You might not like to think about it, but your teeth can be troublesome. Teeth contain live tissue and nerves. As a result, our mouths are a breeding ground for good and bad bacteria. Also, your teeth are constantly active, so it’s no wonder they end up causing issues.

This guide to the most common dental problems will explain which steps to take and approach treatments.

Tooth Decay

You may be familiar with tooth decay if you have ever had a cavity. When the bacteria in dental plaque settle on teeth, they produce an acid that gradually eats away at the tooth enamel to form holes. These bacteria are prevalent after eating starches or sugars. So, limiting these in your diet will help prevent tooth decay.

The best approach to dealing with plaque is prevention. Once cavities appear, there is no way to reverse them. Current remedies include drilling and filling, alongside preventive strategies such as routine dental exams, brushing and flossing, and avoiding sugary foods.

If tooth decay progresses to the point of no return, a tooth extraction may be necessary. Dental implants can cosmetically and functionally repair lost teeth.

Periodontitis (Gum Disease)

This bacterial infection results from plaque accumulation in the mouth. The bacteria eat away at gum tissues and ligaments holding your teeth in place. With five stages of gum disease, patients typically have plenty of time to reverse its progress.

If your gums bleed while brushing, this is a primary symptom of gingivitis, and you should consult a dentist. During a dental exam, your doctor will probe the pockets inside the gum tissue. If these pockets are painful or bleed, they are likely infected. Prescription antibiotics can treat the problem early on.

Tooth Root Infection

This problem occurs when a tooth’s root becomes infected and fills with bacteria, which damage the pulp, tissue, and nerves inside the tooth. A deep crack or cavity can lead to an infection. Acute root infections can cause painful abscesses. In addition, they can make your face swell. Abscesses usually occur only after root infection has progressed substantially.

A root canal is the only viable option for root infections. Unfortunately, this process is a lengthy and complex treatment. Although it has a reputation for being a painful experience, anesthesia can make it more tolerable.

Wisdom Tooth Eruption

These third molars are the final four teeth in your mouth. When they erupt, they may cause pain or tooth crowding. Also, they are harder to reach, making proper hygiene challenging. However, many people don’t need their wisdom teeth, and wisdom tooth extraction may provide relief and add to oral health.

TMJ

Temporomandibular joint disorder involves a dysfunction of the joint found just below the ears and above the jawbone. The condition leads to teeth grinding or clenching when sleeping. It is more common in women than men and is likely to appear during the childbearing years. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help resolve TMJ, as can sleeping with dental health guards.

Schedule Your Dental Consultation

You don’t have to live with untreated tooth pain, bleeding gums, cavities or periodontal disease. Call our Austin oral surgery office at (512) 327-7233 to request a consultation.