At Hermes London Dental Clinic, we see thousands of patients each year. This means that we have dealt with all dental problems imaginable and have great experience in general treatments, cosmetic treatments and preventative dentistry.
More often than not, common dental problems can be resolved with routine care and regular visits to the dentist. It also helps to be aware of the common dental problems and how you can avoid them. This guide explains exactly that. Keep reading to find out more!
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a very common condition that is experienced by most UK adults at least once in their lifetime. As gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, it’s crucial to understand that it can affect anyone and must be treated as soon as you notice the signs.
Smoking can be a big contributor to gum disease, so if you are a regular smoker, you should schedule more frequent dental visits and aim to reduce your intake. The best way to avoid gum disease and prevent gum disease from worsening is to be aware of the symptoms, including:
- Bad breath
- Sensitive teeth
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Discomfort when chewing
If you are noticing any of these signs, it’s best to get them checked by your dentist as soon as possible. As well as this, you can regularly brush and floss to keep the teeth and gums clean and free of bacteria.
We recommend reading our guide to gum disease to find out more.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common dental problem that affects millions of people. Many patients are unaware of the reasons behind tooth sensitivity which is why it can sometimes go untreated. This sensitivity can be heightened when consuming sugary foods, ice cream, cold drinks, hot drinks and when outside in the cold.
We advise visiting your dentist if you notice:
- Discomfort when brushing or flossing
- Slight pain when consuming hot or cold foods/drinks
Common reasons for tooth sensitivity include:
- Recent dental procedures
- Gum disease / gingivitis
- Teeth grinding
- Gum recession
- Brushing too hard
- A cracked or abscessed tooth
In order to avoid tooth sensitivity, we advise adopting a good oral health routine and visiting the dentist if you notice any changes in your mouth, no matter how big or small. If you do suddenly notice sensitivity, you should make an appointment straight away as this will only get worse with time. We also recommend reading our guide, What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a common health problem that is largely preventable and is typically caused by diets with high levels of sugar. Unlike the common misconception, tooth decay can affect adults, not just children. The condition occurs when plaque is combined with high levels of sugar or starches from the things we consume, which then produces acids that attack the tooth enamel.
Tooth decay occurs when plaque combines with sugars and/or starches of the food you eat. The combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel.
The best ways to avoid tooth decay is to brush twice a day, floss daily, have regular dental check-ups and avoid eating foods with high sugar content. Try to eat healthy foods and limit fizzy drinks.
Bad Breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common dental problem that can cause embarrassment to many patients. Bad breath isn’t just caused by the foods we eat, but also by some dental conditions, including gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer and bacteria in the mouth.
You can prevent bad breath with regular dental maintenance and routine visits to your dentist, however, if your bad breath is caused by dental conditions, you should visit the dentist as soon as possible.
Your dentist can work with you to determine the root cause of your halitosis. We advise reading our guide, How to Treat Bad Breath, for more information on how you can treat bad breath at home.
Tooth Pain
Toothache and pain can be caused by a wide variety of issues, and can range from mild pain to excruciating pain. Tooth pain can be felt when eating, chewing, drinking hot/cold beverages, eating hot/cold food.
Common causes of tooth pain include:
- Mild or severe tooth decay and gum disease
- Acute infection to dental and soft tissue
- A dental abscess
- Recent treatment (e.g. tooth removal)
- A wisdom tooth coming through
- Cracked or damaged tooth
- A loose, damaged or broken filling (e.g. through injury)
- Issues or problems with your braces
To prevent (or reduce the extent of) toothache, you can maintain a healthy diet, clean your teeth twice a day, visit a dental hygienist, limit how many cigarettes you smoke, and wear a protective dental guard when playing high-impact sports.
Preventative Dentistry in London
So there you have it, all the information you need on how to prevent some of the most common dental problems. If you are suffering from any issues, book a dental hygiene appointment with us today! Once we have found a solution and are happy with the results, we will advise you on whether we would like to see you every six or 12 months.
Hermes Dental Practice London are an award-winning team of experienced dentists with a proven track record. If you want to address the root cause of your dental issue, then simply get in contact to book an appointment.
