Top 10 Fixes for Common Tooth Problems

Tooth problems are a common among both the young and the old. There are different types of tooth problems and each has it’s own fix. Here we list the fixes for the Top 10 common tooth problems.

Toothache

You have a dentist appointment. What to do in the meantime? Rinse with warm water, floss or interdental brush to remove trapped food, take otc pain relievers. Combination of extra strength tylenol and advil works well. Swelling, draining pus or elevated temperature is often a sign of abscess which is treated with antibiotics.

Stained teeth

Foods, medicines tobacco, tea and trauma are common causes of discolored teeth. Whitening can be done in office by the dentist. You can also whiten at home using a custom fitted tray and bleaching gel provided by the dentist. Whitening toothpaste and rinses are only mildly useful.

Cavities

These holes in your teeth can be bad news. They occur when a sticky, bacteria laden layer called plaque adheres to your teeth for an extended period. This creates an acid which eats thru the enamel layer, eventually extending to the nerve if not removed. To prevent plaque build-up brush your teeth at least once a day and clean between the teeth with floss or a small interdental brush.

Chipped tooth

This is the number one dental injury. Can be caused by an accident or biting into something hard like a popcorn kernel. Also caused by the presence of amalgam (silver/mercury) fillings which expand and contract enough to cause cracking. Treatment usually involves placing a tooth colored filling material or possibly a crown in more severe cases.

Impacted teeth

An adult tooth that does not erupt properly into it’s place is “impacted.” This usually happens when a tooth gets stuck against another tooth or bone. This is most commonly seen in the rearmost or wisdom teeth. If the tooth doesn’t bother it is usually left alone, otherwise removal is recommended.

Cold sensitivity

That ice cream cone should taste good and not make you wince when the cold hits your teeth. The dentist will first try to determine the cause. Common causes are cavities, thin enamel, worn or broken fillings, gum disease and exposed roots from receding gums. Usually the cause is treatable or you may only need to use a desensitizing toothpaste such as sensodyne.

Crooked teeth

The fix which is called orthodontia isn’t just for kids. Straightening crooked teeth and aligning your bite is more than just cosmetic. It can be a big help in improving overall dental health, making home care much easier and treating issues such as jaw pain. Braces can be fixed as in attaching a small metal bracket to each tooth or using clear removeable thin plastic aligners commonly called “invisalign.”

Gaps between front teeth

Many people do not consider this to be a problem. Rather they consider it to be part of their personality. Many celebrities have this gap and are quite ok with it. For those interested in correcting this sort of gap, solutions include orthodontia, or cosmetics such as porcelain veneers or bonding.

Gum disease

Do your gums bleed easily? Are they tender? Are they pulling away from your teeth? Do people cringe at your bad breath? These can be signs of gum disease. To avoid gum disease be regular and thorough with your home care and see your dentist for regular cleanings.

Clenching and grinding

This is called bruxism. Often caused by stress. Can result in headaches, sore jaws, cracked or loose teeth. If you grind at night your dentist can fit you for a removeable night guard.