Good oral hygiene is important for healthy teeth and gums. Brush twice a day, floss every day and eat nutritious food to avoid dental problems. Regular dental check-ups and cleaning are also essential to prevent such issues. Without a proper hygiene routine and treatment, you can suffer from tooth decay, gum disease or tooth loss. At Colborne Family Dental, we provide complete oral health care for your entire family. Our dental clinic has been serving clients in Oshawa since 1943, with our staff trained in the latest techniques and technology.
Common Dental Problems
Visit your dentist immediately if you have these symptoms:
Gum Changes
Plaque is an almost invisible, sticky film containing bacteria that forms on clean teeth. It can harden into tartar or calculus within 24 hours. The tartar accumulates under your gum line. This causes gum diseases including gingivitis (inflammation of gums) and periodontitis (an advanced condition which could lead to tooth loss if left untreated). Some of the symptoms of gum problems include:
Change in colour of gums from a normal pink colour to red or bluish-red.
Swollen or spongy gums.
The receding gum line, which may cause the teeth to appear larger. You may even notice some part of the root.
Formation of pus, odour or new spaces between the teeth.
White Spots Developing on Teeth
Dental decay is an infection in your tooth. It starts with the hard enamel dissolving due to the acid produced by bacteria. The very first signs of this problem are the development of white spots on your teeth. Initial decay is not very easy to detect, especially if it is between the teeth. This is one of the reasons why regular checkups and X-rays are so essential. You can stop the process early on before it develops into an actual cavity (which would require a filling). If you notice any white spots, get them checked immediately by a dentist. If you are looking for dental clinics in Oshawa, visit Colborne Family Dental.
Increased sensitivity
The decay slowly progresses through the enamel and into the centre of the tooth (containing nerves and blood vessels). At this stage, you will likely begin to experience noticeable symptoms such as sensitivity to hot, cold and certain food items. This can also be a sign of a serious problem such as teeth grinding, which you may not be aware of as it occurs at night. Damaged fillings can also cause sensitivity.
Tooth pain
Persistent tooth pain can be an indication of a major problem. Some of the other symptoms include a tooth that is sensitive to touch or the formation of pus near the tooth. Do not ignore the issue if the pain goes away after a day or two as you may still have an underlying problem.
Lumps or Patches in the Mouth
While brushing your teeth, inspect your cheeks, tongue and underneath your tongue to spot any white or red patches. Check for any lumps that were not there before as they can be signs of mouth or throat cancer. Other symptoms include sores and rough areas in the mouth. You may also face difficulty in chewing or moving your tongue or jaw. You will also notice a change in your bite.
Bad Breath
Also known as halitosis, it can be caused by dental problems such as gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth or bacteria on the tongue. Using a mouthwash can help in reducing the odour but will not cure the dental problem.
For preventive dental care in Oshawa, get in touch with Colborne Family Dental. We also provide cosmetic dentistry and restorative dental care at our dental clinic. For more information on the services we provide, contact us today!