Common dental problems we treat
At our Etobicoke dentist office, we recognize that having healthy teeth are very important. Not only for a beautiful smile, but it ensures proper mouth function, proper chewing and improved lifestyle in general.
In this page we discuss the common 10 problems people face. We offer some solutions and ways to prevent them
Here is the list of the common dental problems we see in our Etobicoke Dental office:
- Tooth Pain
- Stained teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Tooth infection
- Missing teeth
- Widsom tooth pain
- Crooked teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
Lets dive deeper and explore each of these dental problems
Tooth pain
Tooth pain is one of the most common dental emergencies. The most common cause for tooth pain is decay.
Other common causes include:
- Infection or abscess
- Bleeding gums
- Tooth trauma, such as a tooth crack or tooth chip
- Grinding teeth or an abnormal bite
- Gum disease
- Emergence of new teeth in young children
- And less commonly, sinus problems, TMJ/TMD, or even heart disorders like angina
Decay or tooth cavity is the most common cause of tooth pain.
Why tooth pain is so painful?
The answer is pressure in most cases. When cavity reaches the nerve, it dies and infection spreads inside. The nerve itself is surrounded by tooth walls. If the pressure is not drained then the pain will result is so intense because of the amount of pressure that is trapped inside the tooth. Discover more about tooth pain.
What are other common symtpoms that may accompany tooth pain?
- Pus near the tooth, signaling an abscess
- Swelling and redness in the gum
- Structural change to the tooth like a crack or missing a piece of it
- Fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and foul-tasting discharge, indicating a more serious infection
How to alievate the pain?
- Rinse with warm water to cleanse the mouth.
- Use floss to remove any trapped food particles.
- Over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen, can reduce pain.
- Apply OTC antiseptic or clove oil to the affected area for temporary numbness.
- Cold compresses on the cheek can also help minimize swelling and discomfort.
How would the dentist help me with my tooth pain?
At Thorncrest Dental, we understand that toothaches can significantly impact your daily life, causing discomfort and sometimes severe pain. Our dedicated team is equipped with the latest technology and expertise to diagnose and treat the various causes of tooth pain, ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care.
Here are the steps that dentists take to examine the pain
- Carry out a dental examination. This is find out the source of pain (which tooth) and the cause of pain.
- Take X-ray to confirm diagnosis.
- Discuss treatment options. If pain is so intense and a nerve cavity is found, there are only two options to treat the tooth: root canal therapy and/or tooth removal. For milder cases, a filling maybe needed.
- Prescribe medications if infection is found.
Stained teeth
We all love white teeth. But teeth get yellow from time to time. We have included a complete guide on stained teeth.
Why teeth get stained
- Aging: Yes, sorry folks, teeth get yellower with time.
- Strongly Pigmented Drinks: Drinks like coffee, tea, dark soda, and red wine can stain teeth.
- Poor Dental Hygiene: Not brushing or flossing regularly allows plaque and food particles to stain teeth.
- Tobacco Usage: Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause tooth discoloration along with other health issues. Avoiding tobacco keeps teeth white and improves overall health.
- Certain Medical Treatments: High blood pressure medications, chemotherapy, antihistamines, and some antipsychotics can discolor teeth.
- Trauma or Disease: Childhood trauma, illness, or disease can affect enamel development and cause discolored teeth.
What to do to get rid of stained teeth
- Minor tooth stains: whitening toothpaste can be effective, utilizing mild abrasives and polishing agents to remove surface discolorations.
- Deeper or more stubborn stains: bleaching products like whitening gels and strips offer a stronger solution, using peroxide-based compounds for noticeable results within days.
- Severe staining: professional in-office whitening treatments are the most efficient method
Learn more about stained teeth and available treatment options.
Sensitive teeth
Sensitive teeth can stem from a variety of issues, including tooth decay, worn enamel, exposed tooth roots, and aggressive brushing habits. Our dental office in Etobicoke is well-versed in identifying these culprits and crafting personalized treatment plans to shield your teeth from sensitivity’s icy grip.
What to do to get rid off my sensitive teeth?
- Have the tooth checked by the dentist to rule out serious problems.
- Avoid the irritant. For example, if the tooth is sensitive to cold drinks, avoid cold drinks for few hours/days
- Buy sensitive tooth paste. Caution: look for active ingredients at the back of the toothpaste that will target sensitivity specifically. For example: Sensodyne rapid relief is a sensitive tooth paste vs Sensodyne Whitening is not.
Click here for a detailed guide about sensitive teeth and ways to manage it.
Cracked teeth
You bit hard on the tooth and now it is cracked or you chipped it by accident.
Here are possible situations:
- From Tiny Cracks to Grand Splits
- Craze Lines: minor incomplete crack like often require no action, aside from monitoring.
