There’s good news to be found in dentistry’s modern world. Research has shown that older Australians appear to be keeping more teeth as they age. However, the dental health issue isn’t just about smiles, because unfortunately as the period of time increases and the risk of a range of dental problems occurring.

Oral health encompasses more than physical-based issues, as dental issues can hinder the ability of people to eat, talk and interact with others without fear of embarrassment or discomfort. What are the most prevalent dental issues adult patients may encounter?

Dental caries or cavities

Plaque builds up on the teeth, and then sugars can be consumed or eaten. The plaque-forming bacteria produce acids that dissolve enamel on the teeth, and over time the cavitated lesions (or holes) form. If not treated dental caries may cause discomfort, pain, tooth sensitivity, and increased risk of needing additional treatment like root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

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

Gum disease and periodontitis

Periodontitis is a different problem in the field of dentistry. It’s also known by the name of gum disease. Periodontitis is the inflammation of the dental tissue caused by bacteria. It can cause damage to connective tissue (the gum and ligaments) as well as the bone that holds teeth. The condition is caused when there are ‘pockets’ (or gaps) between the tooth’s surface and the gum. In severe instances, patients may experience extensive tissue loss and bone loss, which could cause teeth to become loose or falling out.

According to the ADA that, even though oral hygiene has seen a significant improvement over the past thirty years, the frequency of serious periodontitis increased from 5.8% in 1990 to 7.3 percentage in 2015. The risk of developing periodontitis increases as you age. According to drdanaweinreich.com of Adult Oral Health, 53.4% of those aged 65 or over suffered from periodontal disease, as which is compared to 2.7 percent of those aged between 15 and 24.

The older population is also more likely to develop advanced gum disease, which may result from an accumulation of risk factors and longer-term exposure to periodontal bacteria. The extent of gum disease could be affected by factors like obesity, smoking, heart disease, diabetes and heart diseases.

Teethache and jaw pain

Another concern with dental health for adults is toothache. It generally refers to pain in and around jaws and teeth and jaws, and if not treated and untreated, it could lead to dental caries and dental decay (and unfortunately, more discomfort). Toothache can also be caused by receding gums or cracked teeth.

It is essential to recognize and treat toothaches. Although it is not a medically recognized sign, it can lead to a variety of health and social consequences that could impact an individual’s living quality. Toothache can disrupt daily activities such as sleeping and eating and sufferers may go as far as avoiding certain foods, as well as social situations.

Discolored or stained teeth

Tooth discoloration is another common problem that is affecting adults. It can occur due to staining on the tooth’s surface or changes within the tooth. There are three types of extrinsic and intrinsic discolouration. Extrinsic occurs when the exterior layer (or enamel) of a tooth becomes stained. It is caused by food, wine tea, tea, or acidic foods. Intrinsic discolouration happens when the inside of the tooth (the dentin) darkens or has an orange tint and is caused by a variety of things including tooth trauma. Age is the third reason of tooth discoloration. It is usually an amalgamation of extrinsic and intrinsic factors.

Whether you are after a basic teeth whitening treatment or a complete makeover of your smile The process typically involves an appointment with your dentist in Fountain Hills to identify the problem and a suitable treatment plan. This could include at-home solutions for teeth whitening.

The teeth grind or bruxism

One of the other frequent dental problems that adult patients may experience is bruxism, also known as teeth grinding and its effects can often be most pronounced with age. People grind their teeth while they sleep due to genetics, stress, and external factors such as drinking alcohol prior to bedtime or smoking cigarettes.

Bruxism can result in headaches, tooth sensitivity, aching teeth, the ear and jaw pain and can lead to dental problems including tooth decay, cracked tooth enamel, fractured fillings and damage to existing crowns or bridges.

The treatment generally is dentist in Fountain Hills as well as, if required as well as the use of the use of a mouthguard that is specially designed. This can help reduce the pain caused by bruxism as with other signs.

Crooked or misaligned teeth

Gaps between teeth that are crooked, misaligned, or overcrowded teeth, or having an under- or overbite can result in a range of common dental problems ranging from eating issues and jaw pain to low self-esteem and cosmetic concerns. These days, however, there are many orthodontic procedures that are applied to adults. It’s a departure from the past when some treatments were only available to children.

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