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    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
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      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
      • Botox
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Guides
      • After Oral Surgery
      • Botox in Springfield
      • Calcium Deposits
      • Caregiver’s Guide
      • Choosing a Dentist
      • Dental Care
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      • Porcelain Veneers
      • Your Child’s First Visit
    • Pediatric
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General Dentistry: Most Common Oral Health Issues

  • April 24, 2017
  • 11:34 am
  • Dental Care, Dental Education
  • General Dentistry, Oral Health
  • Parkcrest Dental Group

Oral health is important. Not only do we all want bright white teeth but our oral health has bigger implications than just the superficial appearance of our smiles.

Cavities/Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases in the U.S., coming in just after the common cold. Tooth decay occurs when plaque, the sticky film that forms on our teeth, combines with the sugars and starches in the foods we eat and begins eroding at the enamel on our teeth. It forms cavities that, if untreated, can lead to bigger problems, such as abscess or loss of teeth.

Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group: How Do Cavities Happen?

Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath, called Halitosis, is a very common and sometimes embarrassing problem.  The overwhelming majority of those who suffer from it have a dental condition that is to blame.  From tooth decay and gum disease to oral cancer, dry mouth and bacteria, there are many potential contributing factors. Mouthwash, breath mints or breath spray will only temporarily mask the odor. A dentist can find the root cause of your persistent bad breath and give you a solution to fix it.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, known as gum disease, is a burden that keeps on burdening. Not only is it linked to heart disease and strokes, it’s one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults.

Related Post: Gum Disease

Mouth Sores

Mouth sores are incredibly common, and unless they persist for longer than two weeks, they are something you shouldn’t worry about, as they will disappear on their own. Types of mouth sores are:  canker sores, cold sores, ulcers, fever blisters and thrush.

Related Post: Dr. Steven Harrison On Treating A Mouth Ulcer

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common frustration for many. Most tooth sensitivity is caused by exposed root surfaces. If your gums recede even only by a millimeter or two – the root of the tooth, which is porous and sensitive, can be exposed. This leads to sensitivity to fluids and air that stimulate the nerve.  If your teeth are sensitive, your best bet is to schedule an appointment with your dentist to find out why.

Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group: Tips For Sensitive Teeth

Toothaches

Toothaches are kind of a broad term for pain that can be caused by cavities, wisdom teeth, gum disease or fractured teeth. Though a proper oral hygiene routine and regular general dentistry checkups help prevent many of these issues, accidents do happen. If you have a toothache, there is usually an issue that needs tended to. Schedule an appointment at your general dentistry office to examine the problem and get it resolved.

Related Post: General Dentistry Tips For Toothaches

Discoloration/Yellowing

The natural progression of life is that hair gets whiter and teeth get darker. Although avoiding certain foods, drinks, and habits can slow the discoloration of teeth, it is inevitable that the natural whiteness of our youthful teeth with dim. The good news is that cosmetic dentistry procedures make it possible to get that whiteness back. The safest and most effective teeth whitening procedure is going to be the one that your dentist will tailor to meet your needs.

Related Post: Teeth Whitening Tips: Main Causes Of Yellowing

General Dentistry Tips to Fight Back

You can resist tooth decay, gum disease, and many of these oral health problems by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily and going for your general dentistry checkups every 6 months. You may also prevent it by eating healthy foods and avoiding sugary drinks.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top right) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (center left) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (center right) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom left) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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