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In the contemporary world of dentistry, there’s positive news. Research shows that the number of teeth older Australians retain throughout their lives appears to be increasing. But the issue of oral health is not just about smiling, because unfortunately as the age of patients increases as does the chance of a range of dental issues that can occur.

Dental health is more than just an issue with physical health. It can impact the ability of people to eat, talk, and socialize without fear of discomfort or embarrassment. What are the most commonly encountered dental issues adults suffer from?

Dental caries or cavities

Plaque forms on teeth, and then sugars can be consumed or consumed. The bacteria in plaque produce acid that dissolves enamel on the teeth, and over time cavitated lesions (or holes) form. If not treated, dental caries can cause discomfort, pain, sensitiveness, and an increased likelihood of needing additional treatment such as root canal therapy or extraction of teeth.

According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA) having dental caries (also called cavities) is one of the most prevalent dental problems in Australia currently, with over 90% of Australian adults having experienced these at some point in their lives.

Periodontitis and gum disease

Another one of the more frequently encountered dental problems is periodontitis. It is often referred to as gum disease. Periodontitis refers to the inflammation of bone tissue and bone tissue due to bacteria. It also can affect connective tissue (the ligaments and gums) as well as the bone that holds teeth. It occurs when there are ‘pockets’ (or gaps) between the tooth’s surface and the gum. In extreme cases, the patient may be suffering from massive tissue loss as well as bone loss, which can cause teeth to become unsteady or even falling out.

The ADA states that although oral hygiene has improved significantly in the last 30 years, severe periodontitis prevalence has increased from 5.8 percent in 1990 to 7.3 percentage in 2015. The risk of developing periodontitis increases as you age. According to the latest National Survey of Adult Oral Health, 53.4% of people aged 65 and over had periodontal disease, compared with 2.7 percent of those aged between 15 and 24.

People who are older are more likely to develop advanced forms of gum disease and this could be due to an increase in risk factors and prolonged exposure to periodontal bacteria. Risk factors include diabetes, obesity, smoking and heart disease and the length of time a person is exposed to the bacteria in their mouth could cause an increase in the severity of the disease.

Jaw pain and toothache

Toothache is a different issue that can affect adults’ oral health. This refers to the pain around and in the teeth and jaws and could cause dental decay as well as caries (and increasing discomfort). Toothache can also occur as an outcome of receding gums, cracked tooth, loose or broken fillings or a periapical abrasis it is a puddle of pus at the end of a tooth. This is typically caused by an infection that is spread from the tooth to surrounding tissues.

When it comes to toothache, it’s crucial that the underlying cause is identified and treated, as although it isn’t a medically-diagnosed sign, it can cause various health and social effects that may affect a person’s quality of life. Teethache can affect daily routines including eating and sleeping, and it can cause sufferers to are able to avoid certain foods and also social events.

Discoloured and stained teeth

Tooth discoloration is a different problem that affects adults. It could be due to stains on the surface of the teeth or changes within the tooth. There are three types of intrinsic and extrinsic discolouration. Extrinsic is the term used to describe when the outer layer (or enamel) of a tooth becomes stained. It can be caused by wine, food tea, tea, or acidic foods. Intrinsic discoloration is when the inner structure (the dentin), of a tooth gets darker or becomes yellow. It could be caused by various factors like tooth trauma. The third reason for discoloured teeth is due a deterioration in the teeth and is generally a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors.

If you’re looking for a basic teeth whitening treatment or a complete smile transformation It is generally an appointment with your dentist in Fountain Hills to determine the problem and a suitable treatment plan, which can include at-home teeth whitening solutions.

Teeth grinding or bruxism

Another of the most frequently encountered dental issues that can affect adults is teeth grinding or bruxism, the effects of which tend to be the most noticeable with age. Teeth grind when they sleep due to the genetics of their parents, stress levels, as well as external factors such as drinking alcohol before bedtime or smoking cigarettes.

Bruxism may cause headaches, tooth sensitivity and jaw pain. It may cause permanent dental issues like tooth decay, cracked enamel, broken fillings damaged bridges and crowns, as well as tooth decay.

Treatment generally includes dentist in Fountain Hills work if needed and the use of a specially designed mouth guard, which is able to reduce the pain due to bruxism and ease some of the symptoms.

Crooked or misaligned teeth

The gap between teeth and teeth that are uneven, crooked, missaligned or overcrowded teeth, or having an over- or underbite can cause a variety of typical dental problems ranging from problems with eating and jaw pain to low self-esteem and even cosmetic issues. Nowadays there are numerous orthodontic procedures that are performed on adult patients. It’s a departure from the past when some treatments were only available to younger patients.

There are a variety of options for treatment, such as traditional braces made of metal or invisible braces. Aligners and tooth molds can also be fitted. Porcelain veneers can be used to treat discolored spots or correct crooked teeth permanently.