A general dentist handles a range of routine problems regularly. However, dental health needs range from common everyday issues to serious accidents and injuries. So, a general dentist may have to handle more uncommon and potentially severe issues as well. Common dental issues are often matters of dental hygiene and cultivating good habits. More serious problems result from neglecting these habits but may also arise from other causes.
Good dental habits begin with daily brushing. Regularly scheduled dental checkups help ensure that the person’s daily routine is sufficient and allow the dentist to advise on how to maintain healthy teeth. Even with good oral hygiene, problems can still develop. Brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can only do so much. Beyond what the person can do themselves, a dentist is able to provide more intensive treatments for acute and chronic problems.
Where dental hygiene habits fall short, a person may develop stained teeth, halitosis, and plaque buildup. Stained teeth means exactly that: staining, usually brown, on the normally white enamel of the teeth. These stains often result from caffeinated drinks and diets high in tannins. It can be treated by deep-cleaning with the help of a dental hygienist.
Halitosis is bad breath. It is usually caused by bacteria in cavities and cracks in the teeth. It may also be caused by tooth decay or by old food lodged between the teeth. Halitosis can be an early sign of other dental problems developing and may require further investigation to eliminate the cause.
Plaque is a substance that builds up in hard layers at the gumline and between teeth. Besides looking unsightly, it damages the teeth and gums. It can cause the gumline to recede, which, in turn, can promote other dental problems. Plaque is usually removed by the dentist by hand, using a variety of scraping tools.
Various misfortunes can befall a person’s teeth. A toothache can come on suddenly and severely and needs rapid attention from a dentist. Injuries to the teeth can occur either from unexpected accidents or from neglecting basic oral hygiene. Falls or other chance impacts can crack teeth or knock them out entirely. In these cases, more involved treatments are required.
Fillings are a common treatment to fix badly decayed teeth. Fillings seal holes in the teeth and prevent further degeneration. It is a relatively simple treatment that any dentist is well familiar with. A great many people have fillings, and modern ones are almost undetectable.
Veneers are covers placed over damaged teeth. They mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Veneers create the appearance of a very straight dental line and a clean, white smile. Veneers may also be used to repair minor damage. Dentists may also use veneers to conceal uneven or stained teeth. It is a relatively common procedure, especially among people in very public-facing jobs for whom a bright smile is important.
Bridges are replacement artificial teeth. These are permanently set in place. They may be anchored to the adjacent teeth or fixed directly into the jawbone within the gum. Bridges are used to replace lost teeth.
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Whatever the issue, the dentist is the person to help. Minor dental problems tend not to fix themselves. Far more often, small issues only grow into painful problems. Acting early often means quicker and easier treatments. A general dentist will advise on the right way to proceed.
Request an appointment or call Brighter Smile Family Dentistry & Orthodontics at 703-994-4044 for an appointment in our Sterling office.
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