In the world of dental care, cavities are often the first thing that comes to mind when people feel an ache in their mouth. But truthfully, there are a lot more factors to blame than most even come to realize.
Cavities are often the first thing that people blame when it comes to dealing with dental problems. However, there is a lot more going on in your mouth than you may realize. At Klamath Smiles, we often see patients from Klamath Falls and surrounding communities who are surprised to learn about other common dental issues that don’t always show obvious signs, at least not right away.
Here are five dental problems you might not even be aware of. But it isn’t too late to learn of them, so you can help protect your teeth and mouth, your comfort, and overall health.
1. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
If you are one of the few people who have experienced waking up with a sore jaw or a dull headache, you may have bruxism. Unconsciously or while you are asleep, you may have been grinding your teeth. Oftentimes, many people aren’t even aware of it until they begin to notice their teeth becoming worn or feel a discomfort in their jaw from clenching too much.
At our Klamath Falls dental clinic, we often recommend a custom nightguard to protect your teeth and reduce tension. In some cases, reducing stress can also help.
2. Receding Gums
Gum recession is a slow process that can lead to bigger problems in the future. It is the process where your gum tissues slowly pull back from your teeth and expose the root surface. Making you feel more sensitive and your teeth prone to decay.
Overly excessive brushing, untreated gum disease, and even genetics are factors that can lead to gum recession. Visiting your dentist regularly is best advised to catch this early. If we see signs of gum recession at Klamath Smiles, we’ll walk you through your options for prevention or treatment.
3. Acid Erosion
Sugar is a known substance that can contribute to tooth decay, but it isn’t the only thing that can be blamed. What you may have been consuming without knowing it was wearing down enamel and damaging your teeth over time are acidic foods and drinks. Dental erosion can make your teeth more sensitive and prone to decay, even without bacteria to blame.
Living in Klamath Falls, where seasonal allergies and dry mouth are common, we also see erosion linked to medications or mouth breathing.
Drinking or gargling water after eating acidic foods and choosing enamel-friendly products is recommended to protect the enamel coating of your teeth.
4. TMJ Problems (Jaw Pain & Clicking)
What’s more common than most people think is the feeling of soreness when your jaw clicks after a long day. This is due to TMJ disorder—a condition that affects the jaw joints and surrounding areas of muscles and ligaments.
At Klamath Smiles, we can help you find relief with jaw exercises, custom mouthguards, or even bite adjustments. We highly advise not to ignore jaw pain, especially if it’s interfering with your daily life or even the simplest of acts, such as eating, sleeping, or speaking.
5. Oral Thrush
Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal yeast infection that manifests as white patches on your tongue and cheeks. This can also lead to irritation and cause mouth pain and redness, which heavily affects your sense of taste, causing food to taste bad. Infants and seniors are often victims of these because of lower immunity. However, adults are still likely to experience it due to genetics, intake of medicine, or dentures.
If you have noticed any changes to the feel or look of your mouth, don’t wait another day and come visit us so we can take a closer look and recommend the right treatment.
Your Smile Deserves More Than Just Cavity Care
Dental care is important, not just for your looks but also for your comfort and health. Don’t ignore the budding pain in your mouth, even if you think it isn’t serious. At Klamath Smiles, we strive to identify problems early, walk you through options, and make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible.
Come talk to us if you haven’t had a recent check-up, or are dealing with pain you are unable to pinpoint and explain in your mouth.
Reach out to Klamath Smiles today to book your appointment. We’re proud to serve the Klamath Falls community with friendly, personalized dental care that goes beyond the basics.
