Pathologies

Crooked teeth/Malocclusion

Misaligned teeth or an improper bite can lead to chewing difficulties, and extreme tooth wear. Crooked teeth are also harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Cause: 
  • Genetics
  • Use of pacifier, thumb sucking 
  • Gum disease

Treatments:

Orthodontic solutions such as braces, invisible aligners, or, in severe cases, corrective jaw surgery.

Worn Down Teeth

Tooth wear happens when the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) gradually erodes, exposing the softer dentin underneath. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, pain, changes in bite function, and even fractures. If left untreated, excessive wear can make teeth shorter, weaker, and more prone to damage.

Cause: 
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding & clenching): Constant pressure and friction wear down the enamel, often unknowingly during sleep.
  • Acidic foods & beverages: Frequent consumption of citrus fruits, sodas, and vinegar-based foods softens enamel, making it more vulnerable to erosion.
  • Acid Reflux: Stomach acid can reach the mouth, causing enamel erosion over time.
  • Aggressive brushing: Using a hard toothbrush or brushing too forcefully can gradually wear away the enamel.
  • Improper bite (malocclusion): Uneven pressure on teeth can accelerate wear in certain areas.
  • Aging: Natural enamel wear happens over time, but lifestyle habits can speed up the process.
 
Treatments :
  • Bite rehabilitation: Restoring lost tooth structure with composite bonding, onlays, or crowns to rebuild and protect worn teeth.
  • Dietary adjustments: Reducing acidic food and drink intake helps slow down enamel erosion.
  • Custom night guards: For bruxism, a custom-made mouthguard can reduce grinding damage.
  • Orthodontic treatment: If misalignment is a factor, braces or aligners can help distribute bite forces more evenly.

Cavities/Tooth decay

Cavities / Tooth decay

Cavities form when bacteria break down tooth enamel, leading to holes that can cause pain and infections if left untreated. Early cavities may not show symptoms, making regular check-ups essential.

Cause: 
  • Plaque buildup from poor oral hygiene, frequent sugar intake, and acidic foods.

Treatments:

Removal of decay and restoration with fillings, onlays, or crowns, depending on the severity.

Red, swollen gums / bleeding gums

Gum disease starts with red, swollen, or bleeding gums and can progress to tooth loss if untreated. It is also linked to serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Cause: 
  • Bacteria buildup from plaque and tartar accumulation
  • Poor oral hygiene and infrequent professional cleanings
  • Smoking and tobacco use, which reduce blood flow to the gums and slow healing
  • Uncontrolled diabetes, which affects the body’s ability to fight infections
  • Stress, which weakens the immune system and increases inflammation
  • Genetics, as some people are more prone to gum disease due to inherited factors
  • Nutritional deficiencies, especially lack of vitamin C, which can weaken gum tissue
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty, making gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism), which puts excessive pressure on the gums and supporting structures
  • Certain medications that cause dry mouth or affect gum health, such as antihypertensives and antidepressants
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Treatments:
  • Professional deep cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria from beneath the gum line
  • Improved daily oral hygiene, including proper brushing, and cleaning between the teeth with special brushes.
  • Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and managing stress
  • Treating underlying conditions like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies

In advanced cases, periodontal therapy or surgery may be needed to restore gum and bone health.

Bad breath

Persistent bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth, but it can also indicate more serious dental or health problems.

Cause: 
  • 90% is of oral origin: untreated dental problems, such as gum disease, untreated cavities, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, tongue debris. 
  • Digestive issues
Treatments :
  • Professional cleaning
  • Improved oral care (for example using a  tongue scraper)
  • Treating underlying dental problems like cavities or gum disease.
  • Drinking more water

Retracting gums

Gum recession exposes the roots of teeth, making them more sensitive and vulnerable to decay. It can also affect the appearance of your smile.

Cause: 
  • Brushing too hard
  • A past orthodontic treatment that have moved a tooth into an area with thin gum tissue
  • Genetic predisposition to thin gums
  • Poor dental hygiene with consequence periodontitis
  • Teeth grinding
  • Injury to the gum
  • Misaligned bite
  • Infrequent professional cleaning with consequence periodontitis
  •  
Treatments :
  • Improved brushing techniques and in more severe cases, gum grafting to restore lost tissue.

Sensitive teeth

Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods can be a sign of enamel wear or exposed tooth roots. This discomfort can make eating and drinking unpleasant.

Cause: 
  • Gum recession 
  • Enamel erosion
  • Cavity
  • A recently placed deep filling
  • Overuse of whitening products
  •  
Treatments :
  • Fluoride application
  • Desensitizing toothpaste
  • Treating underlying issues like cavities or gum disease
  • Covering the exposed root or tooth with a filling

Root canal disease

When bacteria reach the tooth’s inner pulp, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and infection. If left untreated, the tooth may need extraction.

Cause: 
  • Deep cavities
  • Mechanical overload
  • Dental trauma
  •  
Treatments :
  • Root canal treatment to remove infected tissue, relieve pain, and save the tooth. A (partial) crown may be placed to restore strength.

Tooth stains

Stained or discolored teeth can affect your confidence and smile. Staining can be superficial or deep within the enamel.

Cause: 
  • Food and drink related
  • Pharmacologically induced
  • Elevated fluoride intake
  • Dental trauma
  • Smoking
  • Root canal treatment
  • Old filling
  • Age(ing)
  • Insufficient dental hygiene (especially after orthodontic treatment)
Treatments :
  • Professional cleaning
  • Teeth whitening
  • Or veneers for change of color and form of teeth.

Tooth pain

Tooth pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, throbbing pain, and may indicate an underlying issue such as infection, decay, or nerve damage.

Cause: 
  • Extended cavity
  • Mechanical overload
  • Fracture
  • Nerve inflammation
  • Tooth infection
  • Referred pain such as sinus problems or ear infection
Treatments :
  • Treatment depends on the cause, from fillings for cavities to root canal treatments or tooth extractions in severe cases.

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain

Pain or clicking in the jaw joint can make chewing, talking, or even opening the mouth difficult. 

Cause: 
  • Arthritis 
  • Stress
  • Bad habits like teeth grinding
  •  
Treatments :
  • Jaw exercises
  • Custom bite splints
  • In some cases, medication or physical therapy to relieve tension and restore function.