6 Common Dental Problems and How to Fix Them

female holding jaw in painSuffering from a dental problem? You’re not alone. Here are 6 common dental problems and how to fix them.

  1. Tooth decay
    Patients suffering from a toothache are likely dealing with tooth decay. Depending on the severity of the decay, the best treatment will likely be either a filling or the placement of a dental crown. Both treatments are designed to restore the tooth’s strength and health.
  2. Crooked teeth
    Crooked teeth are problematic not only because they are unattractive, but also because they can hinder a patient’s ability to chew and speak normally. In addition, crooked teeth can be difficult to keep clean. Patients with crooked teeth can benefit from orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign clear braces, traditional metal braces, or other appliances.
  3. Discolored teeth
    Teeth can become stained or discolored by the foods and beverages patients consume, the use of medications, or aging, among other factors. For many patients whose teeth are discolored, a professional whitening treatment can make a significant difference. For patients with very stubborn staining, veneers can hide the stains and result in much whiter smiles.
  4. Gum disease
    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of American adults have some form of gum disease. In its earliest stage, gingivitis, patients can receive in-office treatment, which includes removing plaque and tartar, and then improve their oral health habits.
  5. Wisdom teeth
    Some patients’ wisdom teeth will grow in properly without causing problems, but for many patients, toothbrushes in a cupthis is not the case. Wisdom teeth often grow in crookedly or only partially erupt. This can lead to painful infections, among other problems. Having the wisdom teeth extracted is often the best option for many patients.
  6. Missing teeth
    Having missing teeth makes it more difficult to eat, talk, and smile confidently. For patients who are missing teeth, there are multiple options. Some patients benefit from dentures, partials, or appliances such as fixed bridges. For many people, however, dental implants are the ideal treatment because they are a permanent solution that looks and feels natural.

Tips to Choose the Right Toothpaste for Your Family

oral hygiene productsMost people are aware that choosing the right oral health care tools can benefit the entire family’s health, but it can be difficult to know which type of toothpaste is best.

To reduce confusion the next time you wander the toothpaste aisle, here are a few tips for choosing the right toothpaste for your family.

Choosing Toothpaste: What to Look For

  • Make sure your toothpaste carries the ADA seal of approval, which indicates that the product will work effectively.
  • Select a toothpaste that contains fluoride, a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay. This is especially important if your drinking water does not contain fluoride.
  • If you are shopping for toothpaste for your children, try choosing a toothpaste with their favorite characters or flavors. This makes brushing fun, and it may make it easier to get them to do it.
  • Choose a toothpaste that meets your individual needs. For example, if you have sensitive teeth, use a toothpaste designed to reduce sensitivity, and if you have mild stains or discoloration, choose a whitening toothpaste.

Gel or Paste?

Toothpaste typically comes in gel or paste form, so people often wonder if one is better than the other. The answer is that it comes down to a matter of personal preference.

Gels and pastes typically have the same ingredients and work the same way, so you can use whichever type you prefer. Ideally, you should purchase the type of group of females smilingtoothpaste that you are most likely to use on a regular basis!

During your dental appointments, you can talk to one of our experienced dentists about what types of toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, and other oral care products will benefit you most.

With good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, you can take great care of your teeth and enjoy them for a lifetime.

Diabetes and Dental Problems: What to Expect When Diagnosed

Patients who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes face several dentist at Fixari Family Dental with a patientchallenges, including a greater risk for dental problems. Fortunately, with proper management, these problems can be avoided.

Here’s what to expect for your oral health after you have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Impact of Diabetes on Oral Health

  • Having diabetes can impact your oral health, and your oral health can impact your diabetes. Therefore, it’s important to keep both in check.
  • Diabetics are more susceptible to dental problems due to higher blood sugar levels. When a patient’s diabetes is not well controlled, his or her saliva contains increased amounts of glucose, and this glucose-filled saliva will cling to the teeth and create plaque. Plaque can ultimately lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease.
  • The presence of gum disease can cause higher blood sugar levels, causing the diabetes to progress.

Managing Your Dental Health With Diabetes

After your diagnosis, going to the dentist on a regular basis becomes even more important. Just as you’ll need to monitor your blood sugar, your dentist will need to monitor your oral health closely.

