Dental problems can be a pain – literally. They interfere with our lives and never seem to show up at a convenient time. The good news is that they can usually be prevented with good oral habits like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using fluoride mouthwash, and visiting your general dentist twice a year.
At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, our general dentist, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges, offers passionate, professional care for patients of all ages. The services we provide include preventative, restorative, and cosmetic care, as well as sedation dentistry. Here are the five most common dental problems we treat:
1. Bad Breath
Also known as halitosis, bad breath is common and extremely embarrassing. Causes of bad breath include:
- Gum disease
- Cavities
- Oral cancer
- Dry mouth
- Bacteria on the tongue
If you have chronic bad breath, don’t keep trying to eliminate it with gum and breath mints – visit your dentist. He can rule out any of these problems and perform a full mouth examination and dental cleaning.
2. Tooth Decay
Cavities are one of the most common health issues in the United States. These develop when plaque forms on your teeth and eats away at the enamel, which is the hard, protective surface of your tooth. Some common causes of tooth decay include:
- Consuming too much sugar
- Dry mouth
- Certain medications
- Bad oral hygiene
Cavities aren’t just for children; they can develop at any age. If you think you have a cavity, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. When cavities go untreated, they can cause much worse and much more expensive dental problems in the future.
3. Gum Disease
Periodontal disease – more commonly known as gum disease – causes tooth loss in adults more than any other disease. This is an infection of the soft tissues around your teeth. Symptoms include:
- Bad breath
- Tender, swollen, red, or bleeding gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Painful chewing
There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. It’s important to visit your Duncan, OK general dentist as soon any symptoms of gum disease arise so he can stop the progression and prevent tooth loss.
4. Toothaches and Dental Emergencies
Urgent dental problems are often a result of trauma, such as a sports injury or car accident. In these situations, you don’t have time to wait for dental care. Our practice offers emergency dental care during our regular office hours. Contact us if you experience:
- A toothache or acute mouth pain
- A loose or knocked-out tooth
- Facial swelling
- Excessive bleeding
- Intense temperature sensitivity
- Swollen gums
5. Unattractive Smile
Although this isn’t technically a dental health problem, an unattractive smile can make you feel incredibly self-conscious. We help love helping our patients gain more confidence with these cosmetic treatments:
- Porcelain Veneers
- Composite Veneers
- Tooth Contouring
- Teeth Whitening
Let us help you achieve a beautiful smile today.
Visit Your Duncan, OK General Dentist Today
Whether you’re fighting bad breath, in pain because of a toothache, or just want to improve your smile, we have the solution for you! Dr. Bridges and his team will create a comprehensive plan that suits your specific needs. Contact us online or by calling (580) 255-4880 today.
