The 10 Most Common Dental Problems and How to Fix Them

Woman patient talking to dentist and complaining of toothache

You shouldn’t overlook dental health when considering your overall health, especially since oral problems can cause significant pain when ignored.

Proper education on the most common dental issues is the best way to prevent them. Learning about treatment options will also make it easier to deal with them during recovery. Let’s talk about the 10 most common dental problems, their treatments, and where you can go for comprehensive dental care in Eugene, Oregon.

1. Cavities

Tooth cavities are also known as dental caries or tooth decay. It affects patients of all ages and is the most common issue that dentists diagnose.

Sugary food becomes acid once chewed and may damage the enamel or the teeth’s outer covering. When the enamel is compromised, bacteria stick to the teeth and may form plaque, ultimately creating cavities.

Cavity treatment includes dental sealants and fillings. To prevent tooth decay, brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. You may also floss and avoid sugary snacks.

2. Impacted Teeth

Your tooth becomes impacted when it fails to erupt. It usually occurs because of a lack of space in the mouth and gums. It can also happen when a tooth becomes stuck with another tooth, soft tissue, or bone.

People with impacted teeth experience pain in their jaw and gums. They also tend to have bad breath and difficulty opening their mouth.

Your dentist will recommend a dental X-ray to locate the exact area of the impacted tooth.

They may also perform eruption aids and simple extractions for minor cases. You may need extraction surgery for more severe cases.

3. Chipped or Cracked Teeth

Chips and cracks in the teeth happen due to chewing tough food, grinding at night, and sudden accidents. People with cracked teeth may experience pain, especially when chewing. They can also develop sensitivity to warm and cold food temperatures.

To treat a chipped tooth, your dentist may use dental dye to assess the damage. Depending on the severity of the crack, they may recommend the following:

  • Putting a crown on the affected tooth
  • Doing a root canal
  • Removing the tooth altogether

4. Sensitivity

You can develop tooth sensitivity from a chip or break in the tooth. But most times, it is caused by eating food with extreme temperatures and sugar content, like:

  • Cold drinks
  • Ice cream
  • Hot drinks
  • Candies and chocolate

Consider staying away from such foods if you have sensitive teeth. In some cases, mere exposure of the teeth to frigid air may also affect you.

5. Crooked Teeth

Many patients deem crooked teeth a problem. It can trigger self-consciousness because of how it makes their smile look.

To solve this, dentists may prescribe:

6. Erosion

Food sugar changes into acid when it stays on the teeth, eventually wearing out the enamel and leaving the teeth unprotected.

Erosion happens from continuous and severe damage. Unlike tooth decay which is mainly caused by eating sugary food, any acidic component that damages the teeth causes it.

Acid reflux is a common cause of tooth erosion because harsh stomach acids can do permanent damage.

Dentists treat erosion by applying crowns and veneers to the damaged teeth. They may also add resin to solve discoloration.

7. Gum Disease

Smokers and people above 30 are at the most risk of developing gum disease. Diabetics and patients with dry mouths are also more prone to this condition. The symptoms are:

  • Swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Teeth sensitivity
  • Bad breath
  • Pain, especially when chewing

Gum disease is gingivitis, while advanced cases are called periodontitis. Treatment includes:

  • Dental cleaning
  • Taking oral antibiotics
  • Applying topical antibiotics
  • Scaling or removing tartar from the teeth’s surface and under the gums
  • Root planning or smoothing down the surface of the tooth’s root
  • Surgery

8. Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is the technical term for teeth grinding. Emotional stress, sleep disorders, and misaligned teeth are the most common causes of this dental problem which may cause:

  • Cracked or chipped teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Headaches
  • Jaw pain and soreness

Treatment options for bruxism include:

  • Wearing a mouth guard while sleeping
  • Meditation
  • Stress management

9. Oral Cancer

Oral cancer includes any type of cancer that occurs on the tongue, lips, tonsils, oropharynx, and other mouth areas. People with it usually have mouth lumps and sores that won’t go away.

Treatment for this includes lifestyle changes and regular dental checkups. You may need chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to extract the lymph nodes for severe cases.

10. Stained Teeth

Discolored, yellowed, and stained teeth usually result from particular food and smoking habits. In other patients, dental trauma can also be a culprit.

To address this condition, your dentist will recommend teeth whitening methods like the following:

  • Applying a whitening agent and a special light to the affected teeth
  • Professional teeth bleaching
  • Whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes

Trusted Dentist in Eugene, Oregon

360 Dental is the leading dental clinic in Eugene, Oregon. Our team, headed by Dr. Ari Binder, offers the best and most effective treatment options for common dental problems. Dr. Binder is a certified family and implant dentist, and his expertise includes advanced treatment methods for oral issues. He is also highly skilled in performing teeth whitening and veneer application.

Call us today at (541) 689-1645 for inquiries. You may submit an online appointment form to schedule a consultation with us.