Cavities To Cold Sensitivity: 7 Common Dental Health Problems And Their Treatments - Expert Explains

Maintaining good dental health is essential for overall well-being. Unfortunately, many individuals encounter a range of dental issues that can impact their daily lives. Understanding these common dental problems is the first step towards prevention and maintaining a healthy, radiant smile. Regular consultation and oral hygiene check-ups can easily keep such issues concentrated. 

Dr Ruchika Mishra, Implantologist, Founder and Director of Jaipur Implant Center shares seven common dental problems and what treatments can cure them.

1) Cavities- One of the most common dental problems that are easily remedied and can be prevented is developing cavities. Cavities are specifically decayed areas of your teeth that morph into tiny openings or holes.

Dr Mishra says, “The most common treatment procedures for the same include Fluoride treatments. If your cavity just started, a fluoride treatment may help restore your tooth's enamel and can sometimes reverse a cavity in the very early stages. Professional fluoride treatments contain more fluoride than the amount found in tap water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses. Fluoride treatments may be liquid, gel, foam, or varnish that’s brushed onto your teeth or placed in a small tray that fits over your teeth.”

2) Dental Fillings- Another common treatment option includes developing dental fillings. Fillings, also called restorations, are the main treatment option when decay has progressed beyond the earliest stage.

Dr Mishra explains, “Fillings are made of various materials, such as tooth-coloured composite resins, porcelain or dental amalgam which is a combination of several materials.”

3) Stained Teeth- One of the second most common dental problems is that of Stained teeth. It implies Tooth discolouration or darkening of your teeth. You can develop discoloured teeth for several reasons. Some causes are unavoidable — like ageing, trauma, or disease. Other causes are preventable — like smoking and poor oral hygiene.

Dr Mishra says, “One of the most common treatments used in this regard uses hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break up stains and lift them from your teeth. Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains. However, some whitening products can remove deep dental (intrinsic) stains, too.”

4) Teeth Grinding- Excessive grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw is another common problem that ails many. This condition can affect adults and children and can occur during the day or night.

Dr Mishra explains, “Mouth exercises and massages can help reduce pain and relieve muscle tension caused by teeth grinding. Mouth guards, stress reduction, and medication may reduce or eliminate sleep disruptions and tooth damage.”

5) Gingivitis- Gum problems in its early stages are called gingivitis. In this, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults.

Dr Mishra says, “Treatment includes scaling and root planing that reaches deep beneath the gum line to remove plaque and tartar on the root surface.”

6) Cracked Tooth- Cracked teeth are another common issue. Sometimes a crack may run from the biting surface of the tooth down towards the root. Sometimes it goes below the gum line and into the root. A cracked tooth is not split into two parts, but the soft, inner tissue of the tooth is usually damaged.

Dr Mishra explains, “If the crack has extended into the pulp, the tooth can be treated with a root canal procedure and a crown to protect the crack from spreading. However, if the crack extends below the gum line, it is no longer treatable, and the tooth cannot be saved and will need to be extracted.”

7) Cold Sensitivity- Last but certainly not least, one of the most common yet most painful experiences is cold sensitivity. Over time, the protective layer of tooth enamel can wear down, exposing the soft, inner part of the tooth called dentin, where the nerves live. Certain triggers, including cold foods, drinks, or even a burst of air, can aggravate the nerves, causing a short, sharp pain, also known as tooth sensitivity.

Dr Mishra says, “The treatment process is simple yet highly effective. It includes using a desensitizing toothpaste. After several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. Alternative treatments may include desensitizing bonding or root canals.”