Tooth decay is also known as tooth decay or tooth decay. Gingivitis is the early stage and mild form of periodontal or gum disease. An accident can cause a chip. You can also do something much less dramatic, such as biting popcorn.
Your dentist may recommend a crown if the splinter is large, or glue it with a tough resin material to replace the area that chipped. If the pulp is at risk, you may need a root canal followed by a veneer or crown. Ice cream should taste good, not make you shiver when the cold hits your teeth. The first step is to find the cause.
These can be cavities, worn tooth enamel or fillings, gum disease, fractured teeth, or exposed roots. Once the dentist discovers the problem, you may need a filling, root canal, or gum treatment to replace lost tissue in the root. Or maybe you just need a toothpaste or a desensitizing strip, or a fluoride gel. How many teeth do you have in your mouth? If you're like most people, you had 20 primary teeth, or “baby teeth,” and now you have 32 permanent teeth.
It's rare, but some people have extra teeth, called hyperdontia. People who have it may also have another condition, such as cleft palate or Gardner syndrome (which forms tumors that are not cancerous). The treatment involves removing the extra teeth and using orthodontics to correct the bite. One in four adults has untreated tooth decay and, according to the CDC, nearly all adults will have tooth decay at some point.
You may have a cavity if you feel pain, if food gets stuck in the tooth, if you feel that your tooth is rough on your tongue, or if it hurts to eat something cold or sweet. Depending on their severity, cavities can be treated with fillings, crowns, or root canals. If the damage is too extensive or involves nerve damage, the tooth may need to be removed. To reduce the chance of developing tooth decay, brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, drink fluoridated water, use fluoride toothpaste, stay away from sugary foods and drinks, and see your dentist regularly.
If you regularly chew on hard foods such as nuts or ice cubes, grind your teeth, or get your mouth pierced, you have a greater risk of having your tooth broken. You may feel pain, depending on the amount of tooth that was lost. You may also feel a rough edge when you walk across it with your tongue. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, an infection of the tissues around the teeth caused by plaque.
If you have gingivitis, your gums can easily become red, swollen, and bleed. You may also experience bad breath. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know that you have it. Periodontitis is the most advanced form of gum disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
According to the CDC, nearly half of Americans the disease can be reversed in the early stages, but the damage can be permanent the longer it's left untreated. While you may not be aware of gum disease in your mouth, abscesses can develop, which are often painful. Symptoms include bleeding, swelling of the gums, persistent bad breath or bad taste, loose permanent teeth, and changes in bite. Your teeth may appear to get longer as your gums and bones recede.
There are many treatments available, including deep cleanings known as scraping and root smoothing. Talk to your dentist to find out what's best for you. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental health problems, the symptoms to watch for, and the possible treatments available. Even people with an excellent track record of keeping their teeth strong and healthy may have minor common dental problems.
All of these common dental problems can be prevented and kept at bay with very simple, everyday oral hygiene measures. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dental diseases are among the most common chronic diseases worldwide. .
