FIND A DENTIST 1-866-970-9853

Find a dentist.
 
 
 
   Do you have dental insurance?
 
BROWSE TOPICS ALPHABETICALLY

Stay informed on your dental health! What you know about dental problems can keep you from needing hefty dental treatments down the line.

Dental Problems

Most people experience at least one dental problem at some point during their lives. In fact, tooth decay is one of the most common diseases in children and adults. Regardless of statistics, we can see why you'd be concerned -- dental problems can cause discomfort and even affect your overall health!

Of course, only a dentist can diagnose your dental problem. But if you think your mouth is telling you something, we'll help you understand the signs and symptoms most dental problems cause.


Home > Dental Encyclopedia > Dental Problems

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Although fairly common, baby bottle tooth decay is also preventable. Learn six easy ways to protect your baby's teeth from developing baby bottle tooth decay.

Bad Breath

Covering up bad breath with a mint is a temporary solution. To get rid of bad breath permanently, you need to find out what's behind it. 

Black Hairy Tongue

Tobacco products and certain mouthwashes or medication can cause the rare, but unsightly, condition known as black hairy tongue.

Broken Tooth

Repairing a broken tooth will not only save your smile, it can also save your tooth! If you have a broken tooth, see your dentist. If you don't, find out how to keep it that way.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, affects both children and adults. While stress is often the culprit for adults, colds and allergies can cause bruxism in children.

Bulimia Nervosa

Oftentimes, a dentist is one of the first people to recognize that someone has bulimia. Bulimia can wreak havoc on your teeth, but ongoing dental care can help.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome can be caused by menopause, medications, allergies and even anxiety. Find out what you can do to cool down a burning mouth.

Canker Sores

Often used synonymously with "cold sores," canker sores are actually quite different. Canker sores aren't contagious and appear only on the inside of your mouth.

Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth can lead to a chip on your shoulder when it comes to your smile. Only a dentist can tell if there's more damage to a chipped tooth than meets the eye.

Cleft Palate

If your child has a cleft palate, it's essential to get them a thorough dental exam by the age of 1. Treatment for cleft palate may include surgery, orthodontics and speech therapy.

Cold Sores

Anyone who has cold sores knows what a nuisance they can be. Although cold sores aren't curable, there are some things you can do to help prevent frequent outbreaks.

Cross Bite

A cross bite is more than a cosmetic imperfection. Without proper treatment, a cross bite can lead to improper jaw growth, TMJ, loose teeth and receding gums.

Dental Abrasion

Brushing your teeth hard won't get them any cleaner; in fact, it may cause tooth abrasion. Tooth abrasion is the wearing away of tooth enamel and can lead to infection.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess sometimes behaves like a trickster by causing pain and then subsiding. But don't let an abscess fool you; you'll need to see your dentist to stop the infection.

Dental Anxiety and Fears

Dental anxiety doesn't have to keep you from getting the dental care you need. Many dentists use tools, techniques and amenities to comfort patients with dental anxiety.

Dental Calculus

Salt plus plaque equals dental calculus. Unfortunately, you can't just erase dental calculus by brushing; you'll have to see your dentist for a scaling and root planing treatment.

Dental Emergency - Call Us at 1-877-528-4242

Having a broken tooth or knocked-out tooth are obvious dental emergencies. But what else qualifies as a dental emergency? You might be surprised.

Dental Fluorosis

Seeing white spots may mean there's something wrong with your eyes, but if you see them on your teeth it could be a sign of dental fluorosis. Find out how you can prevent dental fluorosis.

Dental Plaque

Eating sweets and starchy foods are major culprits of dental plaque. But there are three easy ways to tell if you have dental plaque and four easy ways to prevent it.

Dental Tartar

Unlike dental plaque, which can be removed from your teeth by brushing, dental tartar has to be removed by your dentist. Left untreated, dental tartar can cause dental cavities and gum disease.

Dry Mouth

Simple changes to your diet and daily habits can help prevent dry mouth syndrome. But for prolonged bouts of dry mouth, it's essential to see your dentist or physician for help.

Dry Socket

Don't take post-op instructions for a tooth extraction lightly; they can help prevent dry socket. Find out who's at risk for dry socket and what to do if you think you have it.

Fear of Needles

Ready to look your fear of needles in the eye? Find out what might be driving your fear of needles, and learn how your dentist can help.

Halitosis

Halitosis is the clinical term for bad breath. You could impress someone by saying "halitosis" in a sentence, but it may leave a bad impression if you actually have it.

Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth may try to squeeze their way in with the rest of your teeth causing overcrowding and an uneven bite. But should impacted teeth always be removed?

Knocked Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth requires immediate action: There's about a 30-minute window and three things you can do to help save a knocked-out tooth.

Malocclusion

Having a bad bite doesn't mean you've done something wrong, but you may need to get it corrected. Find out what kind of treatments can fix a malocclusion.

Missing Teeth

A child with missing teeth looks cute, but an adult just looks toothless. Learn why replacing missing teeth is just as important for your health as it is for your looks.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a condition caused by an overgrowth of fungus in our mouths. Certain medical conditions and daily habits may trigger oral thrush. Find out if you're at risk.

Overbite

Even if you have a minor overbite, many patients have said that fixing an overbite improved how they look, the way they talk and their ability to eat.

Sensitive Teeth

Why deprive yourself of certain foods and drinks because of sensitive teeth? You and your dentist can work together to desensitize sensitive teeth.

Tetracycline Stains

Tetracycline is an effective antibiotic, but it can also cause deep, dark stains on your teeth. Although cleanings won't remove tetracycline stains, veneers can cover them.

TMD

Do you hear a clicking or popping noise when you open and close your mouth? That could be a sign of TMD. Read about other TMD symptoms and treatments available.

TMJ

Our jaw joints (TMJs) work hard; without them we couldn't chew, speak or smile properly. But even TMJs can get overtaxed. Find out when you should get help.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay affects 90 percent of Americans. Although it's common, tooth decay is preventable: good oral hygiene, a well-balanced diet and regular dental visits are key.

Tooth Discoloration

Even if you practice good oral hygiene, you may still be susceptible to some tooth discoloration. Avoiding certain foods, drinks and habits can put you on the white path.

Tooth Erosion

Controlling the pH balance of your mouth is essential for avoiding tooth erosion. An easy way to maintain healthy pH levels is to avoid consuming highly acidic foods and drinks.

Tooth Worm

In ancient times, people believed that a tooth worm was the cause of tooth holes and pain. Although there were never any sightings of the tooth worm, there were plenty of "cures."

Toothache

Who knew a toothache could cause so much distress? Whether your discomfort is mild or severe, a visit to your dentist can help make a toothache become less of a pain.

Trench Mouth

An acute form of gingivitis, trench mouth rarely affects those living in developed nations. However, trench mouth can rear its ugly head if you don't practice good oral hygiene.