Common General Dental Problems

Encinitas, Carlsbad, and San Diego

Problems affecting the health of teeth, gums, and other mouth structures are quite common. General dentistry prevents, diagnoses and treats these common dental problems so you can enjoy healthy, beautiful teeth.

 

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Mary Walsh-Cole offers family dentistry to people living in San Diego, Encinitas, Carlsbad and the surrounding California areas. By visiting a family dentist twice a year, you can avoid many common dental problems.

 

The most common dental problems include:

 

Tooth Decay

 

Bacteria on your teeth produce an acid that causes tooth decay. The bacteria are contained in plaque, a sticky substance always accumulating on your teeth. When left untreated, tooth decay leads to cavities.

 

To prevent and combat tooth decay, you must practice good oral hygiene habits and receive a professional dental cleaning every six months. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day does a good job of removing plaque, but some plaque buildup can only be removed with dental instruments in the hands of a dental professional.

In advanced stages, tooth decay requires treatment. Depending on the severity of decay, treatment may involve dental fillings, a tooth crown or a root canal. With cosmetic dentistry, fillings and crowns can now be fabricated from porcelain, resulting in a natural-looking tooth restoration.

 

Gum Disease

 

The bacteria in plaque can infect your gums, causing gum disease. Eventually, the infection can spread into the bone supporting your tooth. In the worst cases, gum disease can cause tooth loss.

 

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, and its symptoms include:

• Red or purplish colored gums
• Swollen, tender gums
• Gums that bleed easily when brushed or flossed

 

As gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, your gums may begin to recede from your teeth.

Periodontics and regular cleanings help prevent gum disease by removing plaque. Dr. Walsh-Cole and her hygienist can also spot early signs of gum disease and help you stop the progress of the infection.

 

Tooth Sensitivity

 

Tooth sensitivity is very common and includes uncomfortable or painful sensations in your tooth. Sensitivity has a number of possible causes, including an exposed root surface or a cracked tooth. Dr. Walsh-Cole can determine the cause of your tooth sensitivity and an effective treatment.

 

If you are experiencing a common dental problem or a cosmetic dentistry issue in San Diego or the surrounding California areas, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Mary Walsh-Cole to schedule a consultation.