5 common dental problemsThe best way to maintain a healthy smile and avoid common dental problems is by brushing your teeth twice a day for two full minutes, flossing, eating healthy foods, and keeping up with regular checkups at your dentist’s office. These basic preventative measures will go a long way toward keeping your smile healthy. However, no matter what your age, most people will find they have some sort of dental problem that needs to be evaluated by a dentist such as Dr. Martin. Anthony Martin Dentistry offers a complete range of dental services from routine cleanings to complex restoration and cosmetic dentistry.  Here are some of the most common dental problems and how they can be treated.

Tooth Decay

Patients suffering from a toothache are possibly dealing with tooth decay, which is one of the most dental problems. It caused by poor dental hygiene and the build up of plaque on the teeth. Depending on the severity of the decay, the best treatment will be either a filling or the placement of a dental crown. Both treatments are designed to rebuild the tooth’s strength and restore your oral health.

Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth are one of the most common dental problems and are problematic because they can hinder a patient’s ability to chew normally.  They can also be difficult to keep clean. Patients with crooked teeth can benefit from veneers. With veneers, you can fill gaps between your teeth, whiten teeth that are stained, and fix badly shaped or crooked. A veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct these maladies, simply and quickly, to help you achieve a beautiful smile. When left untreated, crooked teeth can often lead to periodontal disease and premature wear on your enamel, which can cause decay.

Discolored Teeth

Another one of the most common dental problems is discolored or stained teeth. This can occur for many reasons including:

  • Foods and beverages consumed
  • Medications
  • Aging
  • Smoking
  • Poor dental hygiene

For many patients whose teeth are discolored, a professional whitening treatment can make a significant difference. For patients with deep staining issues, veneers can hide the stains and offer much whiter smiles.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems and is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and patients can receive in-office treatment, which includes removing plaque and tartar improving their oral health. Healthy gums are essential to the health and retention of your teeth, and also an indicator of your overall health. We want to ensure that your gums are in good shape, as they are the foundation of your teeth. A beautiful smile means nothing if the foundation is weak.

Missing Teeth

Missing teeth makes it challenging for patients to eat, talk, and smile confidently. Having missing teeth can lead to a range of more complex dental issues such as:

  • Change in bite
  • Shifting of the remaining teeth
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
  • Speech impediments
  • Increased risk of periodontal disease
  • Increased risk of tooth decay

There are multiple options for patients missing teeth. Some patients benefit from dentures, partials, or appliances such as dental bridges. For many people, however, dental implants are the ideal treatment because they are a permanent solution that looks and feels natural while maintaining optimum oral health.

How Anthony Martin Dentistry Can Help With Common Dental Problems

At Anthony Martin Dentistry, we combine the finest dental care with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. Dr. Martin and our team are highly skilled in providing cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry for patients with these common dental problems. He is also an expert in preventative dental care, which helps you maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime. If you are dealing with any of the common dental problems above, or have other dental concerns, schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin today!