Some prevalent dental health issues are specific to India, and many people complain about suffering from at least one of them in their lifetime. Common dental problems in India might include minor issues like staining or tooth pain to severe misalignment of teeth and serious infections. Fortunately, most of these issues are easy to treat with preventative care and timely treatment.
When it comes to the maintenance of optimal oral health, it is of utmost importance to have a reliable dentist who possesses the ability to effectively address and treat prevalent dental issues.
In the city of Patna, Dr. Aishwarya emerges as an outstanding dental practitioner, widely acclaimed for her remarkable expertise and unwavering dedication to patient well-being.
In the following blog post, we will delve into eight commonly encountered dental problems and the ways in which Dr. Aishwarya can assist in overcoming these challenges, ultimately giving you the opportunity to attain the healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile that you truly deserve.
8 Common Dental Problems in India
People are often prone to dental issues that arise due to delaying treatment and not taking the right steps to treat oral issues right away. Some common dental issues that afflict the people in India include tooth decay, gum disease, and biting issues that are usually present from birth.
The 8 most common dental problems in India include:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease or periodontitis
- Malocclusion or misalignment of teeth
- Teeth sensitivity
- Cosmetic dental complaints
- Bad breath
- Teeth stains
- Tooth pain
There are multiple reasons why these dental issues are common among Indians, which Dr. Aishwarya, the best dentist in Patna, is going to share in the next segments.
1. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, a commonly encountered dental problem, arises from the gradual buildup of plaque and bacteria on the surface of our teeth.
Cavities are one of the most common reasons for tooth decay, and teeth decay is caused when bacteria and other particles in the mouth consume sugar and starch foods and then release an acid that dissolves the tooth’s outer layer called enamel.
Gum disease is associated with inadequate oral hygiene, a diet rich in processed food, and limited or no access to dental services.
Why Indians are Prone to Tooth Decay?
This is because India has people from different backgrounds and everyone have different diets. Many Indians often do not have any awareness of dentistry and the ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums, especially in villages.
This disease is prevalent in a region where the local diet is mainly comprised of carbohydrate sources and sweet foods. Also, many locals in India chew betel nuts, which leads to tooth decay.
Tooth Decay Treatment
The dentist may recommend dental fillings for cases where there’s initial stage decay that has not yet caused significant structural damage. This conservative approach ensures that the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure is preserved, minimizing the need for more extensive procedures.
However, a root canal therapy is apt for severe cases where there’s advanced decay deeper into the tooth. This procedure involves carefully removing the infected pulp from the tooth’s root canal system, eliminating any sources of pain or infection.
Dental crowns can also be placed in the cases of severe decay affecting the tooth’s structure and integrity. By encapsulating the compromised tooth, the crown restores its functionality and appearance, allowing for normal biting and chewing while maintaining a natural and pleasing look.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease, scientifically referred to as periodontal disease, stands as a significant oral health concern that profoundly impacts the gums and the supportive structures surrounding our teeth.
Prolonged gingivitis leads to periodontitis, which is a severe inflammatory disease of gums and tissues around them, which are infectious. Most often, it is a result of negligence in dental care, tobacco use, high blood sugar levels, and some types of drugs. When considering the most common dental problems in India, it tops the list.
Why Indians are Prone to Gum Disease?
Several causes can be noted as leading to the high incidence of gum diseases among people in India. Among them are ignorance of oral hygiene, poor access to dental healthcare, and the use of substances, such as tobacco and areca nuts that cause gum inflammation.
Gum Disease Treatment
Scaling and Root Planing is a meticulous procedure involving the thorough removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gumline. This eliminates the breeding ground for bacteria and facilitates the reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth surface.
To further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and combat stubborn infections, your dentist may administer antibiotic therapy. Administered locally or systemically, antibiotics target and eradicate the harmful bacteria responsible for gum disease. In addition to traditional periodontal therapies, there are some dental advancements that incorporate advanced laser treatments.
Laser therapy for periodontal disease provides a minimally invasive yet highly effective means of eradicating infection, disinfecting the gum pockets, and stimulating the regeneration of healthy gum tissue. This innovative technique offers precise and targeted treatment, resulting in reduced discomfort, faster healing times, and improved outcomes.
3. Malocclusion
Malocclusion, a condition characterized by misalignment or improper positioning of the teeth, can give rise to a multitude of concerns, such as difficulties in biting and chewing, as well as cosmetic insecurities.
Misalignment of teeth whereby some teeth do not fit right in the jaws can be a result of genes, an accident, or complications such as thumb-sucking. It can also develop from crowded or spacing problems within the teeth.
Why Indians are Prone to Malocclusion?
Hereditary factors, habits that children develop during childhood, and cultural practices also lead to orofacial abnormalities in India. Misalignment of teeth is, in fact, one of the most common dental problems in India.
