5 Common Oral Health Conditions
According to a study conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the average Australian adult is missing 4 teeth.
Oral Health
8 September 2022
Dentistry involves a lot more than just drilling into teeth all day! While it’s a common misconception that all dentists do is fill teeth, there are a variety of other conditions looked after by your dental professionals. From preventative procedures to cosmetic work, dentistry is a varied field that provides solutions to a range of complex issues. Below, we take a look at some of the most common oral health conditions faced by dentists.
1. Filling Tooth Cavities
Caused by tooth decay, dental cavities are small (or something large!) holes in your teeth. A very common occurrence, almost every one of us will require a cavity to be filled at some point in our lives. Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria in our mouths feeds on excess sugar and secretes an acid substance. This acid eats away at the outer enamel coating of our teeth and through the dentin layer underneath to expose the nerve centre inside. Once exposed, we start to feel pain and increased sensitivity. Cavities need to be filled in order to prevent any further damage to the tooth.
2. Gum Disease Treatment
Once only correctable with metal braces, there are now a range of options available to straighten your crooked or misaligned teeth. Although the traditional metal braces are an effective and affordable method that’s been proven to work, modern clear aligners present a less invasive way to passively straighten your teeth over time. Over the course of around 6 to 12 months, this orthodontic apparatus will align your teeth, improving the blood flow to your periodontal tissue and reducing the amount of hidden areas for bacteria to thrive.
3. Fixing Crooked Teeth
There are many different options available to you when it comes to teeth whitening. While in-chair professional whitening procedures will usually produce the quickest results, at-home kits are also available from your dentist to use at your own convenience. These kits work by gradually lightening your teeth over a series of at-home sessions performed by yourself. Simply fill in the tray with the whitening compound and wear it for the recommended duration. Results can be seen anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the stain and the different products used.
There are also over-the-counter whitening toothpastes available at almost all supermarkets and chemists. While most of these work on the principle of abrasion rather than chemical whitening, they can still prove effective with regular use combined with good oral hygiene.
4. Cracked or Chipped Tooth Repair
There are a number of causes for tooth cracking or chipping. With the latter usually occurring during a meal or after a severe impact, cracking is more often caused by regular teeth grinding or improper oral care. The enamel around our teeth is very strong — but so is our bite force. Constant pressure will cause microcracks that will eventually lead to bigger cracks or other issues for the tooth. Cracked or chipped teeth are usually fixed with a filling along with a crown for added strength. A crown or cap placed on top will increase the structural integrity of a compromised tooth and prevent any further damage.
5. Replacing Missing Teeth
According to a study conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the average Australian adult is missing 4 teeth. Whether as the result of an accident or simply poor oral health, there are a number of ways we can lose our teeth throughout our lifetime. Sometimes removal is simply the easiest, most affordable solution in situations of severe decay, but it’s never advisable to choose this option when the tooth can still be saved. Implants and dental bridges give you a way to regain the use of that area of your mouth with natural looking replacement for your missing teeth. Screwed directly into the jawbone, a dental implant is a strong and durable option that strengthens your entire mouth.
Innovative Dental Moonee Ponds
If you’re experiencing any of the issues above, or have any other concerns for your oral health, visit Innovative Dental today. We provide a range of affordable, high quality dental services that range from emergency treatment to cosmetic procedures.
Contact Innovative Dental for more information about how we can help you.