The Most Common Dental Problems in Medford (& How to Fix Them)

by | Dec 2, 2022 | Dental Health, General Dentistry

dental problems in medford rogue valley dentist

Beautiful Medford, Oregon, has a rich history and culture. There are plenty of things to do here, and locals enjoy the small-town feel. However, like any other town, Medford residents have their share of dental difficulties.

Dental issues are common and can happen to anyone at any time. Thankfully there are ways to prevent or mitigate the effects of dental problems! If you’re searching for advice on fixing your dental problems, then keep reading. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the most common dental problems in Medford (and beyond).

Overview – Common Dental Problems

Crooked Teeth/Crowded Teeth

Missing Teeth

Teeth Grinding

Gum Disease

Stained Teeth

Failed Implant

Toothache

Lost Tooth Crown

Tooth Decay

Have you ever wondered what the most common dental problem is? If you guessed tooth decay, congratulations! You’re right.

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that attacks and eats away at your teeth. If left untreated, It can spread to other parts of your body. It’s important to see a dentist if you start experiencing any symptoms:

Remember that there are steps you can take to prevent tooth decay from happening in the first place—dental cleaning and practicing routine daily dental care at home, such as brushing, flossing, and using a gentle mouthwash. However, if you have already started to develop cavities, you’ll probably need to have fillings, crowns, or a root canal performed. Your dentist will diagnose you and suggest the right treatment for you during your next visit!

Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth are caused by a receding gum line, which allows the root of your tooth to come into contact with saliva, acids in your mouth, and hot or cold foods. Other factors could also cause tooth decay, such as gum disease and grinding your teeth.

A receding gum line can cause pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, so if you don’t have any pain but are experiencing sensitivity to heat and/or cold, something else is likely going on in your mouth. A common culprit is tooth decay which has started to damage the nerve within the tooth — which results in sensitive teeth — along with other symptoms like a stained tooth surface or receding gums.

Are Your Teeth Sensitive to Hot and Cold Temperatures? We can help address your concerns. Call us at (541) 772-8846 to diagnose this discomfort and find relief.

Gum Disease

Gum disease or gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, which can be caused by poor dental hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, and other factors. Gingivitis leads to periodontitis if left untreated.

The good news? If you regularly visit us at our Medford dental practice, we can catch gingivitis early on and treat it quickly so that it doesn’t get worse. Our goal is to prevent gum disease before it starts. Regular dental cleanings remove hardened plaque and tartar from even the most hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. Your hygienist can offer tips on improving your brushing and flossing technique at home. Then an exam by Dr. Catt can help assess the health of your gums.

Chipped or Fractured Teeth

Chipped or fractured teeth can happen for various reasons. They’re often the result of traumatic contact with another object, such as chewing on something hard. Sometimes they are caused by grinding your teeth or clenching them too tightly—both habits that are particularly common among people who have anxiety and/or stress disorders, including those that cause insomnia.

If you think your teeth might be chipped or fractured, you must get them checked out by a dentist as soon as possible. A chipped tooth needs to be fixed immediately so it doesn’t worsen into a more serious problem like decay or periodontal disease (which can affect the bone structure supporting your teeth). Even if there isn’t any pain, getting chipped or fractured teeth taken care of quickly is still recommended because they could cause more damage if left untreated—and fixing problems before they become worse saves time and money in the long run!

Impacted and Crooked Teeth

If your teeth are not in the right position, they could be considered impacted. Crooked teeth can be caused by several factors, including genetics, trauma, and illness.

Impacted teeth can cause pain and discomfort as well as speech problems, bite problems, and other issues. Crooked teeth can lead to tooth decay because the food doesn’t get cleaned off when you eat. It also makes it hard for you to bite down on food properly which may make it harder for you to chew things like meat or fruits with seeds in them (like apples).

If you want to straighten your teeth, you have a variety of alternatives. The most popular treatments are metal, ceramic, and lingual braces, which gradually realign your teeth over time. You can also use almost aligners or retainers (like Invisalign) to gradually straighten your smile. If you want immediate results, or if your crooked teeth impact your ability to speak or chew, you can opt for veneers or teeth straightening surgery.

Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can be caused by various factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, or even a cracked tooth. If you experience any discomfort in your mouth that doesn’t seem to go away, or if the pain becomes more frequent and severe, it could indicate something more serious is going on. In these cases, it’s always best to see your dentist as soon as possible; we may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help treat the problem’s cause while investigating further.

Don’t put up with dental problems! Meet Dr. Catt

meet dr. catt rogue valley dentist
Dental problems are common, but many ways exist to prevent and fix them. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below, it’s time to visit us:

  • Excessive pain when chewing food or drinking liquids
  • Swollen gums that bleed easily
  • Difficulty chewing food or swallowing (this is especially common in older adults)

Dr. Catt is one of the most experienced dentists in the state of Oregon. He’s certified by the American Society of Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry (ASIRD) and is a member of the Academy of Osseointegration. Beyond his experience and education, Dr. Catt is known for his friendly approach and ability to help patients feel comfortable.

This in-office procedure involves applying professional-grade whitening gel to each individual tooth. This gel is then activated by a powerful laser. The heat generated by the laser breaks up even the deepest and most stubborn stains, which enhances the overall whitening effect and makes the procedure faster.

We hope this article has provided you with some insight into the most common dental problems and how to fix them. If you feel like these issues are affecting your life, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Catt, contact us online, or call (541) 772-8846 today.

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