A low level of health literacy regarding the necessity of orthodontic treatment is also a reason. Furthermore, the shortage of human and financial resources in rural healthcare settings results in a low rate of orthodontic treatment among the population.
Malocclusion Treatment
Issues like overcrowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, or crossbite requires a careful orthodontic treatment plan tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Recognizing that every malocclusion case is distinct, the dental expert usually begin the orthodontic journey by conducting an examination of the teeth alignment and bite.
For patients with severe overcrowding or complex malocclusion cases, Dr. Aishwarya may recommend traditional metal braces. These tried-and-true orthodontic appliances utilize a system of brackets, wires, and elastic bands to exert gentle yet precise forces on the teeth, gradually guiding them into their optimal positions.
Alternatively, for individuals seeking a more discreet orthodontic solution, there are clear aligners. These innovative and nearly invisible removable trays are custom-designed to fit snugly over the teeth and shift the teeth into proper alignment over time.
4. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be a distressing condition, causing discomfort and pain when exposed to hot or cold foods and beverages. Characterized by sharp pain when exposed to certain foods, tooth sensitivity can happen due to tooth enamel that’s worn down or tooth roots that become exposed.
Food and drinks that have a lot of acid can remove small amounts of tooth enamel with time and can cause tooth sensitivity. Root causes of tooth sensitivity may also encompass factors, such as tooth enamel erosion, gum recession, or tooth grinding.
Why Indians are Prone to Teeth Sensitivity?
There are various reasons why there is a high incidence of tooth sensitivity in India. Taking meals that contribute to the formation of acids in the mouth, spicy foods and products like tea and coffee also contribute to tooth sensitivity.
Inadequate or improper brushing, flossing, and rinsing the mouth as well as lack of good mouthwash can lead to some causes of gum retreating and tooth breakage leading to sensitive root surface.
Tobacco contains chemicals badly affecting tooth enamel and the gum tissue, leading to disease; therefore, increasing the sensitivity of teeth. Also, water in some parts of India has hard water which contains minerals that cause decay of tooth enamel and thus promote sensitivity in teeth.
Tooth Sensitivity Treatment
One common approach involves the use of desensitizing toothpaste, specifically formulated to reduce sensitivity by blocking nerve signals and forming a protective layer over the tooth surface. In cases where tooth sensitivity is attributed to weakened enamel or exposed dentin, fluoride treatments are advisable. Fluoride, a mineral that aids in strengthening tooth enamel, can be applied in the form of gels, varnishes, or rinses.
Another effective method employed by the top dentists is the application of dental sealants. This involves the placement of a thin, protective coating over the sensitive tooth or teeth, effectively shielding them from external stimuli like temperature changes and irritants that trigger sensitivity.
For more severe cases of tooth sensitivity, Dr. Aishwarya may suggest dental restorations to provide long-term relief. Dental restorations, such as dental crowns or dental bonding, are utilized to repair and protect teeth with compromised enamel or exposed dentin.
5. Cosmetic Dental Concerns
Dental concerns like this are all too familiar for Indians due to several factors. Some cosmetic dental concerns that need to be addressed are crooked teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, discoloured teeth, missing teeth, gaps between teeth, misshaped teeth, and gummy smile.
All these dental problems in India are addressed at the Dr. Aishwarya’s top dental clinic in Patna.
Why Indians are Prone to Cosmetic Dental Concerns?
Intrinsic stains originate from inside the tooth and may be a result of medication, genetics, or excessive fluoride exposure. However, there are also extrinsic ones which are outer layer stains mostly due to smoking, consuming coffee, and cigarettes, and having poor oral hygiene.
Cosmetic Dental Concerns Treatment
Although these concerns may appear to be non-threatening in terms of health, they will greatly affect the well-being of any one person. In India, some people visit the dentist for cosmetic work that will help them have a beautiful and confident smile. If you have any of these concerns, it is advisable to see a dentist and know whether you can have any treatment done.
Most people are not only committed to addressing dental problems but also passionate about enhancing their smiles, and that’s where cosmetic dental treatments come into play.
Whether you’re dissatisfied with the color, shape, or alignment of your teeth, there’s a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments. From professional teeth whitening and dental veneers to cosmetic bonding and gum contouring, Dr. Aishwarya, the best dentist in Patna, Bihar can transform your smile, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
6. Bad Breath
Halitosis is one of the dental problems symptoms that refers to chronic foul-smelling breath. This may greatly influence communication and one’s self-image. It is a result of bacterial growth in the mouth when the bacteria release bad odor-producing substances.
Why Indians are Prone to Bad Breath?
