Symptoms of dental and oral problems
Although you shouldn’t wait until you have symptoms to visit your dentist, you should make an appointment if you experience any of the following symptoms of dental health issues:
Mouth sores that last more than two weeks
Inflamed gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
Persistent bad breath
Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures through food, beverages, and even air
Jaw and mouth pain or toothache
Receding gums and loose teeth
Pain when chewing or biting
Cracked or broken teeth
An unusually dry mouth
Swollen cheek
Jaw popping and clicking
Causes of dental and oral diseases
As previously mentioned, your mouth is home to entire colonies of microorganisms. And while most of these bacterial species are harmless, some are downright harmful.
For instance, Streptococcus mutans produces enamel-eroding acids which cause tooth decay, and Porphyromonas gingivalis is involved in the progression of gum disease.
Bacteria that sticks on the teeth (plaque) makes gums prone to infection. And when the immune system attacks this infection, it causes the gums to inflame, a condition known as gingivitis.
If left untreated, increased inflammation and the chemicals released eat away at the gums and bone structure that hold teeth. The result is severe gum disease known as periodontitis.
Risk factors for gingivitis and periodontitis include:
Poor dental hygiene
Smoking
Frequent snacking on sugary foods and drinks
The use of medications that cause dry mouth
Systemic conditions such as AIDS or diabetes
Acid reflux or heartburn
Genetics
How to diagnose oral and dental problems
Most dental and oral problems can be diagnosed during a dental exam, where a dentist examines your teeth, mouth, throat, tongue, cheeks, jaw, and neck. The dentist uses various tools and takes dental X-rays to assist in the diagnosis.
A tool known as a probe is used to measure your gum pockets. It tells your dentist if you have receding gums or gum disease. And in the case of abnormal lumps, lesions, or growths in your mouth, your dentist may perform a gum biopsy.
If oral or oropharyngeal cancer is suspected, your dentist may order imaging tests to check if the cancer has metastasized. These tests may include X-ray, MRI scan, CT scan, and endoscopy.
Treating dental and oral problems
If you’re showing signs of gum disease, infections, or other oral problems, your dentist may recommend various treatments, including:
Cleaning: a dental hygienist uses a scaler to remove plaque and tartar around your gum line and in between your teeth. The hygienist later brushes your teeth with a high-powered toothbrush, which is followed by flossing and rinsing.
Fluoride treatments: following a dental cleaning, your dentist may apply a fluoride treatment on your teeth’s surface. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities.
Antibiotics: your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if you have a gum infection or a tooth abscess. They come in different forms, such as a mouth rinse, gel, oral tablet, or capsule.
Fillings, crowns, and sealants: with fillings, dentists remove the damaged part of a tooth and fill it. Dental crowns involve dentists placing tooth-shaped caps over teeth or implants. And sealants are thin, protective coatings placed on the back teeth. These treatments repair or prevent tooth structure damage.
Root canal: if tooth decay reaches the pulp of your tooth, a root canal treatment is needed. During the procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and replaced with a filling.
Probiotics: these helpful bacteria help prevent plaque, treat bad breath and, decrease inflammation from gum disease. You can take probiotic supplements or eat probiotic foods, such as yogurt, kefir, tempeh, kimchi, miso et cetera.
Surgery for dental or oral problems
Oral surgeries can be performed to treat advanced periodontitis, replace missing teeth, or fix broken ones.
Flap surgery: the surgeon makes a small cut in the gum and folds it back in the form of a flap. He/she will then remove plaque and tartar underneath the gums then stitch the flap back into place.
Bone grafting: if gum disease causes damage to the bone surrounding the root of your tooth, a bone graft is needed. A graft made from one of your bones, a synthetic bone, or a donated bone replaces the damaged bone.
Soft tissue grafts: to treat receding gums, a dentist removes a small piece of tissue from your mouth or uses a donor tissue and attaches it to the areas of your gums that are missing.
Tooth extraction: in cases where a tooth cannot be saved, it is likely to be extracted. Tooth extraction is also done to remove impacted teeth.
Dental implants: these are metal posts or frames that are surgically placed in your jawbone to support replacement teeth.
How to keep your teeth and gums healthy
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a brush whose head and bristles are small enough to reach into the crevices of your molars
Use fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily
Use a mouthwash to remove food particles toothbrushes or floss can’t reach
Replace your toothbrush every three months since bristles deteriorate with time and usage
Eat a healthy diet and reduce the intake of foods with added sugars, such as soda, cakes, ice cream, among many others
Avoid using tobacco products
Schedule regular dental visits and cleanings
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