There’s no need to be embarrassed about dental issues. At Three Rivers Dental Group we help our patients smile again with confidence. Check out 4 common dental issues many patients face and learn more about our dentistry solutions to uncover a beautiful smile.
1. Bleeding Gums
Healthy gums can often be described as firm and pink in color. Noticeably red, swollen, tender, or painful gums are a common indication of periodontal disease. When brushing or flossing between teeth becomes a pain in the mouth, oral health issues may be laying below the gum line. Denture-wearing patients, in particular, experiencing burning gums or ulcers may also be affected by oral thrush, which can erode gum tissue and become extremely painful. We urge any patient experiencing painful, bleeding gums to schedule an oral health checkup immediately to alleviate aggravating mouth pain. Sedation dentistry options are available for comforting, stress-free dental visits. Dental treatment may be as simple as a professional deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from gums and swishing with an antibacterial mouthwash daily as part of an improved oral health care routine.
2. Food Trapped Between Teeth
Food can lodge between teeth, within gum pockets, or into sockets while eating. Food traps can affect healthy teeth and gums if not cleared promptly within an opening or space between teeth. The best defense is to rinse after eating and sticking to a daily oral hygiene schedule of brushing and flossing to remove food particles from between teeth and under the gum line. If food trapping issues persist, schedule a dental appointment to identify the source of the issue. Common causes include:
- Teeth alignment, wisdom teeth crowding, or tight space between teeth. Visit your dentist for an oral health evaluation to determine if extraction or alignment solutions are necessary.
- Periodontitis can often be the culprit. In severe cases, periodontitis causes gums to pull away from teeth, creating a space for food particles to hide and form pockets. As gaps get bigger, food particles get trapped. Early detection and immediate treatment of gum disease is key to combating periodontitis.
- Food packing in sockets of missing teeth following extraction can cause oral health complications. Speed healing with proper oral care following dental procedures. Rinse gently with saltwater solution starting the day following an extraction, change saturated gauze as necessary, and stick to a soft, smooth, chunk-free diet over the next 24 hours following extraction to eliminate the possibility of food packing. Refraining from smoking is also highly recommended to prevent oral infection.
- Cavities are notorious for trapping food, providing a breeding ground for bacteria to cause severe toothache, infection, or worse, tooth loss. The Mayo Clinic recommends regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits as the best protection against cavities and tooth decay.
3. Chewing Complications
Chewing complications are often caused by missing crowns, painful chipped, broken or missing molars and teeth, or poorly fitted dentures. We evaluate each patient’s dental health needs to determine the best dental treatment solution. Chewing complications can often be resolved with a dental crown, full or partial dentures, or dental implants. Three Rivers Dental Group offers convenient appointments and in some cases can see patients the same day for emergencies, even during evenings or by appointment on Saturdays for treatment to resolve dental issues.
4. Bad Breath
Halitosis is the handiwork of mouth bacteria. Microbes often living on food bits can cling to the back of the tongue or stick in the pockets between gums and teeth, emitting a sulfurous compound with a smell similar to cabbage or rotting eggs. Halitosis has become a common dental issue caused by wearing face masks, and can often be an indication of tooth decay or cavities. Short-term solutions to cover bad breath should be avoided, including sugary mints or sticky peppermint candies. These can cause tooth decay and lasting dental damage. Instead, drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth, clean teeth with a proper brushing technique for two minutes twice a day, and consistently rinse, and floss. Professional dental cleanings every six months can also help prevent halitosis.
Sometimes it’s as simple as identifying the source of dental issues and addressing them immediately with proper dental treatment and care. From regular cleanings to dentures and partials, sedation dentistry and dental implants, we offer professional dentistry services with the comfort and care patients deserve. Contact Three Rivers Dental Group by calling (1) 855-4-NO-FEARS or request a dental appointment online for fast, convenient dentistry services tailored to your individual needs. We are conveniently located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Cranberry, Greentree, and Greensburg.