It’s no surprise that dental problems can emerge from a variety of places: the wrong foods, genetics, a chipped tooth from a football game that results in a root canal in the future. One of the most important things we can do as practitioners is to help patients engage with and deeply understand their own health, including why these problems emerge and what we can to do treat them. It’s for this effort that we examine the nine most common dental problems that we see on a regular basis.
Problem Six: Tooth Decay
It may not surprise you to find out that the most common “disease” in the US is the common cold. However, you might be surprised to learn that tooth decay is the 2nd most common ailment amongst our population.
When plaque sits on the teeth and mixes with sugars and acids produced by bacteria, it can have a disastrous effect on the enamel of our teeth, causing decay. Unfortunately, once your enamel is gone, it cannot be replaced and your dentist may have to place a crown or dental implant. If not treated quickly, the decay just continues and can lead to severe problems like periodontal (gum) disease.
In order to prevent decay from occurring and causing long-term damage to your teeth, there are some routines and habits that you can adopt:
– Brush twice daily
– Floss once per day
– Eat foods and drinks that are low in sugar and acid
– Schedule routine dental cleanings at least once every six months (check with your dentist for the right frequency for you)
– Drink lots of water (particularly after eating) to wipe away acid from the enamel of your teeth
If you have any questions about tooth decay or if you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible.