There are many, many things that can go wrong with your teeth. Dental health is a complex issue, which is why choosing a dentist that you trust and getting checkups twice a year is so important. So here is a list of some common problems that we see as a Dentist Office with some causes and solutions for you to consider.
- Why are my teeth not straight?
The alignment of teeth is affected by so many factors. The main one is genetics which can affect everything from tooth size to jaw shape. It should also be noted that many times, this is a cosmetic problem and it ranges in severity. If only some of your teeth are misaligned and it does not bother you, there may not need to be a fix. If the alignment bothers you, or if it is structurally a problem (for example, you cannot eat properly or it is causing you pain), you might consider getting advice from a dentist.
- Why are my teeth so sensitive?
You are someone who really enjoys ice cream. What you do not enjoy is the searing pain you feel when the ice cream, or anything cold, touches your teeth. The sensitive tooth is a common problem that is most often caused by the wearing away of enamel. Other causes can include cavities, tooth chips, and gum issues. One potential fix is to try out a desensitizing product like toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth. You will need to visit a dentist to figure out what is the cause.
- Why are my gums bleeding?
Let’s imagine you are brushing your teeth and you notice that you have a little blood in the sink. What is happening? Bleeding gums is a common affliction. Many people have bleeding gums because of a substance called plaque that builds up along and under the gum line. This may also cause gum sensitivity and gum loss if it progresses past gingivitis to periodontitis. Other causes may be brushing too hard, trauma to the gums, flossing too hard, and blood disorders. If your gums are bleeding a lot when you brush or floss, you should consult your doctor to find the actual cause.
- Why does my breath smell bad?
Bad breath is something that can make you feel self conscious. What could be the problem? Bad breath truly has many, many causes. A common cause is the food you eat. When the particles get stuck in your mouth, they cause bacteria to populate and smell bad. Another related issue is dry mouth. When you are not producing enough saliva your mouth will dry out which then causes particles to remain in the mouth. And then bacteria will populate. If you have consistent bad breath that bothers you, you might want to contact a dentist.
- Why does my tooth hurt?
You have just bitten into your favorite meal when you get a deep pain in your tooth. Tooth pain can have many causes. The actual reason for the pain is that the nerve of the tooth is being irritated in some way. The irritation can be caused by damage to the tooth, infection, or decay. Since these all require different treatments (sometimes emergency treatment), it is best to consult your dentist to see what your options are.
- Why are my teeth yellow and not white?
Did you used to have white teeth and it seems that they have yellowed over time? Wondering why? Well, there are many potential causes – most of which are lifestyle related. The types of food and drink you consume is a major source of yellow teeth. Dark liquids like cola and wine and dark foods like tomatoes, berries, and fruit can all stain your teeth. There is also a link between smoking nicotine and yellowing teeth. The last thing to make sure of is that you are keeping good hygiene. It is easy to blame other causes but remaining diligent when it comes to brushing and flossing can go a long way! Many dentists also do whitening treatments so that could be an option.
- Why do my wisdom teeth feel weird?
Wisdom teeth are interesting in that sometimes they cause no issues at all. But for some people they cause a lot of problems. When wisdom teeth, or the last set of molars, erupt they are often associated with some pain. Sometimes the teeth fully emerge and they are okay to keep given that you maintain good hygiene. Other times, the teeth cannot erupt properly and become what is called impacted. This usually causes pain and becomes a reason for the removal of the teeth. You should see your dentist regularly so that they can track the growth of your wisdom teeth.
- Why do my teeth hurt when I wake up?
Do you wake up often with sore teeth or a sore jaw? Even though there are a few issues that could cause this, one of the main culprits is bruxism, or urgent tooth grinding. This occurs when you are asleep and you clench your teeth and move them in a patterned way. There is a lot of pressure behind your bite so this can actually cause a lot of damage to the enamel of your teeth. A dentist will be able to determine if you are grinding your teeth in your sleep and will be able to come up with a treatment plan.
As you can see, there are numerous issues that can arise with your dental health. These were just a few. If you have any issues at all that you might be worried about, or if you just need a regular check up, you can trust that Devaney Dental has the staff and experience to help you out!