  • See your dentist every six months for regular exams and cleanings. Make sure your dentist is aware that you oral hygiene productsare diabetic.
  • As your mouth is now more susceptible to decay and gum disease, be vigilant about brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
  • Keep your diabetes under control to the best of your ability. This is good for your overall health, but in particular, it helps keep your blood sugar in check, which decreases your risk for cavities and gum disease.

Having diabetes means it becomes even more important to take care of yourself. By taking a little extra time to maintain your oral health, you can improve the health of your entire body.

Why Do I Need to Go to the Dentist If My Teeth Aren’t Hurting?

There are many oral conditions that don’t show symptoms in their early stages. Mouth care

In order to detect these conditions in time to have them treated sufficiently, it is crucial to see your dentist every six months, even if your teeth aren’t hurting and nothing feels out of the ordinary.

Here are a few reasons it is so incredibly important to see a dentist on a regular basis:

  • If you haven’t seen your dentist recently, you may have tooth decay and not realize it. When the tooth first begins to decay, you may not experience the pain or sensitivity typically associated with a cavity. Any decay should be treated immediately to avoid the need for a root canal or losing the tooth; by catching it early, the procedure is much simpler.
  • Many people unknowingly have gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease. The condition is treatable, but if it advances to become periodontitis, the condition can only be managed rather than cured. Gum disease threatens the health of your entire body, so it is wise to detect and treat it as early as possible.
  • During your routine exam, you will receive an oral cancer screening. If anything is found during your screening, you can be referred to a specialist and begin treatment as soon as possible.
  • If you are unhappy with your bite or the way your smile looks, your dentist can offer suggestions. You may discover there are treatments that can significantly improve your smile.

Dr. FixariIt’s much better to detect and treat problems as soon as possible than to wait until they become painful, expensive, and perhaps even irreversible.

Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, there may be an underlying problem threatening your oral health.

Make it a priority to schedule your dental checkup every six months to prevent serious conditions and enjoy consistently good dental health.

Is it Safe to Go to the Dentist When You’re Pregnant?

In addition to eating well and receiving prenatal care, it is very important to maintain good treatment room at Fixari Family Dentaloral health during pregnancy.

Many moms-to-be worry about whether they should continue their regular dental appointments or undergo treatment for any conditions that may develop during pregnancy.

Rest assured, going to the dentist when you’re pregnant is not just safe, it’s highly recommended.

Dental Exams are Safe During Pregnancy

  • During pregnancy, the main purpose of dental visits is to minimize the risk of infection. Any slight risks involved with seeing the dentist during pregnancy are overshadowed by the benefits of maintaining the patient’s oral health. Pregnant patients should see the dentist for regular appointments, but should avoid cosmetic/elective procedures until after the baby is born.
  • Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to gum disease due to increased levels of the hormone progesterone. This results in gums that are swollen and in danger of infection. Left untreated, the condition can cause bone and tissue loss as well as health problems in other parts of the body, such as heart disease.
  • New moms can actually pass their bacteria on to their children if the baby’s mouth comes into contact with mom’s saliva. By maintaining good oral hygiene and detecting decay ahead of time at dental appointments, the risk to baby is minimized.

Safety During Dental Appointments

Fixari Family Dental hygienist performing teeth whitening on a patientAs always, it is important to discuss any medications you are taking with your dentist prior to treatment. Patients who have high-risk pregnancies should consult their OB-GYNs before scheduling a dental appointment.

Overall, though, most pregnant women can only benefit from going to the dentist.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, the second trimester is the ideal time to undergo dental work.

If ever you feel uncomfortable with going in for dental appointments during your pregnancy, our dentists at Fixari Family Dental encourage you to discuss it with your doctor, as well as with us. Your oral health is more important than ever at this time.

We recently moved and we’re looking for a family dentist. How do we choose one?

Moving to a new city or state comes with many challenges, one of which is finding Fixari Family Dental dentist and his familya new family dentist. Selecting your family’s dentist is just as important as choosing a pediatrician, as your child’s dentist will have a major impact on his or her health.

Here are a few things to consider that may help you make your decision.

