4 MOST COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS

Dental and oral health is very important for social life and general nutrition. Poor oral health can lead to tooth loss, and tooth loss causes psychological and functional problems.

Pain, tops the list of reasons for visiting the dentist. However, pain is not the only reason to visit the dentist. The overall state of oral and dental health is closely related to systemic health. For this reason, all problems related to the mouth and teeth should be solved without wasting time by visiting the dentist.

In this article we will try to explain the dental problems that cause pain or that should be considered even if they do not cause pain.

1. Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease or gum disease is much more common than tooth decay and leads to tooth loss. There are two main forms of the disease: simple gingivitis and the advanced form. Because gum disease is an infection of gum, it affects general health and all organs. The heart and brain are particularly affected.

Infections that occur in the gums due to insufficient attention to oral and dental care, malnutrition and some diseases can cause inflammation of the gums. This problem, which usually occurs due to bacterial infections, is called gingivitis.

It usually heals spontaneously within a few days and requires no treatment other than extensive oral hygiene. However, if the inflammation is very large and lasts longer than 4-5 days, a dentist should be consulted.

2. Receding Gums

Gum recession is the term used to describe discomfort that manifests itself when the tissue around the teeth and the root of the tooth recedes. The first sign of gum recession is usually tooth sensitivity. Apart from this, the symptoms of gum recession can be listed as follows:

• Bleeding in the gums, when brushing teeth, or at normal times
• Bleeding when eating hard foods (such as apples, pears)
• The tooth appears longer than normal
• Redness or swelling of the gums.

Sometimes the simple gum recession problem can be resolved with tartar cleaning. However, in severe withdrawals, it is not possible to return to a healthy state on its own. First of all, first-stage treatments are applied, if necessary, surgery is started and soft tissue grafts can be used. For this reason, the type of treatment is determined after registration with the dentist and examination of the medical history.

3. Sensitive Teeth

The discomfort caused by cold or hot, sweet or sour foods and drinks in the teeth is often neglected and ignored. However, this is a problem that seriously reduces the quality of life of the person and needs to be treated.

Tooth sensitivity occurs as a result of damage to the dentin layer covering the teeth. Although tooth sensitivity is characterized by a short-term and temporary pain, if the main causes of sensitivity are not treated, oral health problems can become worse and their treatment more difficult.

The problem of sensitive teeth makes itself felt especially in the following situations:

• When consuming hot food and drinks
• When consuming cold, icy foods and drinks
• When consuming sweet foods
• When consuming soda and some fruits
• Due to cold weather
• While brushing teeth, cleaning, rinsing your mouth with cold water

In some people, sensitivity occurs because the tooth enamel is structurally weaker. However, it mostly occurs due to bruxism, excessive brushing of the teeth, excessive consumption of acidic foods and beverages, reflux-like stomach disorders and gum recession.

4. Tooth Decay

One of the most common dental problems is tooth decay. It can cause pain and long-term tooth loss in patients. Neglected tooth decay; can cause cardiovascular disease, rheumatism, ulcers, kidney and liver problems and even cancer.

It is not that difficult to prevent or treat tooth decay with a few simple remedies. We can list some of them as follows:

• Brushing teeth regularly, correctly and effectively,
• Using dental floss
• Not to consume foods that can damage the teeth and increase the acidity in the mouth,
• Prefering natural fruit juices instead of acidic drinks,
• Avoiding sugary foods constantly,
• Keeping the mouth sterile
• Consuming fibrous foods such as carrots and apples,
• Especially brushing the teeth or rinsing with plenty of water after foods such as candy, chocolate, turkish delight,
• To check for caries by going to the dentist regularly and taking panoramic x-rays at regular intervals.