8 Common Oral Issues That Can Affect Your Teeth and Gums

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Everyone wants to have healthy teeth and gums. However, there are many factors that can affect your oral health. Poor oral hygiene, junk food, and many other things can lead to oral conditions that can cause unpleasant symptoms and severe complications. In this article, we have gathered eight common oral issues that can affect your teeth and gums.

1. Tooth decay

Tooth decay, also called cavity and caries, is a condition in which the tooth enamel develops a hole. In this initial stage, tooth decay can cause minor symptoms like teeth sensitivity and dark spots. When the cavity becomes advanced and reaches the pulp, you can experience a severe toothache. In this case, it is essential to contact a dental specialist for treatment as soon as possible.

2. Tartar build-up

Tartar is a calcified deposit that occurs on your teeth. People who smoke and don’t maintain proper oral care are more likely to develop tartar. In addition to the fact that tartar can worsen your smile, it also creates a perfect environment for bacteria in your oral cavity. These bacteria can multiply and cause gum disease, tooth decay, and other diseases. 

3. Gum disease

Gum disease is an inflammation that occurs in your gums. The most common symptoms of gum disease include:

- Redness

- Swelling

- Tenderness

- Bleeding

- Gum recession

- Loose teeth

- Tooth loss

If you have noticed at least some of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist to undergo proper and timely treatment.

4. Tooth fracture

Tooth fracture is a common issue that mostly affects children and people who play sports but don’t use a mouthguard. If you have broken only a tip of the tooth, you may not experience any severe symptoms. But if the fracture is significant, your toothache may be unbearable. The dentist can help ease your pain and restore the damaged tooth.

5. Dental abscess

An abscessed tooth means that the infection that gets inside of your tooth causes a sac with pus. Other symptoms of a dental abscess are severe toothache, swollen gum, unpleasant taste in the mouth, and bad breath. This condition requires immediate medical attention since the puss can spread to the neck, jaw, and brain.

6. Enamel wear

Excessive wear of tooth enamel can lead to increased teeth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. This condition can be caused by teeth grinding, excessive or hard toothbrushing, and increased consumption of acidic foods and beverages. Ask your dentist about dental bonding, special toothpaste, or other options that can help ease your condition. 

7. Tooth loss

There are many factors that can contribute to tooth loss. The most common of them are poor oral hygiene, untreated tooth decay, periodontitis, and injury. If you have lost your tooth, you need to visit a dentist and restore it as soon as possible. The point is that a gap between your teeth can make them shift and cause facial asymmetry as well as problems with speaking and eating.

8. Oral thrush

Oral thrush is a condition in which Candida fungi (a small number of which naturally inhabits your mouth) start to overgrow. The most common symptoms of oral thrush include white patches in your mouth and an unpleasant taste. This condition can be caused by a weakened immune system, certain medications, and increased consumption of sweets.

The bottom line

It is important to understand that oral issues should be evaluated and treated only by a dentist. Self-treatment or home remedies can ease your symptoms but they don’t treat the cause of your condition. You should also visit your dentist on a regular basis to prevent the advancement of many oral conditions.