What 10 Common Mouth Issues Really Look Like (Part 1 of 3)
You know good dental
habits can help prevent things like cavities and gingivitis, but you may not
know what conditions like these really look like or how they can affect your
mouth. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental
health issues, symptoms to watch for and the potential treatments that are
available. Please note: This content is
for informational purposes only. Only a dentist, physician or other qualified
health care professional can make a diagnosis.
Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)
Cold sores are fluid-filled
blisters that erupt on your lips, under your nose or around your chin caused by
a virus known as herpes simplex virus type 1. Once you have them, you’re likely
to get them again. Extremely contagious, they can be passed to others from the
time you feel the first symptoms (like itching or tingling by your mouth) to
the time they heal completely. Cold sores are often red, yellow or gray and
usually heal within a week or two on their own. Your dentist can prescribe
antiviral drugs within the first few days of an outbreak to help it heal more
quickly. Over the counter drugs are available to help with pain, itching and
burning they might cause.
Cavities
One
in four adults has an untreated cavity, and according to the
CDC, nearly every adult
will have tooth decay at some point. You might have a cavity if you experience
pain, food gets caught in your tooth, your tooth feels rough to your tongue or
it hurts to eat something cold or sweet. Depending on their severity, cavities
can be treated with fillings, crowns or root canals. If the damage is too
extensive or involves nerve damage, the tooth may need to be removed. To reduce your
chance of developing cavities, brush twice a day, floss once a day, drink water with
fluoride,
use a fluoride toothpaste, stay away from sugary
food and drinks and see your dentist
regularly.
Chipped Tooth
If
you regularly chomp on hard foods like nuts
or ice cubes, grind your teeth or have a mouth piercing, you’re at a higher
risk for a chipped tooth. You might feel pain, depending on how much tooth has
been lost. You may also feel a rough edge when you run your tongue along it.
If this happens, see your dentist. A small chip might be able to be smoothed
down. Your dentist can use a tooth-colored filling, a veneer or crown to shape up your
smile after a larger chip.
Teeth Grinding
Grinding
your teeth (bruxism) is most likely to
happen when you’re sleeping, though it can occur anytime during the day if
you’re stressed, have a new filling or crown that’s higher than
the rest of your teeth or have an abnormal bite. Over a long period of time,
the surface of your teeth will become worn. You could experience toothaches,
dull headaches or earaches, and jaw pain (TMJ). Your teeth may also appear more yellow
because the white outer covering is worn away.
A custom mouthguard from your dentist can
protect your teeth during sleep and correct bite issues. If stress is the
cause, find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can help reduce
stress and anxiety (and the likelihood that you will grind your teeth).
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
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