Common conditions
Don’t worry, you are not alone! We are often asked about these conditions that affect your mouth. Don’t suffer in silence – speak to our dental team today to get your mouth back to optimum health. If you have any of these issues and would like to discuss your options, please call us today. We are happy to help!
When teeth are not aligned correctly they are more difficult to clean, leading to increased risk of gum disease. Teeth that bite together incorrectly are also at risk of tooth wear, chipping and sensitivity.
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The most common cause of bleeding gums is plaque buildup. Bacteria in plaque causes inflammation of the gumline which leads to swelling, bleeding and bad breath. Other factors are diabetes, hormonal changes, pregnancy and certain medications. Treatment involves deep cleaning and improved at-home care.
Sensitive teeth is generally caused by exposed dentin which can transmit signals to the nerve. Gum recession, dental decay, fractured teeth and grinding or clenching can cause sensitivity. Treatment involves identifying the cause and eliminating it. Mild sensitivity can be improved by regular use of a sensitive toothpaste.
Tooth wear can be caused by acid erosion, teeth grinding and clenching, overbrushing, mal-alignment, and more. Worn teeth can be sensitive, look shorter, yellower, duller and are prone to chipping and fracture.
Temporo-mandibular dysfunction (TMD) concerns problems associated with the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. You may feel clicking, popping or crackling in the joint or tenderness around the ear, headaches or migranes. Treatment involves assessment of the joint and in many cases a night guard, jaw exercises and/or Botox injections are recommended.
Shrinking of the gumline, known as gum recession, can happen due to overbrushing, grinding or clenching, gum disease and malocclusion. This exposes the roots of the teeth causing sensitivity, difficulty cleaning and increased risk of root decay and gum disease.
Gum disease is caused by plaque and affects 7 out of 10 Canadian adults. In the early stage, gingivitis, the gum becomes red, swollen and can bleed. In the advanced stage, periodontitis, the bone levels supporting the teeth reduce. Treatment involves good at-home care, regular assessment and cleanings and reduction of other lifestyle factors (e.g. smoking).
Dental cavities form when bacteria from plaque break down the surface of the tooth. These bacteria use sugar from foods and drink as their fuel. Overtime decay spreads through enamel to dentine, and if left too long can reach the nerve of the tooth. Prevention of cavities involves meticulous at-home brushing and flossing, a low sugar diet and use of flouride to strength the structure of the tooth.
Dental infection occurs when the nerve inside the tooth dies. This happens due to bacteria (from a cavity or gum disease), trauma (falling or sports injury) or if a tooth is fractured. Treatment is urgent and may involve root canal therapy or extraction.