- »

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Fleetwood Dental’s Guide to Common Dental Problems: Part 2

Getting extensive dental work like a root canal isn’t anyone’s idea of a walk in the park, which is why it is important to pay attention to common dental problems so you can prevent them. A few weeks ago, we posted the first part of our guide to common dental problems. Here is part 2!

Tooth Infection: Tooth infection occurs when the nerve-containing pulp inside the tooth is damaged or becomes infected due to injury or decay. The root canal (which connects the top pulp chamber to the tip of the root) can become infected as well. If you have a cracked tooth or a deep cavity you should be weary of tooth infection.
See your best dentist if you feel pain in or around a tooth. You may need to get a root canal, during which the pulp will be removed, the pulp chamber and the root canal will be cleaned and the tooth will be filled. Your dentist also may seal the tooth with a porcelain or golf crown.

Enamel Erosion: This occurs when soda and citrus drinks wear down the surface of the teeth, resulting in discoloration and rounding. If you are constantly sipping soda (even diet soda!), lemonade, sports drinks or wine, you are at risk for enamel erosion. Overbrushing can also have similar effects on the enamel close to the gum lines.

To prevent further enamel erosion, drink less soda and more water! If you must have your daily Diet Coke, sip it through a straw or have with a full meal and be sure to chew sugarless gum, sip water or brush your teeth afterward. Teeth can also be restored with bonding materials.

0 comments: