There are many troubles you can face regarding your teeth. Some of these problems are preventable and traceable from the onset, for example, teeth decay is an outcome of poor dental care that starts with some chalky white spots on the teeth. However, other teeth problems can come out of the blue, such as mouth sores or swollen gums.

The truth is no one is immune to teeth problems. They affect over 3 billion people in the world. No matter what your dental hygiene, there are some typical teeth troubles you’re likely to face.

Yet with the right preventative steps, you can avoid running into these issues. Check out this guide on 8 problems that can happen to your teeth and how to handle it to keep your smile sparkling.

1. Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth are one of the most common teeth troubles that can kill your smile and cause actual health issues. Some people’s teeth can grow in crooked, twisted or overlapping. This is caused by many things, such as genetics, gum disease, jaw injuries or sucking your thumb.

Although many people have crooked teeth, they can still cause further complications. You may have issues with articulation and speech. It can also cause problems like temporomandibular joint disorder, jaw strain, constant headaches and the cracking of your teeth due to wear and tear.

Getting braces and aligner sets can be a good start to fixing crooked teeth.

2. Crossbite

You may have heard of crossbites being amongst popular teeth troubles but might not know what it is exactly. A crossbite is when a tooth either has a position that is too close to the cheek or tongue. This is referred to as the buccal and lingual positions.

People are typically born with these bite issues. This lateral misalignment actually causes the upper row of teeth to fit inside the lower row, which causes your bite to be off. Often times a crossbite can be fixed with clear aligners to give you a straighter set of teeth.

If you notice this issue in your child then you may want to schedule an orthodontic appointment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children go for a check-up before age seven since deformed teeth troubles like crooked teeth can start from childhood.

3. Tooth Decay or Cavities

Tooth decay is among the most stressing teeth troubles. It is a hole or a cavity on the tooth caused by mouth bacteria. Sugars in snacks, drinks, and some foods cause a reaction with the bacteria which produces an acid that eats away the enamel.

If left untreated, it can reach the tooth root. When it reaches the tooth root, it can cause extreme aches, abscess, infections, and tooth loss.

Toothaches, sensitivities, and tooth holes are some common symptoms of tooth decay. Regular dental visits, flossing, and brushing can help you avoid decay and cavities.

4. Crowded Teeth

Teeth crowding can be a huge problem for oral health. It can be more difficult to brush and floss with this condition. This can increase the chances of tartar and plaque building up.

This is also one of the teeth troubles that can begin to cause you pain because of the pressure from pushing. A good traditional solution for crowded teeth is braces.

5. Overbites

Many adults and children experience a form of malocclusion. Having an overbite is one of the most common amongst teeth troubles. However, this doesn’t mean that it can’t cause further issues. Over time an overbite could get worse, sometimes causing speech to slur and chewing to become more difficult.

Similar to a crossbite, an overbite is the misalignment of your rows of teeth that cause your bite to be imperfect. In this case, the lower row is covered by the upper row.

An orthodontist can address this issue in a two-stage process of braces, which is the most popular treatment for overbites. The first step is for them to install the metal brackets. After that, they can go in to fix the overbite.

6. Jaw Pain and Soreness

Jaw pain and soreness may not be a tooth issue, per se, but it can be an indirect symptom of teeth troubles. There are many reasons why you may be experiencing pain or discomfort in your jaw.

One of those reasons has to do with misaligned and crooked teeth that have been left unattended to. Another cause could be from someone grinding or biting down on their teeth frequently. These types of behaviors often have underlying factors for why they are happening.

If you have jaw pain or locking, visit an orthodontist for a thorough dental examination.

7. Gum Disease

Gum disease is common in adults. In the US, 47.2% of adults above 30 years have gum disease. Meanwhile, 70.1% of adults aged 65 years and above have the disease.

Gum disease infects and inflames the gums causing swelling and bleeding. It is known as Gingivitis in the early stages. When it is severe, it’s known as periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause tooth loss and bone loss.

This condition starts with bacteria attacking the tooth and creating plaque and tartar hard to clean. Frequent gum disease symptoms include swollen gums, loose teeth, tender gums, pulling-away-gums, and bad breath.

Other gingivitis causes include smoking, diabetes, stress, poor dental hygiene, hormonal changes, genetics, and underlying health issues. Proper dental hygiene and professional dental check-ups can help you be able to prevent and control the problem.

Avoid Common Teeth Troubles

Teeth troubles are a huge frustration and inconvenience for people that experience them. The best thing to do is to brush your teeth regularly, floss after meals, and avoid harmful eating habits.

Regular dental visits can help you detect issues early and save money on health expenses. To address any concerns oral hygiene concerns you’ve been having, contact our office today!