The health of our teeth can often be overlooked but is actually very important for our health as a whole. If we experience issues with our teeth, it can not only affect our health but also our confidence. In the post, we will be covering some of the most common dental issues and how they can be fixed, allowing you to experience a healthier and more confident smile.
Yellowing, Staining, And Discolouration
When people are attempting to improve the appearance of their teeth, whitening is one of the most common treatments. It can depend on the level of whitening needed, as some people may find their staining or discolouration more difficult to remove than others. For the best results, you should use a dental professional who can whiten your teeth and help you achieve the results you’re looking for. If you’re looking to save money, however, then there are some cheaper options available on the market that can help brighten the look of your teeth, such as UV kits and toothpastes.
Crooked Teeth
If you’re having your teeth whitened to improve their appearance, you might also want to consider having them straightened too. This can be a good option for those that have crooked teeth or teeth that have become overcrowded over time. Depending on the level of straightening needed, you could require braces or aligners. There are a number of benefits of aligners over braces. For example, they are less visible than most braces, they can be removed and cleaned whenever needed, and they don’t need to be worn 24/7. However, if your teeth require more drastic straightening, braces could be the better option. Straight My Teeth can help you find the best option for your personal needs when it comes to teeth straightening in the UK.
Chipped Or Fractured Teeth
If you have a damaged tooth due to a chip or fracture, you may feel it impacts the look of your smile, particularly as this damage tends to occur on the front teeth. To repair your tooth, you will need a process called bonding which involves applying a hard-wearing plastic resin over the damaged area. This resin is matched exactly to the colour of your teeth so as to blend in perfectly. Once completed, it should not be noticeable that there is an area of the tooth that has been repaired. It can also help to reduce other side-effects of a damaged tooth, such as pain and sensitivity.
Cavities
Cavities (otherwise known as tooth decay) occur when tooth enamel wears away. This leads to a tiny hole developing in the tooth, which eventually leads to more of the tooth decaying. If left untreated, cavities can cause severe pain and difficulty eating and drinking, as well as the opportunity for bacterial infections to occur which are a serious health concern. It could even affect the nerves underneath the gums to become damaged. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you get your teeth checked by a dentist regularly to pick up on any signs of cavities developing. To fix a cavity, your dentist will remove the part of the tooth that is decaying and add a filling to stop further decay. They will also check for any signs of infection or damage that may require further treatment or medication.
Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is a tooth that has failed to rise out of the gum correctly and has instead become stuck underneath. Impacted teeth can be painful for those that have them and affect your ability to eat and chew food due to swelling and sensitivity of the surrounding gum. Impacted teeth most commonly occur due to impacted wisdom teeth that fail to erupt, but they can also occur due to poor dental work, irregular tooth development, or a condition called supernumerary teeth, in which your body produces more than the normal number of teeth which leads to overcrowding in the gums. Impacted teeth are usually treated by your dentist performing surgery and removing the impacted tooth from underneath the gum. Sometimes, impacted teeth do not cause significant discomfort or issues, so your dentist might recommend that it is left alone but regularly monitored for changes.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can occur for a number of reasons, such as genetics, hormones, and injury to the gums. However, the most common cause is poor oral hygiene. Regular and thorough brushing and flossing help to reduce the likelihood of plaque building up and causing bacteria to develop that can lead to gum disease. The sign that gum disease has developed include pain and swelling of the gums, bleeding gums, pus collecting around the gums, and even loss of teeth. If you notice signs of gum disease you should book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
