Causes of Missing Teeth in Adulthood, From A to Z
Tooth Repair 101
Symptoms of Permanent Tooth Loss
If you're lucky, you'll live a lifetime without ever having teeth problems. But let's be real: Most people experience some problems with teeth at some point. Because although teeth are strong, it's hard to predict whether those Jolly Rancher® pick-me-ups are going to finally do your teeth in or whether someone's flailing elbow will land squarely on your grill. Don't be too quick to sing the broken tooth blues though. There are plenty of teeth problem treatments to make your smile look Facebook® fab in no time. And for those of you with control issues, you'll be glad to know that you have a hand in preventing teeth problems. Since decayed teeth are more likely to chip, crack or break, you can keep tooth decay at bay by brushing teeth and flossing daily and seeing a dentist every six months. Wisdom teeth problems are a whole other matter — keep reading to find out why!
Q: What are the most common teeth problems?
A: Teeth problems run the gamut. You could have problems with teeth that affect the way they look — such as broken, chipped or cracked teeth. Or you could have teeth problems that affect the inner tooth. Wisdom teeth problems usually crop up if your mouth doesn't have enough room to accommodate extra teeth. And if you don't brush, floss and see your dentist regularly, you should expect to need a teeth problem treatment or two.
Q: I never had teeth problems as a kid. Why should I worry?
A: Even if you're one of the lucky ones who didn't have a cavity during your childhood, tooth decay can appear at any time, at any age. So can gum disease. That doesn't mean you need to worry — just keep taking good care of your teeth and eating a well-balanced diet.
If you're active, you can have structural problems with teeth if you don't protect them with a mouthguard. This way, you can prevent breaking, chipping or losing your teeth.
Q: Is there anything I can do to avoid wisdom teeth problems?
A: Unfortunately, no. Wisdom teeth problems usually occur when they grow in misaligned or are prevented from emerging due to the presence of other teeth. In many cases, your dentist can identify early on whether wisdom teeth problems are in your future. This can help you prepare mentally and financially to have them removed, if recommended.