At Margolian Dentistry, we like to see patients regularly so we can monitor your dental health and hopefully prevent the most common dental problems from occurring. However, patient education is an important part of our practice, and we have found the more people know about their dental health, the more able they are to maintain a healthy smile, hopefully for life. Below are some of the most common dental problems and possible treatment options available.
Tooth Decay
Many people have one or two cavities caused by tooth decay. Cavities are caused when bacteria naturally present in your mouth produce acid that gradually erodes the tough outer layer of tooth enamel that protects your teeth. The dentin underneath tooth enamel is much softer and more easily eroded, so a cavity or hole can quickly form in a tooth.
Treatment options for a cavity can range from a tooth-coloured composite filling or porcelain filling to treat more substantial cavities. We may recommend a dental crown when a cavity is severe and where a substantial part of the tooth is decayed and must be removed. Good oral care can go a long way to preventing cavities and is as simple as brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and flossing every day, as this routine will remove the bacteria that cause cavities.
Gum Disease
Gum disease in Whitby is incredibly common. Also called periodontal disease, it is caused by dental plaque building up over your teeth. The bacteria in dental plaque infect and inflame your gums, causing them to become red and swollen and bleed frequently. Other signs include tooth sensitivity and bad breath.
We can treat the early signs of gum disease by cleaning your teeth professionally, and at this stage, gum disease in Oshawa is completely reversible. If the disease has progressed, you may need to have your teeth, and gums deep cleaned, a process called scaling and root planing. It is important to treat this condition as soon as possible, as without the proper care, it can lead to tooth loss and may even impact your overall health. It is partly why regular dental checkups are so important, as the early signs of gum disease are very easy to miss or ignore.
Misaligned or Crooked Teeth
It is easy to imagine crooked teeth are merely a cosmetic matter; sometimes, this is the case. However, severely misaligned teeth can affect your ability to bite and chew properly, cause wear and tear problems, and be harder to keep clean. This, in turn, can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Luckily, no matter your age, there are options for straightening teeth in Ajax. These include Invisalign, a virtually invisible adult-oriented braces system.
Bad Breath
Several factors can cause bad breath, a problem called halitosis. These include poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and acid reflux. Bad breath is often a temporary problem caused by eating certain foods like onions and garlic.
However, if you have more persistent bad breath, make an appointment to come and see us, as it is often due to poor oral care, and you could have an untreated dental problem. Resolving these issues will restore your dental health and leave you with sweeter, fresher breath. We will also most likely recommend you have your teeth cleaned professionally, as this is a great treatment for fresher breath while helping to protect your oral health. If we can’t find any reason for your bad breath, we may suggest you see your GP. Sometimes it can be due to a medical problem or caused by certain medications.
