10 Common Dental Problems in Ahmedabad and How to Prevent Them

Despite having access to modern healthcare infrastructure and potent medications, people are still in the shadows concerning dental hygiene and care. Whether it’s about taking care of the gums’ health or adopting practices to prevent tooth decay, most do not pay much attention to their oral hygiene. Owing to this, the number of cases for varied dental problems has already skyrocketed lately. 

Ignoring the symptoms of these issues could lead to prolonged health issues. After all, your teeth are also a part of your body, and their worsening condition would most certainly impact your well-being, too. That being said, we have articulated a detailed guide outlining the most common dental issues prevalent in Ahmedabad and the best preventive practices.

1. Tooth Decay

One of the most common dental problems in Ahmedabad is tooth decay, caused by plaque bacteria. They usually feed on sugars to produce acids that can erode the enamel, causing cavities. When left untreated, it could cause immense pain, infection, and even lead to the loss of the tooth. Decay also impacts the overall chewing abilities and oral health. 

Preventive Tips

• Brushing the teeth twice with a fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing daily to remove the stuck food particles
• Limiting the intake of acidic foods and sugars 

2. Gingivitis

This is the early stage of a gum disease, usually marked by swelling, redness, and localized bleeding. Gingivitis, when left untreated, eventually progresses into an infectious stage, affecting both oral comfort and the gum’s overall strength.

Preventive Tips

• Brushing twice daily to prevent the growth of bacteria
• Flossing to remove the trapped food particles near the gum line
• Using antibacterial mouthwash to remove the microorganisms
• Avoiding tobacco-based products
• Scaling, i.e., generalized teeth cleaning, once a year
• Topical gum massage

3. Periodontitis

When gingivitis is not treated properly, it can lead to an advanced gum disease, medically termed as periodontitis. Here, the infection spreads further to the gum tissues, damaging them along with the bone supporting the teeth (bone loss leading to loosening of teeth and early loss of teeth). Loose teeth, bad breath, and the loss of a tooth are some of the common effects. In severe cases, the infection can also spread to other body parts, often causing diseases linked to your cardiac function. 

Preventive Tips

• Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine without fail
• Getting scaling and root planning from a reputed dentist every six months initially, followed by a yearly protocol
• Quitting smoking to reduce the risk factor
• Using antimicrobial rinses to prevent the spread of the infection
• Attending regular periodontal check-ups for early detection and on-time treatment
• In severe cases, laser gum treatment may have to be done
• Use of a Water flosser in the day-to-day routine

4. Bad Breath

Also known as halitosis, bad breath is a direct result of poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or food particles trapped between the teeth. Not only does it affect a person’s confidence, but it also indicates underlying dental problems that require immediate clinical attention. 

Preventive Tips

• Brushing and flossing the teeth daily
• Cleaning the tongue with a proper scraper
• Staying hydrated to avoid the mouth from getting excessively dry
• Avoid having excessive garlic and onion
• Visiting the dentist periodically for gum and cavity checks
• Monitoring of food habits and stomach imbalance

5. Sensitive Teeth

People often suffer from tooth sensitivity of varying degrees due to worn-out enamel, which exposes the dentine and nerves. Symptoms often include sharp pain when the teeth are exposed to extreme temperatures due to hot or cold food intake. It not only interferes with the daily eating habits but can also hinder chewing abilities due to weakened dental strength. In many cases, sensitivity arises due to dental caries and vigorous horizontal brushing for a prolonged time.

Preventive Tips

• Using a desensitizing toothpaste as prescribed by the registered dentist
• Brushing the teeth with a soft-bristle brush to avoid any further damage to the enamel
• Changing toothbrush every 2 months
• Avoiding drinks and food items having high acidic content
• Stopping over-brushing of the teeth, as it would erode the enamel faster
• Consulting a dentist for a proper fluoride treatment plan

6. Cracked or Broken Teeth

One of the common dental problems people suffer from in Ahmedabad is having a cracked or broken tooth. It can occur due to multifarious reasons, including the dental arcade sustaining trauma, biting hard foods, or constant grinding. Having a cracked or broken tooth means sensitivity, consistent pain, and a higher risk margin for developing an infection. Severe cases often require crowning or root canal treatment.

Preventive Tips

• Always put on a mouthguard while participating in sports
• Avoid chewing hard food items like ice, nut shells, and so on
• Treat teeth grinding problems with night guards
• Seek immediate medical attention after sustaining trauma to your mouth

7. Receding Gums

Receding gums expose the tooth roots directly, thereby increasing the chances of hypersensitive dental arcade and the risk of tooth decay. Most common causes include aggressive brushing, genetic problems, and untreated gum disease. In some cases, improper treatment can lead to permanent tooth loss as the bony structure underneath gets exposed and suffers from the loss of strength.

Preventive Tips

• Always use a soft brush and follow a gentle method rather than vigorous brushing
• Floss your teeth carefully without snapping
• Avoid having tobacco-based products
• Treat gum infections promptly with proper medication

8. Root Infection

One of the most threatening dental problems people suffer from in Ahmedabad is root infection. It usually occurs when bacteria somehow enter the tooth pulp cavity and cause severe pain and swelling. If not treated on time, it could lead to bleeding from the root, excessive pain, and sometimes systemic issues and abscesses. 

Preventive Tips

• Ensure to treat the cavities without delay, right after spotting
• Maintain strict oral hygiene to ensure no bacteria can thrive
• Do not let gum infections persist without proper dental treatment
• Wear protective gear like a mouthguard to prevent injuries that could allow bacteria to access the pulp cavity
• Visit a dentist immediately if you suffer from persistent or recurring toothaches

9. Enamel Erosion

Stomach acid, beverage intake, and consumption of acidic food often cause the enamel to erode eventually. This will weaken the teeth if not treated on time, thereby leading to hypersensitivity and cavities. It is to noting here that enamel cannot regenerate, which is why the damage caused becomes permanent. In severe cases, dentists often prefer crowning or a root canal as the treatment options. 

Preventive Tips

• Rinse the mouth immediately after consuming acidic foods like lemon juice or carbonated beverages
• Using fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel
• Chewing sugar-free gums stimulates the production of saliva and prevents drying of the enamel
• Getting a professional fluoride varnish is recommended by the dentist

10. Dry Mouth

When saliva isn’t produced in enough quantity, your mouth is likely to become dry. It is often caused due to medications, stress, or underlying health issues. Prolonged dryness in the mouth could increase the risk of developing cavities, eroded enamel, gum disease, and unnecessary discomfort. 

Preventive Tips

• Always stay hydrated by sipping water now and then
• Chew sugar-free gum as it stimulates saliva production
• Avoid caffeine or alcohol consumption in excess
• Follow up with your dentist if the above methods do not work

Conclusion 

There’s no doubt that dental problems have now become more persistent in the residents of Ahmedabad. Whether it’s due to food habits or poor oral hygiene, these problems, if not treated on time, could lead to severe health issues. That’s why you should keep in touch with your dentist to ensure your oral health is at optimal levels. If not, the professional can help with drafting the perfect treatment plan tailored to your health.