Beyond just the cosmetic benefits, dental health is closely linked to overall well-being. Even if your brushing and flossing habits are excellent, dental problems can still occur. When they do, they can be uncomfortable, and if left untreated, they may lead to more serious health issues.
The good news is that as a Hamilton resident in NJ, you don’t have to wait for dental issues to become severe before noticing symptoms. Dentists offer diagnostic and treatment options designed to stop problems from progressing.
Many common dental concerns can be quickly and effectively treated by a skilled Hamilton dentist using the right tools and modern techniques.
1. Tooth Decay and Cavities
Tooth decay is, in fact, one of the most basic types of dental problems Hamilton dentists encounter practically every day.
Cavity (tooth decay) is a widespread dental issue that affects around 90% of adults. It most frequently occurs when tooth enamel erodes, often due to a high-sugar diet or poor oral hygiene. Over time, the enamel wears down and forms small holes called cavities, which can lead to toothaches and sensitivity if not treated early.
A Hamilton dentist, like the one from Belmont Dental, can step in to stop the decay from progressing and provide treatment for the affected tooth. They may take an X-ray to assess the extent of the problem and recommend the most appropriate solution. For less severe cases, the dentist might suggest fluoride treatments, cleaning the decay, and applying dental fillings. In more serious cases, they may recommend onlays, inlays, or crowns to restore the tooth.
Belmont Dental’s professional team of cosmetic and family dentists provides comprehensive oral health care to patients of all ages in Hamilton, New Jersey and throughout Mercer County.
2. Tooth Sensitivity
Another common dental problem that a dentist can help fix is tooth sensitivity. It is characterized by a sharp pain in the tooth when one drinks a sour, sweet, hot, or cold drink. The pain can also occur upon breathing cold air or when brushing teeth.
The sensitivity is a byproduct of when the enamel, which is a tooth’s outer layer, becomes worn away. This exposes the layers of the tooth that are sensitive and can also happen due to cavities, gum disease, a root infection, worn-out fillings, crowns, or cracks.
A dentist can correct this by inspecting the tooth, finding out what the cause of the sensitivity is, and prescribing a proper treatment regimen. There are some popular things to do to relieve tooth sensitivity, such as fluoride, filling the hole in your tooth, or a root canal.
3. Gum Disease
Gum disease (periodontal disease) frequently involves the tissue surrounding the teeth. It is quite common , although 42% of those over 30 have it. The first agent behind all this is plaque accumulation, which , in turn, triggers inflammation of the gums. The second one is called gingivitis; its first symptoms include redness and bleeding of the gums. In its most severe forms, it results in the loss of teeth and bones.
The dentist will clean tartar and plaque that you are unable to remove by brushing. A deep cleaning could be needed if bacteria are getting collected along the gum line. This technique (called scaling) flattens the roots of the teeth, making it easier for the gums to heal. The dentist might also suggest treatment by a periodontist who is a gum health specialist if the case is severe.
To ward off gum disease, book regular visits to the dentist, maintain healthy dental hygiene, and watch for receding, red, or swollen gums and frequent bad breath.
4. Enamel Erosion
Enamel is the hard outer coat of the teeth. Its loss can be gradual, prevented by acid reflux, too many sweet and acidic foods and drinks, grinding teeth, and vigorous brushing. Tooth sensitivity is due to enamel being worn away, turning the teeth yellow and even causing them to crack, cup or chip.
Ultimately, enamel erosion is irreversible, so it must be prevented or addressed in the early stages.
Dental bonding or application of fluoride may help stave off further erosion. Fluoride treatment from the dentist is another option to strengthen the remaining enamel. It may recommend crowns or veneers for more serious cases.
5. Misaligned and Cracked Teeth
Misaligned or crooked teeth can alter the smile and leave you feeling less confident. They can also be difficult to clean, which can cause dental problems. A few people are born with such teeth, while others may develop misalignment from sucking fingers, for example.
Fortunately, dentists can help with this and may recommend a corrective mode like braces or invisalign to realign the teeth properly.
On the other hand, teeth can crack for many reasons, including everyday wear and accidents. A fractured tooth doesn’t have to fall, and you may not be able to recognize it right away. It can present as an aching feeling, particularly after a hot or cold beverage, or as a sharp pain while chewing. Severe cracked teeth can lead to gum infection.
The specialist will inspect the severity of the damage and, in extreme cases, suggest procedures such as surgery or pulling the tooth.
Conclusion
Good general health is important as dental problems may affect our confidence as well as the health of our bodies. These and problems such as tooth sensitivity, decay and enamel loss are not unknown even among those with perfect dental habits.
Fortunately, regular dental checkups protect against these dental problems while offering an early answer when any problem develops. Be sure to make an appointment for dentistry today.
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