Do you find yourself dealing with tooth sensitivity, bad breath, jaw pain or other annoying dental problems? These issues can definitely put a downer on your confidence and daily routine.
The good news? Many dental problems can be prevented with proper oral care and attention to your teeth and gums.
Read on to learn about some of the most common dental concerns that affect many of us and some top tips to keep your smile in optimal health.
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1. Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth can make eating and drinking your favourite foods a painful experience. The cause is often enamel erosion or exposed tooth roots that leave the inner dentin unprotected and vulnerable.
Another large contributor to sensitive teeth is bruxism, which is usually the cause of symptoms and leads to the deterioration of enamel. But, what is bruxism?
Bruxism
Often known as teeth grinding, bruxism can occur for a number of reasons:
- The most commonly caused reason is usually by stress and anxiety. The pressures of daily life can manifest physically and turn this into an unconscious habit.
- Sleep disturbances like snoring and sleep apnoea have also been linked to teeth grinding at night. The lack of deep, restful sleep can lead to physical tension.
- Certain medications may also contribute to bruxism, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant. The effects on the brain and body can include tightened muscles.
- Substance use such as smoking, excessive alcohol, caffeine and drugs may induce teeth grinding. These substances stimulate the nervous system and disrupt normal sleeping patterns.
Enamel erosion can happen from acidic foods, overt brushing, grinding or medical conditions. When the dentin is exposed, hot or cold foods and liquids can trigger sharp pain and discomfort.
To help prevent and treat sensitive teeth:
- Choose toothpaste for sensitive teeth containing ingredients like potassium nitrate to block pain signals.
- Limit acidic foods and sugary snacks that contribute to the erosion of enamel.
- Try using a sensitive teeth mouthwash or prescription fluoride rinse to strengthen enamel.
- Have your dentist evaluate any significant sensitivity and rule out cavities, cracked teeth or gum recession as the source of pain. Treatments like topical fluoride or sealing exposed roots may provide relief.
Preventative dental treatments can help avoid sensitive teeth and promote good oral hygiene; read more on our website.
2. Bad Breath
While occasional bad breath (halitosis) is normal, chronic halitosis is usually caused by bacteria accumulation from food particles and plaque buildup on your teeth, tongue, gums or tonsils. Certain foods like garlic, onions, coffee and alcohol can also cause temporary bad breath. To freshen your breath:
- Brush and floss thoroughly each day to remove plaque and food debris. (Make sure to brush your tongue as well!)
- Use a tongue scraper daily to remove odour-causing bacteria hiding on the surface of your tongue.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep saliva flow high. Dehydration can cause dry mouth and worsen bad breath.
- Chew natural breath mints or mint gum to stimulate saliva production and freshen breath.
- If brushing and oral hygiene habits don’t solve the problem, see your dentist to rule out periodontal disease, infections or other issues causing persistent bad breath.
3. Jaw Pain
If you notice ongoing jaw soreness, tenderness or tightness, you may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ is often caused by teeth grinding or clenching that puts excessive pressure on the jaw joints and muscles. Stress and sleep issues can make these habits worse.
Here are our tips to prevent and treat jaw problems:
- Avoid gum chewing and hard, chewy foods that overwork the jaw.
- Apply warm compresses and massage the jaw muscles to relieve tension.
- Use a nightguard provided by your dentist to protect your teeth from grinding.
- Relax your jaw muscles during the day by keeping your tongue pressed lightly against the roof of your mouth. Avoid resting your chin on your hand, which strains the joints.
- Have your dentist evaluate TMJ symptoms like pain and clicking or popping joints and provide needed treatment such as bite adjustment or physical therapy.
4. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Partially impacted wisdom teeth that don’t fully emerge through the gums can cause pain, infections, swelling, jaw stiffness and damage to nearby teeth. It’s best to get evaluated by your dentist in your teens to determine if your wisdom teeth are likely to become impacted based on their positioning.
To address potential wisdom tooth problems early:
- Consult your dentist, who may recommend removal if impaction seems probable.
- Have them removed sooner rather than later to avoid future complications like cysts, decay on adjacent teeth and bone loss in the area. Removal is easiest the earlier it is done.
5. Dental Erosion
Frequent exposure to acidic foods, drinks, stomach acid from reflux and medications can erode tooth enamel over time. Acid softens the mineral structure of enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
Follow our tips to help prevent acid erosion:
- Limit acidic foods and beverages like citrus fruits, juices, wine and carbonated soft drinks. Drink them quickly rather than sipping slowly.
- After episodes of acid reflux, rinse your mouth with water to neutralise the acidity.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking something acidic before brushing. Brushing too soon can increase erosion.
- Ask your dentist about enamel-strengthening toothpaste, gels, rinses or dental treatments like fluoride varnish.
Practising good oral hygiene each day and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings can help avoid many common dental issues.
Don’t ignore any tooth pain, sensitivity, jaw problems or continuous bad breath—seek professional treatment promptly before the condition worsens.
Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment!
Your smile’s health is too important.
