Tooth Decay
Consistent exposure to starches and sugars can cause acid to form and eat away at tooth enamel. This causes cavities, or tooth decay, which can be very painful and negatively impact your quality of life.
Sensitive Teeth
Because teeth expand and contract in relation to temperature, hot and cold foods and beverages can cause discomfort or irritation for patients with sensitive teeth. Simply breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth. Over time, the interior nerves of the tooth may become exposed, causing much pain.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease (or gum disease) begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque and can cause inflammation, tooth loss, and bone damage. Early signs of gum disease include chronic bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
The beginning stage of the disease, called gingivitis, causes gums to bleed easily and swell up. If the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed.
Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by brushing and flossing regularly.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
While some foods, like garlic or anchovies, may cause temporary bad breath, halitosis is a more serious concern. Chronic bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another more severe dental condition.
Be sure to brush and floss daily to prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque, and bacteria in your mouth. Otherwise, your teeth will begin to deteriorate, causing bad breath or worse.
Canker Sores
Aphthous ulcers, commonly called canker sores, are small, recurring sores inside the mouth. They are either white or gray and surrounded by a red border. Typically, canker sores last one to two weeks, but the duration can be reduced with antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents.
