Maintaining tooth and gum health is integral to years of good oral health. Keeping your mouth healthy and infection-free is our priority. Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley provide treatments for multiple dental concerns in Virginia Beach, VA. Patients with toothaches, broken teeth, or dental anxiety can benefit from high-quality dental care. Our dentists personalize dental care so patients regularly receive effective treatment that improves their oral and overall health.
Treating Common Dental Concerns in Virginia Beach, VA
Common oral health problems can lead to severe complications. These dental problems can even lead to medical issues if left untreated. Many patients with dental problems have questions about why these problems develop and what they can do to treat common dental concerns.
Why Do I Have Chronic Toothaches?
A dental infection or tooth damage is the most common reason for a toothache. Infections create pain when harmful bacteria create inflammation. Harmful bacteria can affect the vessels and nerves as they reach the inside of the tooth. Similarly, if a chip or break in a tooth is deep enough, it can expose the tooth’s nerves. Different temperatures can affect the nerves and lead to tooth pain.
Our office provides dental fillings for patients with dental cavities. If patients have tooth damage, cosmetic and restorative treatments can restore the look and feel of one or more teeth.
Toothaches are also a common dental emergency. If you experience severe or sudden tooth pain, please get in touch with us for prompt care. Immediate dental care can prevent future oral health complications.
How Do I Prevent Broken Teeth?
There are many causes of chips or breaks in the tooth enamel. Cracked, fractured, and chipped teeth can create chronic pain and difficulty chewing. Preventing and treating broken teeth can stop further tooth wear.
Don’t chew on hard objects like ice or candy; you can chip your enamel. Using your teeth like tools can also break a tooth. Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports. We offer custom sports mouthguards for children and adults.
If you already have tooth damage, we can refer you to a local dentist for veneers, bonding, or crowns. Fixing one or more broken teeth can prevent further damage and injuries to adjacent teeth.
What Do I Do if I Have Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety, or a fear of the dentist, is a widespread problem among dental patients. Our office understands that patients may avoid the dentist for years due to dental fear. Fear can stem from previous negative experiences at the dentist. Patients may also feel dental anxiety due to a fear of dental pain, dental tools, and loud noises.
We provide dental sedation for painless care during lengthy or complex treatments. If you have severe dental anxiety, we may use mild sedation for routine care. Sedation is a dental tool that helps us provide needed patient care.
The Link Between Dental Problems and Overall Health
Common dental concerns aren’t just dental problems. Oral health issues are often linked to overall health problems. What may start as a dental problem can quickly develop into an overall health problem.
For instance, a common dental problem like a toothache is often a sign of severe tooth decay or gum disease. As harmful bacteria affect the teeth and gums, infection spreads throughout the mouth. It is common to experience increased health problems if you have diabetes, heart problems, or are immunocompromised.
Patients who avoid the dentist due to anxiety or fear can develop severe dental problems that affect their physical health. When patients do not visit the dentist for years, they often neglect their oral health at home. As a result, these patients can develop severe oral health issues. Oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease are linked to bone loss and heart problems.
Broken teeth make it hard to bite and chew; you may avoid eating hard or crunchy foods if you have tooth damage. Restricting your diet, you lose valuable vitamins and minerals that keep you physically healthy. An uneven bite can also place pressure on the jaw, contributing to teeth grinding and TMJ disorders. Posture, stress, and tension in the upper body can contribute to these bite disorders.
Tooth pain, damaged teeth, and dental fear can all increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Patients who experience toothaches, cracks in the enamel, or avoid the dentist can develop a dental infection.
Inflammation is a common symptom of dental infections. Left untreated, inflammation in the mouth can often travel to other parts of the body. Heart disease and heart attacks are linked to inflammation that reaches the heart. Patients can also encounter strokes if this inflammation reaches the brain.
How to Prevent Dental Concerns
Regular dental visits and an excellent oral hygiene routine are some of the best treatments to prevent common dental problems. We recommend patients visit twice a year, or every six months, for a dental cleaning and examination. Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums.
Additionally, we can find problems like decay or damage during an examination. When you notice a change in oral health, contact us for an appointment. If you have dental anxiety, we can provide accommodations so you will feel relaxed in our office. We recommend contacting our office before your visit to discuss your specific accommodations.
You can brush and floss twice daily to maintain oral health at home. Flossing before brushing will remove leftover food and bacterial buildup from between teeth. Then, when you brush, active ingredients in your toothpaste can reach your gums. Brushing in circular motions for two minutes daily can help you clean each tooth and the gum tissue.
Receive High-Quality Dental Care
Call Coastal General Dentistry at 757-216-9914 to treat your dental concerns in Virginia Beach, VA. You can also schedule a dental appointment online with Dr. Reichley or Dr. Sinclair. If you have questions about your current oral health concerns, please get in touch with our office. We’re here to answer your questions and find the best solutions for your dental problems.