Common Dental Problems & How to Fix Them

Discolouration

If you have noticed that your teeth have become discoloured or stained there are a few things you can do before coming to us to prevent further problems. Brushing your teeth twice a day, avoiding coffee, wine and tea and using a mouthwash will help slow tooth discolouration. If the problem persists then it is time to visit us. Our hygienists are fully qualified to clean your teeth, removing plaque and stains to bring your teeth back to their former glory. If your teeth are still duller in colour than you would like then whitening is always an option. There are in-house and at home whitening systems that can significantly brighten your smile – our hygienists are a particularly knowledgeable on the subject, so best to speak to them about the options available.

Wonky

Sometimes teeth just don’t seem to sit where you would like them to. Over-crowding, impact injuries or just nature can cause our teeth to be somewhat discombobulated. Straighter teeth are generally easier to clean and to maintain and so sometimes it is worth seeing if a straightening system would be right for you. There are fortunately a number of solutions to suit a variety of needs. Invisalign and Six Month Smiles are just two of a variety of measures that can bring teeth back to where you would like them.

Wisdom Teeth

Often wisdom teeth don’t cause any problems and sit dormant throughout a lifetime undetected and undisturbed. Unfortunately sometimes they don’t perform in quite the way we would want them to. If you suspect your wisdom tooth is on the move, pushing into your molars or if it is causing discomfort then the best thing to do is to visit your dentist. They can tell you whether the tooth is getting in the way and if it needs to be extracted. Wisdom tooth extraction is often a straightforward procedure and can last anywhere from a few minutes to twenty minutes. A local anaesthetic is applied and so no pain should be felt.

Decay

Ah the dreaded cavity, a result of acid-producing bacteria settling on the tooth and wreaking havoc on the structure of your enamel. In the case of tooth decay, prevention is the best line of defence -brushing, flossing, visiting your dentist regularly and avoiding sugary foods all contribute to good dental health. Unfortunately once a cavity has developed it is not something that can be reversed and that is when intervention is necessary. Repairs include fillings – the dentist removes the decay, cleans the area, and then fills the cavity with a robust material, and crowns – the dentist prepares the tooth, a mold is taken and then the crown is produced and fitted to fit in naturally with the teeth surrounding it.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is triggered by large accumulations of plaque which in turn produce a bacterial infection that attacks gum tissue. The first sign of an issue is gingivitis – red, swollen and bleeding gums. In these early stages treatment is fairly straightforward; a visit to the hygienist to remove plaque build-up and a new cleaning regime can normally solve the problem. Left untreated the problems will persist; bad breath and receding gums are signs that gum disease is progressing. If left longer the teeth become loose, abscesses may form and drifting of teeth will occur. As with any issue it is always best to come to us when you first notice the problem – a quick tooth clean and a new mouthwash are far preferable to invasive gum treatments.

Tooth Infection

The root of the tooth is a particularly tricky quantity, kept hidden for much of its life it doesn’t like to be exposed to the elements and so when a cavity, crack or fracture forms the root can be quite vulnerable. Damage to the nerves and the pulp tissue of the tooth can occur if the root is exposed to bacteria. A trip to the dentist for a simple root canal surgery will solve the problem. Root canal surgery has received bad press over the years but in reality a straightforward anesthetic renders the procedure pain free and so it need not be something to be afraid of. Severe root infections can cause particularly painful and unpleasant abscesses so best to go and see the dentist as soon as you notice an issue.

If you’re worried that any of the above issues might affect you then please do get in touch. We’re here to ensure you have the very best treatment so that you have one less thing to worry about! Get in touch by calling: 01189 843 108 or by email.

Discolouration

If you have noticed that your teeth have become discoloured or stained there are a few things you can do before coming to us to prevent further problems. Brushing your teeth twice a day, avoiding coffee, wine and tea and using a mouthwash will help slow tooth discolouration. If the problem persists then it is time to visit us. Our hygienists are fully qualified to clean your teeth, removing plaque and stains to bring your teeth back to their former glory. If your teeth are still duller in colour than you would like then whitening is always an option. There are in-house and at home whitening systems that can significantly brighten your smile – our hygienists are a particularly knowledgeable on the subject, so best to speak to them about the options available.

Wonky

Sometimes teeth just don’t seem to sit where you would like them to. Over-crowding, impact injuries or just nature can cause our teeth to be somewhat discombobulated. Straighter teeth are generally easier to clean and to maintain and so sometimes it is worth seeing if a straightening system would be right for you. There are fortunately a number of solutions to suit a variety of needs. Invisalign and Six Month Smiles are just two of a variety of measures that can bring teeth back to where you would like them.

Wisdom Teeth

Often wisdom teeth don’t cause any problems and sit dormant throughout a lifetime undetected and undisturbed. Unfortunately sometimes they don’t perform in quite the way we would want them to. If you suspect your wisdom tooth is on the move, pushing into your molars or if it is causing discomfort then the best thing to do is to visit your dentist. They can tell you whether the tooth is getting in the way and if it needs to be extracted. Wisdom tooth extraction is often a straightforward procedure and can last anywhere from a few minutes to twenty minutes. A local anaesthetic is applied and so no pain should be felt.

Decay

Ah the dreaded cavity, a result of acid-producing bacteria settling on the tooth and wreaking havoc on the structure of your enamel. In the case of tooth decay, prevention is the best line of defence -brushing, flossing, visiting your dentist regularly and avoiding sugary foods all contribute to good dental health. Unfortunately once a cavity has developed it is not something that can be reversed and that is when intervention is necessary. Repairs include fillings – the dentist removes the decay, cleans the area, and then fills the cavity with a robust material, and crowns – the dentist prepares the tooth, a mold is taken and then the crown is produced and fitted to fit in naturally with the teeth surrounding it.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is triggered by large accumulations of plaque which in turn produce a bacterial infection that attacks gum tissue. The first sign of an issue is gingivitis – red, swollen and bleeding gums. In these early stages treatment is fairly straightforward; a visit to the hygienist to remove plaque build-up and a new cleaning regime can normally solve the problem. Left untreated the problems will persist; bad breath and receding gums are signs that gum disease is progressing. If left longer the teeth become loose, abscesses may form and drifting of teeth will occur. As with any issue it is always best to come to us when you first notice the problem – a quick tooth clean and a new mouthwash are far preferable to invasive gum treatments.

Tooth Infection

The root of the tooth is a particularly tricky quantity, kept hidden for much of its life it doesn’t like to be exposed to the elements and so when a cavity, crack or fracture forms the root can be quite vulnerable. Damage to the nerves and the pulp tissue of the tooth can occur if the root is exposed to bacteria. A trip to the dentist for a simple root canal surgery will solve the problem. Root canal surgery has received bad press over the years but in reality a straightforward anesthetic renders the procedure pain free and so it need not be something to be afraid of. Severe root infections can cause particularly painful and unpleasant abscesses so best to go and see the dentist as soon as you notice an issue.

If you’re worried that any of the above issues might affect you then please do get in touch. We’re here to ensure you have the very best treatment so that you have one less thing to worry about! Get in touch by calling: 01189 843 108 or by email.