How to Find a Great Family Dentist

  • One of the main things to look for when choosing a family dentist is to seek out one who has extensive experience in working with children. A dentist who sees young patients on a regular basis will be better equipped to work with your child, put his or her mind at ease, and develop a healthy dentist-patient relationship. If your child enjoys dental appointments early on, it will make future appointments easier on the entire family.
  • Pick a dentist who takes the time to talk to you and explain any treatments or findings. If you feel like you are being rushed out the door and don’t have time to ask questions, find a new dentist.
  • Feel free to schedule an appointment with a potential new family dentist without actually being seen so you can get to know him or her and learn more about the practice. This “trial appointment” also enables you to learn more about the dentist’s training and lets you see whether the office is up to your standards.
  • Location is definitely a factor that should be taken into consideration. Choose a dental office that is close to your home to make it easier to get to regular appointments. Plus, in the event of a dental exterior building of Fixari Family Dentalemergency (which is not unlikely when children are involved), it’s better to be close to the office.

Finding a new dentist that is right for your family may take some time, but it’s well worth the effort.

Few things are as important as your family’s health, and finding a good dentist will go a long way toward maintaining it.

My Teeth and Gums Hurt: Can You Help?

Have hot or cold foods or beverages become painful when they touch your teeth? When you notice woman in pain holding her mouthsensitivity to the temperature of hot or cold drinks, it could be a sign of a few different things going on in your mouth.

Most likely, however, you are experiencing this tooth sensitivity because you have lost some of the enamel on your teeth.

Sensitive Teeth Due to Enamel Loss

When patients have sensitive teeth, enamel loss is frequently to blame. The enamel is the first, outer layer of each tooth. There are several ways enamel can be lost:

  • brushing too hard
  • grinding your teeth
  • consuming foods and beverages that are acidic

If enamel is lost, dentin is exposed. Dentin is the layer of tooth under the enamel. It contains microscopic dentinel tubules, which act as mini channels. When your hot or cold beverage touches the dentin, the dentinel tubules alert the tooth’s nerve, and the nerve reacts by sending out a message telling you that you are feeling pain.

Other Reasons for Sensitive Teeth and Gums

  • Patients who have recently had a teeth whitening treatment may feel some sensitivity in the days after the appointment. This is temporary and nothing to worry about.
  • Your teeth may be sensitive if you have recently had dental work done. This sensitivity is likely just temporary, but if it continues, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.
  • Gum sensitivity to temperature may signal gum disease, or it may be a sign of receding gum tissue. Either way, if you have gum sensitivity, it’s best to see a dentist.

How Sensitive Teeth and Gums Are Treated

The treatment for your sensitivity will depend on the cause. The Fixari Family Dental dentists have several years’ experience helping patients restore their oral health and manage sensitivity.

  • Once your enamel is lost, it cannot be regained. Patients who have lost enamel and feel sensitivity can use special toothpastes designed for those who have sensitive teeth.
  • Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush can also help prevent further damage to the enamel and gums.
  • If your gums are receding, or if periodontal disease is present, treatment will often be necessary in the form of scaling and planing to clear the infection or gum surgery.

dentist at Fixari Family Dental with a patientTeeth sensitivity is a fairly common occurrence, but it should certainly be monitored to ensure that there are no underlying health concerns.

We help patients who are experiencing tooth or gum sensitivity identify the cause of their discomfort and offer ways to feel more comfortable.

If you notice that cold or hot beverages are irritating your teeth or gums, we encourage you to contact us today. The sooner you do, the sooner you can experience relief from painful sensitivity.

How to avoid common dental problems

Many dental problems can be avoided with a little knowledge and effort. By Fixari Family Dental staff membersfollowing these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of excellent oral health and save yourself from these common problems.

Problem 1: Tooth decay

How to avoid it: Tooth decay occurs when bacteria form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque. Plaque eventually hardens to become tartar, which eats holes (cavities) into the teeth. Limit your exposure to sugary foods and beverages, brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist every six months to avoid tooth decay.

Problem 2: Bad breath

How to avoid it: Besides limiting your garlic intake, the key to avoiding bad breath is to eliminate odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can all go a long way toward freshening your breath. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, as well. If you’re still experiencing chronic bad breath, see a dentist for a more aggressive treatment plan.

Problem 3: Gum disease

How to avoid it: Brush and floss on a regular basis to remove bacteria from near your gums. If you notice symptoms of gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease, be sure to see your dentist right away. These may include bleeding gums, pain, and swelling, among other symptoms. The key is to catch gum disease early, while it can still be treated.

Problem 4: Bruxism (teeth grinding)

How to avoid it: Teeth grinding can lead to several problems, including headaches, heavy wear, and sometimes broken teeth. Using a mouth guard will provide a barrier between your top and bottom teeth to prevent you from grinding down your teeth at night. Reducing your stress levels can also reduce the amount of teeth grinding you do.

