At some point in our lives, we’ll likely experience some form of tooth or gum problem but for the most part, these tend to be fairly common complaints which are easily treated and managed. Even if your standards of oral hygiene are good, you can still need a little help from the professionals at times to ensure your mouth stays healthy. From sensitivity to gum disease, here are some common teeth problems and what you can do about them.
Sensitivity
If you get that tell-tale twinge when you eat or drink, you could be experiencing some sensitivity in your teeth, which is a result of exposed dentine, the layer underneath your tooth enamel, which normally acts as a protective barrier. Finding the cause of your sensitivity is the first step in treating it – and it could be caused by a number of different factors; enamel erosion from acidic food and drink, bleaching your teeth, gum disease or even brushing too hard and wearing your enamel away. Talk to us if you’re experiencing any sensitivity, and we can advise you as to the cause and steer you in the right direction when it comes to treatment and managing this condition.
Teeth grinding
If you find that you clench your jaw or wake up with sore teeth and aching jaw muscles, you could be grinding your teeth without even realising it. This can lead to all sorts of other conditions – from headaches to even wearing your teeth away and requiring constructive surgery. We recently published a blog post on how to stop grinding your teeth which you might find useful if you suffer from this condition.
Receding gums
When your gums appear to be shrinking, this can expose the root of your tooth where the nerves are. Gum recession can be caused by a lot of factors, from gum disease, to incorrect brushing technique to even genetics and can cause pain, sensitivity, bleeding and in extreme cases even tooth loss as the gums are no longer able to support the tooth properly and hold it in place. Catching this condition early is the key to treating and managing it successfully. If you’re worried about your gum health, talk to us and we’ll advise you on the best course of treatment. After all, healthy teeth start with healthy gums.
Decay
Tooth decay is normally not noticeable until it reaches the nerve of the tooth, but if left untreated it can lead to infection and a lot of pain. The good news is, it can be repaired with a filling to restore the function and aesthetics of your tooth to its previous form. We offer various treatments for decay as part of our general dentistry services – ask us if there’s a specific treatment you’d like more information on.
Gingivitis
This is more commonly known as gum disease, and can vary in terms of severity but normally manifests itself as red, swollen gums which bleed when you brush. As with most problems, prevention is better than cure, so to help your gums stay healthy, floss and brush twice daily, try and manage stress (as your gums bleeding can often be an unusual side effect of stress), and eat healthy foods with lots of fresh fruit and veg.