Numerous causes make Indians more vulnerable to bad breath. Be it a diet that consists of foods and drinks with garlic, onions, or spicy foods, among others. The major cause of bad breath includes smoking and chewing tobacco products as applies to a high percentage of India’s population. Inadequate brushing, flossing, and tongue scrapings also ensure that bacteria build up and this causes nasty odors.
Bad Breath Treatment
Considering how important it is to eliminate bad breath, visit a dentist right away to determine what may be causing the bad breath, whether it is gum disease or some other condition. The first line of treatment is usually cleaning the teeth and the oral cavity. Dental cleaning in Patna may eliminate the tough deposits that harbour bacteria and cause bad breath.
In addition, dentists can give recommendations on diet and on the correct method to brush and floss properly. Scraping the tongue is also an important step to prevent bacteria accumulation and eliminate bad breath issues.
7. Tooth Stain
Tooth discoloration or tooth stain is a factor that almost everybody suffers from at least once in life if they don’t follow proper oral hygiene. Staining causes discolorations of the teeth that can make them appear yellowed, less bright, or have white or dark spots.
Also, teeth stains can be a common cosmetic concern, affecting the appearance of your smile. They can be classified into two main types: Intrinsic stains and extrinsic stains.
Why Indians are Prone to Staining of Teeth?
There are plenty of reasons that can cause tooth stains. Some of the most common reasons that may lead to tooth stains are smoking, fluoride, aging, genetics, pharmaceutical drugs, trauma, disease, poor dental hygiene, and dental trauma.
Considering dental problems in India, it is also quite common due to several reasons. Consuming some of Indian cuisine may lead to tooth stains, try to rinse after eating or have foods and beverages that can stain teeth, such as tea, coffee, paan (betel leaf), and certain spices.
Treatment for Teeth Stains
The dentist will usually suggest teeth cleaning or professional whitening to break up stains and improve the appearance. The dentist may also suggest some specific toothpastes to maintain the shine of the teeth. In the cases of severe staining, veneers are also an option, which is bonded to the surface of the tooth.
However, the best course of action when it comes to eliminating tooth staining is avoiding the triggers and limiting the consumption of certain food and drinks that cause teeth stains. Tea and coffee are common culprits that should be avoided to maintain the appearance and whiteness of teeth.
8. Tooth Pain
Tooth pain is not among the types of dental diseases, but it can be a common dental problem that can significantly impact your quality of life. Dental caries is one of the primary causes, and this is when bacteria can also make the teeth enamel dissolve.
Another more frequent reason of tooth pain is the development of periodontal disease. This inevitably causes inflammation, infections, as well as loss of teeth. Among more common reasons for tooth pain can be an impacted wisdom teeth, sinus infections, and tooth sensitivity.
Why Indians are Prone to Tooth Pain?
There are many reasons why Indians are particularly vulnerable to toothache. Poor availability of dental healthcare does cause untreated dental complications and worsens them, causing pain.
Also, cultural practices and interferences, including diet, mostly involving taking extra sugar and starch foods, contribute to the development of cavities and periodontal disease. Furthermore, in India, smoking and chewing tobacco products can also cause cavities and specific dental related issues and pain in the teeth.
Tooth Pain Treatment
If you are facing aches in the tooth along with other dental problem symptoms, it’s better to see a dentist and know whether you can have any treatment done. Only a qualified dentist can diagnose what exactly is the cause behind persistent tooth pain.
The treatment plan will also depend on the reason of tooth pain and the severity of your condition. If a cavity is causing the tooth pain, the dentist may resort to dental fillings to eliminate the issues.
However, in the cases of severe infection in the tooth pulp, a root canal treatment might be a feasible option, considering that the cost might be ell under your budget. In fact, the cost of root canal treatment in Patna is usually lower than other metropolitan areas. If nothing else works and there’s severe issues, your dentist may also suggest extracting the tooth to eliminate the cause of tooth pain.
Eliminate Dental Problems with a Personalized Treatment Plan
With Dr. Aishwarya’s expertise and dedication to patient care, you can trust that your dental problems will be addressed effectively and compassionately. From tooth decay and gum disease to malocclusion, tooth sensitivity, and cosmetic concerns, she offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Employing a meticulous approach, Dr. Aishwarya scrutinizes each tooth, paying careful attention to any visible decay or structural damage. By doing so, she can accurately determine the severity of damage and its impact on the tooth’s overall health. Armed with this crucial information, Dr. Aishwarya proceeds to develop a tailored treatment plan that caters to the specific needs of the patient.
Throughout the entire treatment process, Dr. Aishwarya prioritizes not only the restoration of the tooth but also the preservation of its natural beauty.
As the best dentist in Patna, Dr. Aishwarya’s commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction ensures that you receive the highest quality dental care. Schedule a consultation today to experience firsthand how Dr. Aishwarya can help you overcome common dental problems and achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
