Tooth Decay
Tooth decay (caries) is a preventable disease. Tooth decay can endanger your life and may negatively impact one's quality of life.
Plaque (oral bacteria) forms in every person that has teeth. When a person consumes sugars (fermentable carbohydrates), the normal oral bacteria release acid that can erode enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, fruit snack, soft drinks and fruit juices consumed frequently cause the acid level to be maintained for a longer duration. Normal saliva production and oral hygience practices can halt and often times reverse this chemical reaction.
Grinding
Grinding is a normal although poorly understood function in children. Also known as bruxism, grinding naturally occurs at night and may wear down the primary teeth. Grinding in children is rarely treated since it typically goes away when the permanent teeth erupt. Primary teeth that are ground down to the nerve will become painful and need to be removed. Nightguards are not recommend since the guard will act as a retainer stunting growth, are expensive to fabricate and become ill-fitting as growth occurs and the permanent teeth erupt. Grinding that continues when the permanent teeth erupt causing dental or muscular pain is often cured with a nightguard.
Sensitive Teeth
Teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature and flex when grinding or clenching. Hot and cold foods and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth by overstimulation of dentin or the periodontal ligament (PDL). Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Breathing cold air might even be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth. Sensitivity toothpaste, restorations or nightguards are common solutions to sensitive teeth although disease should always be ruled out first.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis (gum disease) is inflammation of the gum tissue usually from plaque accumulation. Gingivits begins when the sticky film of bacteria (plaque) irritates the gum tissue at the margin of the tooth. Irritated gums in the early stage of disease bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis (inflammation around the tooth), the ligament and bone that the support the teeth become diseased and tooth loss will eventually follow. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing, flossing and use of an antibacterial mouth rinse.
Bad Breath
Food residue that is not cleaned from the mouth deteriorate creating an environment that supports the colonization of bacteria. Certain bacteria release sulfur compounds that smell unpleasant (halitosis). While certain foods, such as onions or garlic, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum or oral disease.
Canker Sores
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small to large painful sores inside the mouth with a white or gray base surrounded by a red border. Most sores last one to two weeks and are a benign autoimmune response that has no cure. Pain medication and topical ointments will usually provide enough comfort until the body can naturally heal the sore. These sores may be mistaken for cold sores which is a virus, but also has no cure. Unlike canker sores, cold sores can be transmitted in the early stages.
Orthodontic Problems
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by this type of bite. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward.
Overbite
The upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Crossbite
The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.
Openbite
Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Openbite may cause a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion, and many times, tooth removal can be avoided.
Spacing
Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth, or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue.
Dental Midlines Not Matched
This type of problem is caused when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately, which may negatively impact jaw and proper dental function.