Overview
Teeth are hard structures in the mouth that break food into smaller pieces, making it easier to swallow and digest. They also help with clear speech and support the lips and cheeks. Humans usually develop two sets of teeth: baby teeth in childhood and permanent teeth that should last through adulthood with good care.
Key Symptoms
Healthy teeth should not usually hurt, feel loose, or bleed around the gums. Symptoms of tooth problems can include toothache, sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, pain when biting, bad breath, bleeding gums, or visible holes, stains, or cracks. Swelling of the gums or face can also be a warning sign that needs prompt attention.
Causes and Risk Factors
Tooth decay happens when bacteria in the mouth use sugars from food and drink to make acids that damage enamel over time. Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, frequent sugary snacks or drinks, tobacco use, dry mouth, teeth grinding, gum disease, and limited access to dental care. Injury can also chip, crack, or loosen a tooth.
Who Is Affected
Tooth problems can affect people of any age. Children may develop early decay, teenagers and adults may have cavities or injuries, and older adults may face gum recession, tooth wear, dry mouth, or tooth loss. People with certain health conditions, disabilities, or limited ability to clean their teeth may need extra support with oral care.
Prevention
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner. Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially frequent sipping or snacking. Regular dental checkups and professional cleaning can help find problems early. Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports can help prevent injuries.
Diagnosis and Tests
A dentist or other oral health professional checks the teeth, gums, and mouth during an exam. They may ask about pain, sensitivity, diet, medicines, and oral care habits. Dental X-rays or other imaging may be used to look for cavities, infection, bone loss, or hidden damage that cannot be seen directly.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the problem. It may include improved home care, professional cleaning, fluoride treatments, fillings, crowns, treatment for gum disease, repair of a cracked tooth, root canal treatment, or removal of a badly damaged tooth. Replacing missing teeth may involve dentures, bridges, or implants, depending on a person's needs and dental assessment.
Diet and Lifestyle
Water is a tooth-friendly drink, and a balanced diet supports oral health. Frequent sugary snacks, sweet drinks, and acidic beverages can raise the risk of decay and enamel wear. Tobacco can harm the teeth, gums, and tissues of the mouth. If you grind or clench your teeth, ask a dental professional about ways to protect them.
When to Seek Medical Care
Arrange dental care if you have tooth pain, sensitivity that does not go away, bleeding gums, mouth sores that persist, a loose tooth, or signs of a cracked or broken tooth. Seek prompt care if you have swelling in the gums, jaw, or face, pus, fever, or trouble chewing. Early assessment can help prevent more serious damage.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent dental or medical help right away for severe facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding that does not stop, or a tooth knocked out by injury. Urgent care is also needed after major trauma to the mouth or jaw. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, immediate professional help gives the best chance of saving it.