) and flossing can also contribute to cavities in the teeth.
Brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash can help prevent cavities. It’s also possible to reverse cavities (in the early stages) by doing the same.
#3: Crooked and Gapped Teeth
Crooked and gapped teeth are two issues that can be caused by genetics. Jaw size is genetic and can contribute to both crooked and gapped teeth. Crowding, overbites, and underbites can also be caused by genetics.
Both crooked and gapped teeth can be corrected with braces and aligners. The most common type of braces are metal braces, but there’s also ceramic braces (that look like teeth) and lingual braces (metal braces that are installed behind the teeth). However, clear aligners are becoming more popular than braces because they’re the most discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth.
#4: Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are stuck in the gums and haven’t broken through because the jaw may be too small, or the teeth may be overcrowded and there’s no room in the mouth. If the impacted teeth do come through the gums, this can result in the other teeth becoming displaced. The most common impacted teeth are the wisdom teeth, or the third molars. Removing the wisdom teeth is a fairly common practice, though most dentists recommend not removing them if they aren’t causing any major problems.
#5: Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can be caused by a condition called congenitally missing teeth (which causes people to be born without certain teeth), or by injuries to the mouth. However, missing teeth are also caused by poor dental hygiene that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease. Missing teeth can’t be replaced— unless they’re baby teeth— because there are no other teeth that grow in after adult teeth.
Dental implants, dentures, and removable veneers are false teeth options that can be used to fix the appearance of missing teeth. Today’s fake teeth look much more natural and are much more functional than they were in the past. In fact, temporary or snap-on veneers can hide a variety of tooth issues.
#6: Stained Teeth
Yellowish and stained teeth aren’t always the result of not brushing or flossing your teeth— but your lifestyle habits may be the culprit. For example, smoking and/or chewing tobacco can result in stained teeth, and so can some of the foods you eat. Some of the most common foods and drinks that can stain your teeth include:
- Tomato-based foods
- Tea
- Sports drinks
- Soy sauce
- Sodas
- Red wine
- Popsicles
- Fruit juices
- Curry
- Coffee
Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes are great, but they only remove surface stains. To get deeper, you’ll have to buy actual whitening products, such as whitening strips, pastes, or gels. You can also get a professional whitening from an orthodontist.
No matter which dental issues you’re struggling with, it’s still important to continue proper oral hygiene after you’ve gotten the problem corrected. While some of these solutions cover up problems, these problems can still persist or get worse if you neglect your oral health. That's why it's crucial that you reach out to dentist near me staten island so they can examine your teeth and suggest some ways on how you can keep them healthy and strong.
