Dental Problems and Solutions

Dental problems are issues with your mouth, teeth, tongue or gums.  Some can be treated easily and some need a more extensive treatment.  Other dental problems cannot be treated, but can be managed.  The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily and a morning tongue scraping for overall better oral hygiene.

Cavities/Caries – Sugars and starches that react with plaque creating an acid that eats away your teeth.  Solution- Brush your teeth before bed every night!

Tooth Decay – When teeth are exposed to carbohydrates, which turn into sugar and starches.  These carbohydrates mix with the plaque that already resides in your mouth to create an acid, which eats away at your teeth.  Solution- Continue your regular oral hygiene routine.

Tooth Sensitivity – Teeth become sensitive for many reasons.  Either a receded gum line exposes the surface of the root or sensitivity can be caused from eating cold, hot or acidic foods.  Solution- Avoid foods that cause you pain and see your Houston dentist for a specific resolution.

Yellow Teeth – Teeth become yellowed by foods, drinks (red wine & coffee) or from smoking habits. Some teeth have a natural yellow undertone.  Solution- Cosmetic Dentists of Houston can consult you on teeth whitening in-office or a take home kit.

Mouth Sores (Ulcers/Canker Sores) – Mouth/canker sores generally should be gone within two-months, and are generally caused by stress or heredity.  Oral herpes is a virus that causes mouth sores.  If these problems persist and sores last long than two-weeks, they can be caused by HPV and an Oral Cancer Screening needs to be performed.  Solution- If you are experiencing many ulcers consult your dentist to see if laser therapy will help.  Oral herpes is an incurable virus, but can be helped with antiviral creams or pills.

Wisdom Teeth – Wisdom teeth are removed when there isn’t enough room in the mouth.  When there isn’t enough room in the mouth the wisdom teeth can become impacted, which will cause pain and most likely an infection.    Solution- Consult with your dentist to see if wisdom teeth need to be removed.

Tooth Erosion – When the stomach acid reaches your mouth from either bulimia or bad cases of heartburn, your teeth can start to erode from the acid in your stomach.    Solution- Maintain a healthy diet and monitor your heartburn with medication or other remedies.

Toothaches – Anything and everything that causes pain in your teeth; from wisdom teeth, cavities to gum disease.  Solution- Practice great oral hygiene!

Teeth Grinding/Bruxism – When you grind your teeth at night it can be very harmful to your teeth, jaw and temples.  This habit is instinctive and very hard habit to break, since it happens in your sleep.   Solution- Remove stress-triggers from your life and if grinding continues consult your dentist about NightGuard.

Bad Breath – Halitosis is caused by layers of bacteria on the tongue. Bad breath can also result from dry mouth and mucous nasal drip.  Solution- Daily tongue scraping and an anti-histamine suggested by your physician for nasal drip.

Dry Mouth – This problem can persist from many things like medications or conditions.  Solution- Keep hydrated and if the problem persists consult your physician.

Gum Disease – This is caused by a film that forms on the teeth.  The plaque is a bacterium that hardens into tartar and releases toxins into the gum that loosens the fit of the teeth, and could create pockets that move toward the bone and destroy teeth. Different types of forming bacteria cause periodontal disease.   Solution- Remove plaque by brushing, flossing and regular professional cleaning visits from your Houston dentist.

These are the most common dental problems and solutions.  Oral hygiene is the best way to prevent any dental problems.  Preventive care is really important to Cosmetic Dentists of Houston, because it helps solve oral care problems before they persist.

Have questions about dental problems? Don’t be afraid to ask! Contact us or call our Houston dental office at 713-999-4591, and we’ll help with any questions you might need answered.