Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is characterized by inflammation, which is due to the accumulation of pus in the local tissues, and often-painful swelling.  It is usually caused by some kind of infection and the spread of bacteria from the root of the tooth to the tissue just below or near the tooth.  An abscessed tooth can be an extremely painful condition.

Antibiotics are administered in an attempt to kill the infection. If antibiotics are ineffective, a root canal procedure may be needed to restore the tooth to a healthy state.

Bad Breath
Over forty million Americans have "chronic halitosis" which is persistent bad breath.

What causes bad breath?  It is usually the result of gum disorder, tooth decay, smoking, indulgence in aromatic foods, or a mild digestive upset.  Halitosis may also be indicative of lung or sinus infection, uremia, or cirrhosis of the liver.  Successful treatment of halitosis consists of eliminating or controlling the underlying cause. Proper diet and dental hygiene are often helpful. Mouthwashes and scented toothpastes mask the condition but do not alleviate it. A physician should be consulted for persistent cases of halitosis.

Plaque
Plaque is a clear, sticky substance made in the mouth.  It clings to the teeth and gums.  Plaque has bacteria that make acids and other chemicals that can damage the teeth, gums, and bone if the plaque is not removed.  Plaque forms all the time, but it can be controlled by proper brushing and flossing.

Tooth Decay
The combination of bacteria and food causes tooth decay. A clear, sticky substance called plaque that contains bacteria is always forming on your teeth and gums. As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they make acids. The acids attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.

The best defense against cavities is good oral hygiene, including brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing.  Chewing a good sugarless gum will stimulate saliva production between brushing which helps rinse away many harmful materials.

Gingivitis
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) starts when bacteria are left on teeth and gums, and plaque forms.  Plaque and the acids it produces irritate the gums, causing them to become red and swollen.  Untreated gingivitis can progress to advanced gum disease, causing gums to pull away from the teeth or recede down the root.

Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity is caused by the stimulation of cells within tiny tubes located in the dentin (the layer of tissue found beneath the hard enamel that contains the inner pulp). When the hard enamel is worn down or gums have receded, causing the tiny tube surfaces to be exposed, pain can be caused by eating or drinking food and beverages that are hot or cold, touching your teeth, or exposing them to cold air.

Hot and cold temperature changes cause your teeth to expand and contract. Over time, your teeth can develop microscopic cracks that allow these sensations to seep through to the nerves. Exposed areas of the tooth can cause pain and even affect or change your eating, drinking and breathing habits. Taking a spoonful of ice cream, for example, can be a painful experience for people with sensitive teeth. 

Tooth sensitivity can be reduced by using desensitizing toothpaste, applying sealants and other desensitizing ionization and filling materials including fluoride by your dentist, and decreasing the intake of acid-containing foods. Tartar control toothpastes will sometimes cause teeth to be sensitive as well as drinking diet soft drinks throughout the day. 

Teeth Grinding
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, gnashing or clenching your teeth. The condition affects both children and adults.

Some people with bruxism unconsciously clench their teeth together during the day, often when they feel anxious or tense. This is different from tooth grinding or clenching that occurs at night, which is called sleep bruxism. Most children who are bruxers do so at night, while adults are either daytime or nighttime bruxers.

Bruxism may be mild and may not even require treatment. However, it can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems. Unfortunately, people with sleep bruxism usually aren't aware of the habit, so they aren't diagnosed with the condition until complications occur. That's why it's important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and to seek regular dental care.

If you or your child has bruxism, your doctor may suggest a mouth guard or protective dental appliance (splint) to prevent damage to the teeth. Your dentist can make a custom mouth guard to fit your mouth. Over-the-counter mouth guards are available but they generally don't fit well and can dislodge during bruxing.

Your dentist may also correct misaligned teeth.  In severe cases, when tooth wear has led to sensitivity or the inability to chew properly, your dentist may need to use overlays or crowns to entirely reshape the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

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