There’s good news regarding dentistry in today’s world. Research shows that the older Australians seem to be retaining more teeth into old age. Unfortunately, oral health isn’t all smiles. As the duration of time increases as does the probability of developing a variety of dental issues.

Dental health is not just an issue of physical. It can affect the ability of people to eat, talk and socialize freely without discomfort or embarrassment. What are the most common dental issues people with a chronic illness may face?

Dental caries or cavities

Dental cavities are caused by plaque that forms on our teeth and then we eat or drink drinks that contain sugars. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that break down tooth enamel, and over time the cavitated lesions (or holes) are formed. Dental caries, if untreated, may cause pain, discomfort, tooth sensitivity and the greater likelihood of further treatment , like tooth extraction or even root canal treatment.

According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA) Dental caries (also known as cavities) is one of the most common dental problems in Australia currently, with over 90% of Australian adults experiencing them at one point or another in their lives.

Periodontitis or gum disease

Another one of the more frequently encountered dental problems is periodontitis, also known as gum disease. Periodontitis refers to the inflammation of bone tissue as well as bone tissue due to the presence of bacteria. It can also affect connective tissue (the gums and ligaments) and the bone supporting a tooth. The condition is caused when there are ‘pockets’ (or gaps) between the surface of a tooth and the gum. In the most severe cases, the patient may experience extensive tissue loss and bone loss, which can result in teeth becoming unsteady or even falling out.

The ADA declares that while oral hygiene has significantly improved over the past 30 years, the incidence of severe periodontitis has increased from 5.8 percent in 1990 to 7.3 percentage in 2015. The risk of developing periodontitis increases with age – according to the most recent National Survey of Adult Oral Health, 53.4% of patients aged 65 and older suffered from periodontal disease, as in contrast to 2.7% of people aged between 15 and 24.

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

Jaw pain and toothache

Another concern with dental health for adults is toothache. This usually refers to pain the jaws and around the teeth and jaws, and if not treated it can lead to dental caries as well as dental decay (and unfortunately, more pain). Toothache is also caused by receding gums or damaged teeth.

It is essential to recognize and treat toothache. While it’s not a medically-approved symptom, there can be many health and social consequences that can affect a person’s good quality of life. The pain can disrupt daily activities, such as eating or sleeping. It may result in sufferers being unable to eat certain foods and social interactions.

Teeth stained and discolored

Tooth discoloration is a different issue that affects adults. It can occur due to staining on the tooth’s surface or changes inside the tooth. There are three basic types – extrinsic discolouration occurs when the outer layer (or enamel) of a tooth is stained, which can be caused by smoking as well as by foods including wine, coffee tea, tea and acidic meals. Intrinsic discoloration happens when the inside of the tooth (the dentin) darkens or has a yellow tint and can be due to a variety of things including tooth trauma. The third reason behind discoloured teeth is due a deterioration in the teeth and generally is a mix of both intrinsic and extrinsic causes.

Whether you are after simple teeth whitening or a total smile makeover It is generally an appointment with your dentist in Fountain Hills to pinpoint the problem and a suitable treatment plan, which can include at-home teeth whitening solutions.

The teeth grind or bruxism

One of the other common dental issues that adult patients may experience is teeth grinding or bruxism, the effects of which are often the most severe with the passage of time. Teeth grind when they sleep because of genetics, stress, and external factors such as drinking alcohol before bedtime or smoking.

Bruxism can result in headaches or tooth sensitivity, pain in the teeth, the ear and jaw pain and in the long term cause dental issues such as tooth decay, broken tooth enamel, damaged fillings and damage to existing bridges and crowns.

Treatment generally includes dentist in Fountain Hills treatments if necessary and the provision of a specially designed mouth guard, which is able to help reduce the pain due to bruxism and ease many of the symptoms.

Teeth that are crooked or misaligned

Teeth gaps, crooked, misaligned or over-crowded teeth as well as having an under- or overbite can cause a variety of common dental issues from eating issues and jaw pain to self-esteem issues and cosmetic concerns. In contrast to the past when some procedures were aimed at younger mouths today, a wide range of orthodontic treatments can be successful on adults as well.

There are numerous treatment options available, including traditional braces made of metal or invisible braces. Aligners and tooth molds may also be fitted. Porcelain veneers are used to treat discolored spots or to straighten crooked teeth permanently.