Tooth decay and gum disease are both things that your dentist probably talks about all the time. This is primarily because these two problems are the most common problems that dentist’s face with their patients. While tooth decay and gum disease are responsible for the majority of restorative dental treatments, there are other oral health problems that exist that you should be aware of, including:
Discolored Tooth
Although it is normal for your teeth to develop stains, it is only considered normal if all your teeth match in color. When only a single tooth becomes darker, looks pinkish, or turns grey, this is an indication of tooth trauma and possible pulp infection. A tooth that is darker or pinkish in color can be the result of tooth trauma and may resolve itself. However a grey tooth or a discolored tooth accompanied by pain and/or gum swelling may mean that there is a pulp infection. To treat a pulp infection or a dead tooth, a root canal will need to be performed.
Chipped Tooth
When a tooth meets a powerful opposing force or absorbs a blow of force, a piece of it can chip off. In fact, chipped teeth are the most common dental injuries that dentists treat. Biting down on hard foods, getting hit in the head, falling on your face, or bruxism are all examples of things that can cause your teeth to chip. In most cases, chipped teeth can be quickly fixed by bonding composite resin to the affected tooth as a way of replacing the lost tooth fragment.
Cracked Tooth
Another type of dental injury that can occur is a cracked tooth. Like a tooth that chips, a tooth that cracks is usually the result of a powerful opposing force or a blow of force. The same things that cause a tooth to chip can also cause a tooth to crack, especially if the force is applied at a certain angle. In most cases, a cracked tooth can be restored with a dental crown. However, a tooth with a severe crack may need to be extracted.
Bruxism
Tooth grinding and clenching are collectively known as bruxism. Both habits consist of pressing the opposing teeth together with excessive force and generally occur at night. Bruxism is said to be brought on by stress and since it happens unconsciously, it is hard to correct. To prevent your enamel from wearing prematurely or your teeth from becoming damaged, your dentist will prescribe a night guard to wear while you sleep if they think you have bruxism.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is a fungal yeast infection characterized by a white, frothy film inside the mouth. It is not common in most people, however denture wearers and people with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for developing oral thrush. In most cases, it can be treated with medications.
Wisdom Teeth Impactions
Although their name implies wisdom, wisdom teeth are not very wise and tend to get stuck while trying to erupt. This is predominantly due to the fact that there is not enough space in the mouth. There are two kinds of impacted wisdom teeth: partially impacted and completely impacted. Partially impacted wisdom teeth stick out from the gums and are only partially trapped below the gum line. Completely impacted wisdom teeth, on the other hand, are completely trapped below the gum line. Since impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of problems, they are usually extracted.
Dr. Chris Vinson and Dr. Kristie Vinson attended the College of Dentistry at The University of Oklahoma. Dr. Chris Vinson has earned a fellowship from the Misch International Implant Institute and a fellowship in International Congress of Oral Implantology. He is also certified to administer Oral and IV sedation to his patients through The Montefiore College of Medicine in New York and is Teeth-Express and Invisalign certified. Dr. Kristie Vinson is trained in sedation dentistry, Botox, and dermal fillers. She received a Fellowship from the Misch International Implant Institute and the Fellowship in International Congress of Oral Implantology. She is also Teeth-Express and Invisalign Certified.