Problem 5: Stained or discolored teeth

oral hygiene productsHow to avoid it: Teeth can become discolored due to age or genetics, but often it’s due to lifestyle choices. Dark beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and red wine are staining agents, so avoiding or limiting them (or using a straw) can help prevent tooth discoloration. Avoid tobacco use as well, and be sure to practice good oral hygiene.

Don’t wait until you’re experiencing a painful dental emergency to begin taking care of your teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene and regular dental appointments can go a long way toward preventing serious oral health problems.

Are my teeth or gums causing bad breath?

Everyone experiences bad breath at some time or another, especially after a bad breath treatment (halitosis)garlic-heavy meal or first thing in the morning. But what if bad breath becomes a chronic problem that mints or mouthwash can’t conquer?

Your teeth or gums may be to blame. Once you understand what’s causing your bad breath, you can move on to treating it.

Are your teeth causing bad breath?

Bad breath is caused by lingering bacteria. When food particles aren’t removed after you eat, the bacteria will multiply quickly and cause a foul-smelling odor. That’s one reason flossing is so important – there are areas in your mouth a toothbrush cannot reach, and when particles are left behind, bad breath results.

Bad breath can also be a sign of decay. If you are experiencing chronic halitosis, you may have a cavity that is allowing particles to enter and rot.

Are your gums causing bad breath?

Bad breath can also be a symptom of gum disease. When bacteria is allowed to form plaque and enter your gums, pockets of infection develop.

  • Infection anywhere in your body can create a foul odor, and your gums are no exception.
  • Once the bacteria have entered the gums and gum disease has developed, it’s impossible to take care of the situation yourself.
  • You’ll need to undergo treatment with a periodontist to restore the health of your mouth.
  • If you are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding, swollen, or painful gums, gum disease may be the cause of your bad breath.

Finding a Fix for Bad Breath

Toothbrush and toothpasteMaintaining good oral hygiene is the key to keeping your breath fresh. This means brushing at least twice a day, flossing, and drinking plenty of water to keep bacteria flushed out of your mouth.

  • If you’re still experiencing bad breath despite practicing good oral hygiene, talk to your dentist.
  • Something else may be causing your bad breath, and it’s important to figure out what that is.
  • We can also provide you with a bad breath kit to help get your breath smelling fresher.

Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem, but don’t let that prevent you from seeking treatment. With good habits and perhaps some extra help from your dentist, you can get your breath smelling fresh once again.

One of my teeth is more discolored than others. Does that mean it is going to fall out?

It’s easy to worry that the discolored tooth will fall out, but relax – it is cavity detection in Columbus Ohiohighly unlikely that the tooth will just fall out on its own! However, if one tooth looks different from the rest, it’s certainly time to see your dentist.

Why does tooth discoloration happen to only one tooth?

Without a dental exam, it’s hard to know why one of your teeth is more discolored than others. There are two possible explanations:

  • The tooth is stained.
  • The tooth is dead.

The good news is that there are effective treatments available in either case.

Treating a Stained Tooth

Sometimes, a tooth may appear more discolored than the surrounding teeth because it has become stained. Tooth staining can occur due to the foods and drinks we consume and certain medications we take. If one tooth is slightly discolored, it may simply mean the tooth has a stain.

We offer in-office and at-home whitening and stain treatments to help your tooth match the rest of your smile.

Treating a Dead Tooth

When a tooth is “dead,” it means the nerve inside the tooth has died. A dead tooth often has a darkened, gray or black appearance. It’s important to receive treatment for the dead tooth because the space inside the tooth where the nerve used to be can become infected easily.

  • The best treatment for a dead tooth will depend on the appearance of the tooth, as well as how long the tooth has been dead.
  • In some cases, if the tooth has only been dead a short amount of time, it can be saved with a root canal. Fixari Family DentalThis procedure removes the dead nerve and bacteria before they can cause a serious, painful infection, and a cap is placed over the tooth to provide strength and make the tooth more natural-looking.
  • In other cases, the tooth may be pulled. However, we aim to keep as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, so this is a decision that is never made lightly.

In short, having a discolored tooth is no reason to panic – but it IS a reason to go see your dentist. If you are concerned about your smile for any reason, why wait? Let us help you find a good solution that will improve your smile. Contact either of our offices (Columbus or Canal Winchester) and schedule an appointment.