There are many different dental problems that can cause individuals a world of hurt and frustration. Learning how to prevent, identify and treat a dental problem is an important part of caring for your oral health and the oral health of your children. In this article, we will outline six of the most common dental problems that people experience. Continue reading to learn about these dental problems, their symptoms, and how you can avoid developing one of these issues.

Common Dental Problems

Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth are an oral health issue that is very common in the United States. Luckily sensitive teeth are easily diagnosed and treated. The medical term for tooth sensitivity is dentin hypersensitivity. Symptoms of sensitive teeth include pain when chewing or pressing on the affected tooth and sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods. 

Sensitive teeth are often a result of genetics, as some people have thinner layers of enamel. However, sensitive teeth can also be caused by brushing too hard, consistently eating acidic foods, and grinding your teeth. If you experience tooth sensitivity, consider changing your diet and oral health practices after consulting a dentist.

Receding Gum Lines

Another common dental problem is receding gums. Sometimes referred to as gingival recession, receding gums is the term used to describe the medical condition where the gums begin to retreat away from the teeth, revealing the root of the tooth. When a person has receding gums, their teeth will look longer, their gums may dramatically change color, they may experience tooth sensitivity and sore/swollen gums, and the gums will be loose and unattached. 

Like with sensitive teeth, receding gums can be caused by over-brushing your teeth or by clenching and grinding your teeth. Receding gums can also be a symptom of periodontitis or gingivitis. It is important to see a dentist find the best treatment for receding gum lines because the treatment will be different depending on what the root cause of the issue is.

Dry Mouth 

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, has many different causes but is generally known to be where the mouth cannot produce enough saliva to keep the tongue and the sides of the mouth wet. However, dry mouth is an oral health issue that may not always be due to underlying causes. Being dehydrated can lead to dry mouth, so drinking a lot of water is very important.

Dry mouth can also be caused by sleeping with your mouth open, living in a hot, dry climate, and by certain medications. Symptoms of dry mouth include chapped lips, a burning sensation within the mouth, mouth sores, etc. It is important to get in contact with your dentist if you are experiencing dry mouth in order to find the cause of and treat the problem.

Toothaches

Most people have either experienced a toothache or have known someone that has had one. Toothaches are widely common and also have a wide variety of things that can cause them. A piece of food getting stuck in a tooth, a bacterial infection, or a broken tooth are three of the many things that could cause a toothache. 

Symptoms of a toothache can include pain in or around a tooth that is constant, sharp, or throbbing. The gums may swell, you may experience bad breath, or have discharge coming from the affected area. Rinsing your mouth with salt water, taking anti-inflammatory medication, and using a cold compress may help dull the pain, but it is important to visit your dentist if the pain doesn’t subside.

Do You Need A New Dentist?

We at Jensen Dental offer the best of the best when it comes to high-quality dental care and fixing common dental problems. We have many of the newest dental technologies and our expert staff is proud to offer excellent dental cleanings and oral procedures.

Not only can we quickly and efficiently diagnose dental problems but we can also offer you solutions that will leave your mouth feeling clean and your teeth looking brilliant. If you need a new dentist or have had an ongoing issue with your teeth, feel free to give us a call today at Jensen Dental.