What Are the Most Common Oral Health Problems in Adults & Kids?

Common Oral Health Problems in Adults

➣ Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, also called cavities, is one of the most common oral problems. It happens when germs in your mouth mix with sugar and make acid. This acid attacks your teeth and makes small holes called cavities. If left untreated, these holes get bigger and can cause pain.

You may notice tooth decay if you have pain when eating, see dark spots on your teeth, or feel a hole with your tongue. A dentist can treat this with a filling.

➣ Gum Disease: Gum disease starts when plaque builds up along your gumline. Plaque is a sticky layer of germs that forms when you don’t clean your teeth well. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. This makes your gums red, swollen, and easy to bleed. If not treated, it can turn into periodontitis, a serious gum problem that can make your teeth loose.

Gum disease is common but can be stopped with good brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.

➣ Tooth Sensitivity: Some adults feel pain when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods. This could be tooth sensitivity. It happens when the layer under your tooth enamel, called dentin, is exposed. Brushing too hard, gum problems, or tooth grinding can cause this.

Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and visiting your dentist can help.

➣ Bad Breath: Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be caused by poor brushing, gum disease, dry mouth, or food stuck between teeth. If bad breath doesn’t go away after brushing, it’s a sign you may need to see a dentist.

➣ Oral Sores: Adults may also get sores in their mouth. These can come from biting the inside of your cheek, stress, or spicy foods. Most sores heal on their own, but some can be signs of other health issues.

Common Oral Health Problems in Children

◆ Tooth Decay (Cavities): Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease. In infants, this often appears as “baby bottle tooth decay,” caused by prolonged exposure to sugars from milk or juice, especially when a child is put to bed with a bottle. As children grow, the risk continues with sugary snacks, juices, and inconsistent brushing habits. Look for white or brown spots on the teeth. Prevention involves establishing a consistent brushing routine with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears.

To prevent this, clean your baby’s gums and teeth after feeding and avoid giving bottles at bedtime.

◆ Thumb Sucking: Sucking thumbs or fingers is normal for young children. But if it continues past age four, it can cause teeth to grow in the wrong way.

Parents can help by praising kids when they don’t suck their thumbs and offering comfort in other ways.

◆ Teeth Coming in the Wrong Way: Sometimes, children’s teeth don’t come in straight. This could be due to thumb sucking, early tooth loss, or family history. A dentist can watch your child’s teeth and suggest braces if needed.

◆ Gum Problems with Braces: Braces help straighten teeth, but they can also make it hard to clean. Food can get stuck in brackets and wires, leading to plaque and gum issues.

Helping your child brush and floss around braces is very important.

Causes of Oral Health Problems

• Poor Brushing Habits: Not brushing and flossing your teeth every day lets plaque and germs build up. This leads to cavities and gum problems.
• Eating Too Much Sugar: Sugary snacks and drinks feed the germs in your mouth. They make acid that hurts your teeth. Try to eat less candy, soda, and juice.
• Skipping Dental Visits: Regular checkups help find small problems before they get big. When you skip them, issues like cavities or gum disease can get worse.
• Smoking and Alcohol: These habits are harmful to your mouth. They can cause gum disease, tooth loss, and even mouth cancer.
• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth means you don’t have enough saliva. Saliva helps wash away food and keeps your mouth clean. Some medicines and health problems can cause dry mouth.

Signs Something Is Wrong

Some oral problems are easy to spot. Others need a dentist to find. Here are signs to watch for:

• Tooth pain
• Bleeding gums
• Red or swollen gums
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
• Loose teeth
• White or dark spots on teeth
• Mouth sores that don’t heal

Don’t wait for small problems to become big ones. At First Choice Dental, we make it easy to get the care you need—gentle, professional, and focused on keeping your smile in top shape. Book your check-up today and experience the difference.

How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste. Floss once a day to clean between your teeth. Drink water instead of sugary drinks. Eat fruits and vegetables. Visit your dentist every six months.

For kids, help them brush until they are old enough to do it well on their own. Ask your dentist about sealants, which can protect their back teeth from decay.

Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and replace it every three months. If you wear braces, clean carefully around them. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a night guard.

When to See a Dentist

You should visit the dentist regularly, even if your mouth feels fine. Dentists can find problems early and stop them from getting worse. You should also go if:

• You have pain in your mouth
• Your gums bleed when brushing
• Your child’s teeth look crooked or crowded
• You have bad breath that won’t go away
• You see a spot or sore that doesn’t heal

Let’s Keep Your Smile Healthy and Bright

If you live in or near Narellan, our dental team at First choice dental is here to help. We care for both adults and children and make sure your visit is easy and comfortable. Whether you need a checkup, a filling, or just advice on brushing better, we’re happy to help.

Taking care of your mouth is one of the best things you can do for your health. With the right habits and regular dental visits, you can keep your smile strong for life.

Book your appointment with us today and let’s take care of your smile together.