Top 10 Most Common Dental Issues

Your mouth is very complex. Oral health should be an important part of your regular self-care routine. You should also be aware of the issues that can arise with your mouth, and know what to do about them to prevent long-term damage.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the wearing away of the enamel of the tooth, resulting in cavities that can eventually eat through to the root, causing intense pain. Prevention includes good oral care and routine checkups.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is usually caused by diet or poor oral care. Tongue scraping, regular brushing and a good mouthwash should take care of the problem.

Gum Disease

Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of gum disease, and can result in major damage to your teeth and gums. Periodontitis is the most serious form of the disease and can manifest as constant bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums and loose teeth, and can put you at risk for a heart attack or stroke. Regular dental care is essential to catch and reverse the effects.

Teeth Grinding

Known as Bruxism, teeth grinding can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away, and create issues with jaw alignment, resulting in pain. The most common causes are stress and misalignment of your jaw. Your dentist can make you a special guard that will keep you from grinding your teeth.

Yellow Teeth

Yellowing of the teeth is typically caused by environmental factors such as smoking. Your dentist can whiten your teeth, however you must eliminate the factors that caused the yellowing or it will return.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are molars, and can cause all sorts of problems. If they do not erupt fully, bacteria can get into the socket and cause decay. Many people opt to have them removed as a preventative measure, before they cause pain and dental issues.

Mouth Sores

Mouth sores are generally caused by either herpes or canker sores. Herpes is a virus, and while there is no cure, it can be treated with anti-viral creams and medications. Canker sores are bacterial, and although they are painful, they generally go away on their own in a few days.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by exposure of the root (even just a tiny bit), the wearing away of the enamel, or exposure to heat or cold. Your dentist can recommend a special toothpaste that can help lessen the sensitivity.

Enamel Erosion

An acidic environment is often the main cause of enamel erosion. Bulimia, acid reflux and other issues that raise the acidity in your mouth are common culprits. Prevention includes drinking lots of water, chewing sugarless gum and eliminating the root cause.

Oral Cancer

This is the most serious of all mouth diseases. If it is not caught and treated early, it can be life threatening. Common causes include chewing tobacco, alcoholism and smoking.

If you are concerned about your dental health, contact us at Pearland Family Dentistry today. Our friendly professionals will ensure that your condition is diagnosed properly and that we find the best treatment options to meet your needs.

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Custom Athletic Mouth Guards and Night Guards

If you are a parent with kids playing sports—especially high impact sports—you are no doubt aware of the inherent dangers involved. You’ve probably purchased shin guards, kneepads, shoulder pads and a helmet or two…but have you considered the risks to your child’s mouth?

According to WebMD, 40% of mouth injuries occurring in adolescents and young adults happen while they are playing sports, yet only about 7% of young people wear mouth protection. In 1962, when colleges and high schools began requiring young people to wear mouth protection during sports, the risk of injury dropped from approximately 50% to less than 1%, depending on the sport and the study cited.

What kind is best?

The best type of mouth guard is one that has been specially molded to fit your teeth and jaw. Your dentist can make one for you, and while they are not cheap, when you factor in the physical and emotional cost of a catastrophic injury to your mouth or face, it is definitely worth it.

How is it made?

Your dentist will make a plaster cast of your teeth, and then use that cast to make a mouth guard specifically designed for you. Most dentists will allow you to “personalize” your guard, including making it in your team colors or putting your team mascot on it. In any case, you can be assured that the protection that it provides will reduce your risk of injury. A well-made guard is comfortable to wear as well, unlike the over-the-counter brands that can be awkward.

What is the difference between a mouth guard and a night guard?

As we have discussed, a mouth guard is typically used during sports. A night guard is prescribed by your dentist when you have been diagnosed with bruxism (grinding your teeth) and is used to prevent injury to your teeth and jaw while you are sleeping. Night guards should also be molded specifically to your mouth, to provide maximum protection. It should be noted that the two are not generally interchangeable. A night guard is not made of the same heavy material as a mouth guard and will not provide the level of protection that you need for sports play. In addition, while you can conceivably wear your mouth guard while you’re sleeping, it will most likely be rather uncomfortable, as it is made of a stronger, thicker material.

Contact us at Pearland Family Dentistry today to make the proper recommendation for your particular sport or activity. Make an appointment once you have decided what sport you plan to play, and have a complete oral checkup, then invest in proper mouth protection. All it takes is one good hit to the mouth to do major damage—and it is preventable!

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