EMERGENCY SAME DAY CROWNS!! We are very excited to be able to offer same day crowns using CEREC technology.

Common Dental Problems

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy smile. This article explores common dental problems, including bad breath, bruxism, canker sores, cold sores, dry mouth, and tooth fractures, providing insights into their causes and potential remedies. Whether it’s addressing dietary influences on bad breath or explaining the complications of bruxism, we’ve got you covered with valuable information on these dental concerns.

Bad Breath

What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. The odors will continue until the body eliminates the food. People who diet may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dry mouth occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. Tobacco products cause bad breath, so if you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit. Bad breath may also be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.

Bruxism

Bruxism, commonly known as “tooth grinding,” is the process of clenching together and the grinding of the upper and lower teeth. During sleep, the biting force of clenched jaws can be up to six times greater than during waking hours.

Bruxism can cause complications over the years:

  • Wear down tooth enamel
  • Break fillings or other dental work
  • Worsening of TMJ dysfunction
  • Create jaw pain, toothaches, headaches, or earaches
  • Cause tooth sensitivity
  • Increase tooth mobility
  • Can Chip Teeth

There is no cure for bruxism; however, the condition can be managed. The most common procedure to help to alleviate pain and discomfort is a Nightguard.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are common in adults and children and generally tend to cause discomfort, particularly during eating. Although several factors have been named as possible “causes” of aphthous ulcers, trauma is the most common trigger for them. It has also been observed that they appear in patients who are under stress, or those experiencing health problems. They have also been attributed to hormonal changes, and to some types of dietary deficiencies (i.e., Vitamin B12, Iron, Folic Acid, etc.). Although there is no specific treatment for the ulcer itself, except for severe cases (where usually steroids are prescribed); treatment is usually focused on the pain caused by the ulceration.

Cold Sores

Recurrent Herpes labialis (the common dental term) is a very common viral infection in children and adults. It is caused in most cases by a sub-type of the Herpes Virus, and in most patients it is preceded by an illness (a cold), exposure to sun or exposure to cold. Most patients experience what is known as “prodromic” symptoms such as itching or burning sensation in the area where the blisters soon appear. This information may allow your dentist to recommend therapies that may minimize or eliminate the appearance of the blisters. This infection is usually self limiting and can last up to 14 days before the scabs fall off.

Dry Mouth

Saliva flow keeps the mouth moist and aids in chewing, swallowing, digestion and speech. Dry mouth is a condition from the lack of normal saliva flow.

Causes of dry mouth:

  • Dehydration
  • Emotional stress
  • Anemia
  • Related to surgery
  • Medical Conditions
  • Medication
  • Allergy
  • Anti-depressant
  • Blood pressure
  • Some mouth washes that are high in alcohol content

Dry mouth symptoms:

  • Mouth feels sticky
  • Lips cracked and dry
  • Tongue may have burning sensation

People who experience dry mouth are at high risk for developing cavities, gum disease and bad breath.

Helping dry mouth:

  • Chewing gum / lozenges
  • Humidifier at night
  • Maintaining good oral hygiene

Mouth Guards

Accidents can happen during any physical activity. A mouth protector can help protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Over-the-counter stock mouth protectors are inexpensive, pre-formed and ready-to-wear. Boil and bite mouth protectors offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. Softened in water, they are more adaptable to the shape of your mouth. Custom-fitted mouth protectors are made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive, but a properly fitted mouth protector will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breathe.

Pregnancy

We ask that our female patients who are pregnant or think they possibly could be to inform us prior to your x-ray examination and dental treatment.

Tobacco

You are probably familiar with the links between tobacco use and lung disease, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Current studies have also established that tobacco smoking not only causes direct damage to your mouth but also makes periodontal disease more damaging and harder to treat.

There is a greater incidence of calculus formation on teeth, deeper pockets between gums and teeth, more gum recession and more loss of the bone that hold the teeth in your mouth. In addition, smokeless tobacco greatly increases your chance of developing oral cancer. Any tobacco usage can complicate the placement of dental implants.

Chemicals in tobacco such as nicotine, which constricts blood vessels, slow down wound healing.

Other chemicals impair the function of your white blood cells which are your first line of defense against infection. The tars contain carcinogens which over time induce cell mutations and cancers.

Quitting tobacco use will lower the risk of your developing cancer and improve the health of your teeth and gums, as well as your heart and lungs.

Smokeless tobacco poses very serious problems including:

  • Causes tooth decay
  • Eats away your gums
  • Leads to tooth loss
  • Bad Breath
  • Stains your teeth
  • Causes oral sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Decreases sense of taste and smell

If oral cancer is left untreated long enough, it may even cause death.

Tooth Fractures

There are many types of cracked teeth. The treatment and outcome for your tooth depends on the type, location and severity of the crack.

Unlike a broken bone, a fracture in a cracked tooth will never heal. Early diagnosis is important, even with high magnification and special lighting, it is sometimes difficult to determine the extent of a crack.

A crown will bind and protect the cracked tooth. When a crack reaches the tooth root, root canal treatment is frequently needed to treat the injured pulp. A cracked tooth that is not treated will progressively worsen, eventually resulting in the loss of the tooth.

Amazing Customers

5/5
Family Dental Group had been taking care of my teeth for a few years now and I tell everybody to go there. I not only feel cared for when I get my teeth cleaned but also empowered to continue caring for my own oral health. In my experience, they are honest in their recommendations and care; not always ambling for the upsell. The front desk employees are usually quite approachable.
Kezia Halverson
5/5
Annette Dusseau went above and beyond to accommodate my medical needs by placing a temporary crown and helping with an expedited permanent crown. She was thorough and explained everything she was doing. I highly recommend this office!
Shawn Hiesterman
5/5
I have been going to Family Dental for about 15 yrs. I have always been happy w\ the great, friendly service! I have never had a bad experience and all of the staff are wonderful and very pleasant! I will continue to use Family Dental for my dental needs.
Chad Elliott
5/5
Stunning, professional dental office that responded so quickly when an old filling fractured. They got me in right away and the process of getting that same-day crown was simply amazing. The dentist was fabulous, the assistants were incredible and the crown fit the first time it was put in. This is a happy place – the day I was there it was clear everyone was enjoying their work, enjoying the patients and enjoying each other. Incredibly positive and professional experience.!
N. N.
5/5
On trip to Yellowstone I broke a tooth. Family Dental to the rescue. Thank you Dr. Knable, Kendra, and all the staff who were friendly, helpful, and totally professional. I needed a crown and it was all done in a few hours. The crown feels perfect and I can smile again. Thank you!
Gigi de Jong
5/5
I recently got a mouthful of Crowns, done by Dr. Macy. She was incredible. She contacted me regularly (even on her days off!) to check on me. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Macy, Dr. Dusseau (our Dentist, who was on vacation) and Timmye (Assistant). My teeth look amazing. Thank you Family Dental!
Jesse Poole
5/5
Dr Jason was super awesome. I went in for an emergency molar pain. Had it out and us on our way quickly. Love these guys everyone was helpful, professional, and nice
Rhonda Foster

Ready for a brighter smile?

Call us or book your appointment today.

Request Appointment

Fill out the form below, and we will be in touch shortly.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Family Dental Group now open for regular patient visits with some changes for additional protection against COVID-19. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.