Dental problems can be disruptive to your daily life and wellbeing. Fortunately, most dental problems can be easily prevented and treated. It is no secret that brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, eating the right foods, and having routine dental check-ups are critical steps in preventing common oral health problems.
Even if you’re diligent with caring for your teeth, there will be times that you need to visit the dentist with a more substantial issue. If you’re feeling any of the five symptoms below, be sure to book an appointment as soon as possible, so that our dentists can address the problem before it can turn into something worse:
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Gum Disease
- Tooth Decay
- Stained Teeth
- Dry Mouth
Tooth sensitivity is a problem many people have which can affect their lifestyle and food habits. Signs of sensitive teeth involve experiencing discomfort or pain from cold foods and drinks, sweets, or hot foods and drinks. Some patients with sensitive teeth may also experience pain or discomfort when flossing or brushing. Tooth sensitivity can be a symptom of various dental problems and it’s important for a dental practitioner to investigate and diagnose the cause. Tooth sensitivity can be prevented by observing good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing your teeth daily with fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, as well as minimising the consumption of acidic or sugary foods. If you are already experiencing tooth sensitivity, you should visit Soothing Care Dental for the proper treatment.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of the gum and bone under the gum in the jaw caused by the accumulation of plaque on teeth. Gingivitis is the first sign of gum disease, which is bleeding and swelling of the gums. Gingivitis progresses into periodontal disease where the bone under the gum is destroyed by bacteria, causing irreversible jawbone damage. With gum disease, the signs include bad breath, wobbly teeth, bleeding and swollen gums, and food getting trapped under the gum. Periodontal disease and gingivitis are generally not a painful, so patients often do not know they have it. It is important to see our team of dental practitioners if you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms to prevent further complications like tooth loss.
Tooth decay, otherwise known as dental caries or cavities, occurs when plaque combines with acidic or sugary foods that you consume. These acids slowly eat away your tooth enamel and dentine which can form holes. Sometimes the acid can penetrate through the enamel and start breaking down the tooth from the dentine layer, and there won’t be a physical hole in the tooth. Tooth decay is a multifactorial disease which develops from factors such as tooth anatomy, poor oral hygiene, insufficient topical fluoride, insufficient saliva, and a sugary diet. If you leave caries untreated, it could progress deeper into the tooth towards the tooth nerve or pulp. If the bacteria manages to affect the pulp, it can cause a gum abscess and tooth necrosis. If left to this stage, it can be very painful affecting the ability to eat and sleep. Therefore, timely oral treatments are crucial, whether it is a restoration, root canal treatment or tooth extraction.
Look at your teeth like laundry… the right approach will remove any stains. There are internal and external stains that can discolour your teeth, and the stain removal solution depends on the nature of the stain. Some extrinsic stains can be caused by coffee, tea, wine, coloured foods and drinks, chromogenic bacteria in saliva, mouthwash, and tobacco. Examples of intrinsic stain causes include some medications and dental trauma. Our dental team at Soothing Care Dental can provide a range of solutions to your stains, such as teeth whitening, AIRFLOW stain removal, and restorations. However, it is important to remember that after your treatment, it is essential to maintain healthy habits to preserve your pearly whites for years to come.
Dry mouth (Xerostomia) is a common oral health problem usually caused by a lack of saliva. This may happen for various reasons and is typically an adverse effect of taking certain prescribed medications. The risks associated with Xerostomia is that it drastically reduces the much-needed lubrication, cleansing and moisture of your teeth and gums. Our dental team will examine your teeth for signs of tooth decay that may have been caused by the reduction of saliva flow. Besides regular visits to our dentist, staying well hydrated will help prevent dry mouth dental problems.
If you are experiencing any of the gum and teeth conditions discussed above, schedule an appointment with your trusted Glebe Dental Practice, Soothing Care Dental today.
