Many people don’t think about plaque, but it can cause many problems. It is important to go see your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and check-ups in order to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. For those who are afraid of the dentist or have sensitive teeth, there is always an option for sedation dentistry! The dentist at Queen King Dental works hard every day to make sure you feel comfortable with their services. Here are ten of the most common problems caused by plaque and food debris:
Cavities
If plaque is not removed from teeth it can build up on teeth and cause cavities. The cavity may start as a small hole that is barely noticeable, but if left untreated it can become larger and more serious. Plaque combined with sugar from foods and drinks creates acid that makes the holes bigger until they turn into cavities which must be filled or removed by a dentist. If a cavity isn’t treated quickly enough it will lead to tooth decay also known as a tooth abscess! A root canal may be needed to remove the tooth if this problem persists.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and is actually reversible! Gingivitis occurs when plaque accumulates on teeth and gums, causing them to become swollen or inflamed. It can also cause bleeding from the gums due to bacteria that release toxins into the bloodstream. Left untreated, you may end up with periodontitis which is a serious condition that must be treated.
Bad Breath
Bad breath caused by food debris stuck in between your teeth! Plaque that remains along teeth causes bad breath because it produces sulphur compounds as it digests sugars that are left behind after eating foods like fruit, vegetables, bread, etc. If these sugars aren’t removed they will combine with bacteria which leads to bad breath.
Receding Gums
Receding gums are also known as “receding gingiva” and it’s when your gum tissue begins to pull away from your teeth, exposing more of the root surface of the teeth. It can cause pain when chewing due to exposed tender root surface which is very sensitive because there are many nerve endings near the roots that connect directly with your brain!
Sensitive Teeth
Sensitivity in teeth is when the tooth becomes more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks! It can be caused by receding gum lines which expose the roots of your teeth. As bone loss increases it causes root surfaces to become exposed so biting into certain foods can cause pain for this reason. Tooth sensitivity should only last a few days after the treatment depending on how severe it is so don’t worry.
Cracked Or Broken Teeth
Teeth can crack or break due to a number of reasons including chips from biting into hard objects and cavities that spread and cause the enamel to break. This must be treated by a who will examine your tooth and recommend long-term or short-term solutions. If a tooth has broken down too much it may need to be removed because there isn’t anything left to repair it with!
Tooth Discoloration
This is when the enamel of teeth becomes stained from foods and drinks that have been stuck on them for too long. You may notice a yellow, brown, or black color caused by tannins which occur naturally in tea leaves, coffee beans, and some fruits! To prevent discoloration you can brush your teeth and visit a to reduce plaque and stains but if not treated causes darkening of the tooth surface over time due to mineral loss leaving behind dirt and stains.
Ending Lines: Cavities, gingivitis, bad breath, tooth decay, loose teeth and gum disease, receding gums, sensitive teeth – these are just some of the many problems that plaque and food debris can cause. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, don’t wait any longer to see a dentist. At our practice in Hamilton, we specialize in getting your smile back on track – and we promise it won’t hurt a bit! Schedule an appointment today and let us help you get on the road to recovery.