Everyone wants shiny teeth, a charming smile, and fresh breath to radiate confidence. However, this is not possible if you experience dental health problems. 

According to the WHO Global Oral Health Status Report, oral health issues affect about 3.5 billion people globally. Though the number is alarming, the truth is that most dental health problems are preventable and are most curable if treated in their earlier stages. This comes down to the fact that our dental issues often intensify due to our negligence. 

Dental health problems can be wide-ranging, and below is a list of some dental health issues and their treatment options.

1. Tooth decay

Did you know that almost 100% of adults are experiencing some type of dental issue, and approximately 90% have had some type of tooth cavity or decay? However, leaving tooth decay untreated can lead to loss of teeth, causing you to go for dental implants or bridges. 

Your teeth start to decay when plaque covers the outer surface of your teeth. The bacteria in sugary foods produce acids that gradually damage your enamel or external tooth layer. The acids then start affecting the softer dentin layer below the enamel. 

Symptoms of tooth decay

• Holes and cavities form in your teeth
• Toothaches, including pains when eating or drinking something.
• Dark spots on teeth (black or brown)
• Bad breath
• Bad taste in your mouth

Treatment options for tooth decay

Treatment begins by determining the extent of damage to your teeth; as a result, the doctor may recommend the following:

• Dental bridges or implants in case of tooth loss due to tooth decay. It involves replacing your tooth roots and filling the gap of a missing tooth with a new tooth. To decide between Dental Implants vs Bridges, do your research online to understand their pros and cons or consult with your dentist. 
• Fill the holes in the tooth with silver amalgam, gold, porcelain, etc.
• A dental crown to cover the tooth, allowing it to return to its original shape and size.

1. Gum disease or Gingivitis

Gum disease is, in reality, a bacterial infection resulting from the plague buildup. When you have gum disease, your gums look red and swollen and bleed occasionally, causing you to experience bad breath and pain when you chew. 

Causes of gum disease or gingivitis

Below are a few main causes of gum disease:

• Skipping or using an inefficient brushing technique, including brushing too hard, just brushing up and down, or from left to right.
• Hard-to-brush crooked teeth
• Use of tobacco, diabetes, and gestation are some of the risk factors for gum disease. 

Remember, gingivitis or gum disease can also be painless, so it can easily remain hidden for some time. Regular dental visits can help you catch this problem early on and initiate the treatment. 

Treatment options for gingivitis

• Deep cleaning from an experienced dentist
• Dental restoration, such as treating misaligned teeth or poor fitting of the crowns and bridges, etc., which might be irritating your gums

1. Periodontitis

When gum disease is not treated when it is most curable, it can become more severe. The condition is called Periodontitis, and it infects the pockets of the gums. 

Serious gum diseases are causing more than 1 billion dental cases globally, affecting an estimated 19% of the adult population. 

Periodontitis may damage the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place due to infection, leading to various other issues, including: 

• Receding gums
• Wobbly permanent teeth
• Constant unpleasant taste and smell in the mouth
• A severe inflammatory reaction in your body

Treatment for Periodontitis

Treatment options for periodontitis include the following:

• Periodontal therapy
• Use of topical antibiotics
• Surgery

1. Halitosis or bad breath 

Bad breath is one of the most predominant dental health problems in the entire world, affecting almost half of the world’s adult population. However, the good news is that it is also the most treatable dental health condition. 

Below are some causes of bad breath or halitosis. 

Causes of bad breath

• Bacteria in the mouth 
• Dry mouth 
• Gum disease
• Food such as coffee, onion, garlic
• Smoking and tobacco
• Mouth infections
• Acid reflux

Treatment options for bad breath 

• Brushing teeth twice a day
• Keeping your mouth clean
• Regularly visiting the dentist to treat problems like gum disease, dry mouth, tooth decay, etc.
• Using a good quality mouthwash
• Flossing your teeth 
• Quitting smoking and tobacco use

1. Tooth sensitivity or dentin hypersensitivity

Your teeth may develop sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and food when the protective enamel on the outer surface of a tooth wears down. Additionally, a receding gumline, exposing the underlying dentin, can lead to tooth sensitivity. You may experience discomfort and pain in your teeth when exposed to sweet, cold, hot, or acidic foods. 

Causes of tooth sensitivity

Several factors can contribute to developing tooth sensitivity, including the following:

• Regular consumption of an acidic diet, such as citrus fruits, sodas, or vinegar, can wear down tooth enamel.
• Using tooth whitening products can increase tooth sensitivity temporarily
• Dental procedures like tooth cleaning, fillings, or root canals may make your tooth overly sensitive for a short period
• Bruxism or tooth grinding exacerbates the erosion of tooth enamel
• You can also develop sensitivity because your teeth’s enamel is naturally thin. 

Treatment options for tooth sensitivity

• Use of desensitizing toothpaste
• Undergoing fluoride treatments
• Dental bonding to cover exposed dentin
• Gum grafting for gum recession-related sensitivity
• Avoiding triggering foods 
• Ensuring proper oral hygiene

1. Cracked tooth

According to Sage Journals research, approximately 80% of adults over 40 experience cracked teeth. 

Your tooth can crack for several reasons, including the following:

• Chewing hard objects such as ice, pens, or popcorn kernels
• Accidents or trauma such as due to falls or sports
• Tooth decay featuring untreated cavities weakens the tooth, making it more prone to cracking.
• Aging can cause the teeth to lose their structural integrity and crack

Treatment options

Your dentist can recommend various treatment options for broken and cracked teeth. Some of those treatment options are the following:

• Dental bonding for minor cracks for reshaping and restoring the look and function of the tooth
• Dental crown for more extensive cracks
• Tooth extraction when the crack in the tooth is irreparable

Conclusion 

Your teeth can experience several issues; some can be prevented with proper care, but others are often not in your control. Hence, you need the services of professional dentists to treat your dental problems before they exacerbate. 

However, you must have a basic idea about possible dental health issues you may have—the article above can be a great resource in this regard.