Visiting the dentist is enjoyable for some people, but for the vast majority, it’s considered a necessary evil. Most people will avoid going to the dentist unless it’s absolutely necessary. This is not the wisest idea over time, as even the smallest of dental issues left untreated can turn into an expensive and elaborate procedure.

Here, we will cover the four most common tooth issues you will encounter in your life time and the best ways to treat them.

Cavities

Cavities are simply spots of decay in or on your teeth. This decay is caused by acids from the food and drinks you consume on a daily basis. A white spot on your tooth denotes a weakened spot of enamel.

You can reverse this by brushing, flossing, and getting a dental cleaning regularly. Depending on the severity of the cavity, a dentist will fill the cavity, perform a root canal, or remove the tooth entirely if the nerve is damaged.

Chipped Tooth

Chipped teeth happen when a person constantly chews on hard things, has a lip piercing, or receives trauma to the mouth. To treat a chipped tooth, the dentist has the option of smoothing down the tooth, using a tooth-colored filling or using a veneer or a crown to restore your tooth.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation of your gums around your teeth due to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. This buildup is caused by infrequent brushing and flossing. Signs of early gingivitis include reddening or swelling of the gums, gum bleeding, and bad breath.

Luckily, gingivitis is treatable with a dental cleaning and daily brushing and flossing. While a dental cleaning is benign, some people become incredibly anxious when approached by dental tools. If this applies to you, there are dentists from places such as Dental Implant & Cosmetic, PC, who offer to put you under sedation for dental procedures.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is what happens when gingivitis is left untreated. Your gingivitis turns into an infection in your gums and spreads to the bones supporting your teeth. This is a very serious dental issue. Periodontitis is one of the main causes of tooth loss. Again, this is caused by poor oral hygiene.

There are a few ways to treat periodontitis including a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. If left untreated for too long, the only option is to remove the affected teeth. Discuss your options with your dentist to find the best solution for you.

While these dental issues seem intimidating, they are easily prevented by practicing dutiful oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist every 6 months for a routine cleaning. The best way to solve your tooth issues is to prevent them before they have a chance to emerge.