- Chipped Teeth: missing portion of the tooth
- Fractured Cusp: missing a cusp of a molar
- Vertical Crack: deeper crack
- Split Tooth: like in the picture
- Vertical Root Fracture: Complete crack
I cracked my tooth, what should I do now?
If you cracked your tooth, here is a list of steps you have to take:
- Call the dentist office: Call immediately so you can be seen ASAP
- Avoid chewing on the tooth: Avoid chewing to prevent pain and prevent making it worse.
- Take painkillers: Only if experience pain
Dental infections
Tooth infection happens when bacteria invades the tooth.
Symptoms of dental infections: The Red Flags
- Severe, throbbing pain that can radiate to the jaw, neck, or ear
- Temperature sensitivity, particularly to hot and cold stimuli
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Swelling and redness in the face or gums
- Unpleasant tastes and possibly fever
What to do if I have tooth infection?
- Call the dentist office: Call immediately so you can be seen ASAP
- Avoid chewing on the tooth: Avoid chewing to prevent pain and prevent making it worse.
- Take painkillers: Only if experience pain
Find more information about dental infections and available treatment options.
Missing teeth
If you are missing a tooth, there are only three ways to restore a missing tooth:
- Implant: Perhaps, the most durable, most advanced treatment option to replace a missing tooth.
- Bridge: A three unit ceramic restoration that will replace the missing tooth. Although it a great fixed option and feels and looks like a natural tooth, it is not as good as an implant due to future complication and possible decay under the bridge
- Denture: The most affordable option but it is not fixed to the teeth.
Wisdom tooth pain
Wisdom tooth pain occurs when the wisdom tooth fails to fully grow in or when it pushes through the tissues. In other cases, the pain due to a cavity in the tooth.
Symptoms of wisdom tooth pain
- Severe, throbbing pain around the tooth
- Pain when opening and closing the mouth
- Redness and pain in the gums around the tooth.
- Fever and general fatigue
What to do if I have tooth infection?
- Call the dentist office: Call immediately so you can be seen ASAP. An x-ray may be needed.
- Avoid chewing on the tooth: Avoid chewing to prevent pain and prevent making it worse.
- Use rinses: salt and water is a natural antiseptic with anti-inflammatory features.
- Take painkillers: Only if experience pain
Crooked teeth
Are you tired of crooked teeth?
There are three ways to fix crooked teeth:
- Invisalign: Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic method that uses clear, plastic aligners to gradually straighten teeth.
- Braces: Teeth are straighten by brackets and wires.
- Removable appliance: made of acrylics and used mainly on kids for functional and habit prevention. Also used for arch expasion.
How to correct crooked teeth with invisalign?
The process begins with taking digital impressions of your mouth to create custom-fitted trays. This personalized approach ensures that each aligner targets a specific section of your smile for precise adjustment.
You will transition to a new set of aligners approximately every two to three weeks. Each set is engineered to move your teeth incrementally towards the desired alignment.
Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums are a sign of bacterial infection. The gums get invaded by a special bacteria that produces toxins and causes gum inflammations. Gum diseases is a serious infection caused by bacteria that target the gum tissue and the bones supporting the teeth, leading to their potential destruction.
Symptoms of gum inflamation
- Redness of gums.
- Swelling and pufiness.
- Pain in sever or acute cases.
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
- Bad breath.
- Gum recession.
- Unpleasant tastes.
What to do if I have bleeding gums?
- Brushing with Fluoridated Toothpaste: Twice daily disrupts plaque colonies, thwarting tartar build-up.
- Interdental Cleaning: Devices like floss or interdental brushes evict plaque from its hiding spots.
- Balanced Diet: Minimizing snacking and choosing healthy foods deprives plaque of its feasting grounds.
- Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing after meals can spur saliva production, nature’s way of cleansing the oral cavity.
- Regular Dental Visits: Professional teeth cleanings and exams are the cornerstone of oral health.
Receding gums
There are a lot of misconception about why gum recession happens. A lot of people think that the problem is brushing too hard or just a gum migration. In fact the main reasons for receding gums are:
- Brushing Too Hard: Using too much force or the wrong technique when brushing can slowly damage your gums and make them pull back.
- Gum Disease: Bacteria can infect your gums, destroying the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place, leading to gum recession.
- Gum Treatment Side Effects: Sometimes, treatments for gum disease can make your gums shrink back a bit as they heal.
- Too Much Pressure on Teeth: Biting or chewing very hard can stress your teeth and gums, causing the gums to recede over time.
What to do if I have gum recession?
- Call the dentist office: Call your dentist. You also need an x-ray to check the bone levels.
- Avoid brushing hard: use soft toothbrush and soft toothpaste.
- Consider aligning the teeth: to balance the forces from your bite.
- Consider periodontal plastic surgery: if you have very deep recession, it may need to be corrected.
