A dental phobia
The Problem: Dread visiting the dentist? You are not alone. In a recent survey of UAE residents, 19 per cent revealed that their greatest fear was sitting in the dentist's chair.
Dr Michael Formenius, of Dr Michael's Dental Clinic, Dubai (04-3495900) says, "Dental Phobia may be caused by previous bad experiences, an uncaring dentist, or a horror story told by a friend. The fear may have been picked up from a parent - and likewise, it can easily be passed onto your own children. For everyone involved, it is important that the phobia is addressed as a top priority."
The Solution: Dr Michael advises, "Talk to friends and ask them to recommend a dental clinic. Look for somewhere that has a welcoming, cosy environment. Small touches, like fresh flowers, a pleasant smell, and calming music will make a big difference. Try to breathe deeply and calmly when you are waiting for your appointment - and when you meet your dentist, talk through your fear. A good dentist will listen and be emphatic to your concerns. When you have found someone you can trust, the fear will subside."
Sensitivity
The Problem: Tooth sensitivity is a common problem - but that is little condolence to the millions of people worldwide who endure shooting pains when teeth are exposed to food and drink that is too cold, hot, or acidic.
The pain is caused when the underlying layer of the tooth - called the dentin - becomes exposed, thus allowing food and drink to reach the nerve. The dentin can become exposed for several reasons. Dr Deon Hugo, of the British Dental Clinic (04-3421318) explains, "There are several things we can blame, including brushing too hard, gum recession due to disease, cracked teeth, existing cavities, teeth grinding, teeth whitening products, and acidic food."
The Solution: "There are, however, ways that sensitivity can be resolved," Dr Deon continues. "Start by swapping to a soft toothbrush and desensitising fluoride toothpaste. If you suffer from severe sensitivity, apply fluoride toothpaste directly onto affected areas just before going to bed and repeat nightly.
"It's also worth reducing intake of acidic food and liquids."
Mouth ulcers
The Problem: Mouth ulcers - also known as canker sores - may be eye-wateringly painful, but they are rarely anything to worry about. The small, open sores are usually caused by direct damage, including accidental biting of the cheek or tongue, incorrect brushing technique, or sharp teeth or fillings. If ulcers are a frequent problem, however, it is worth visiting the doctor. Dr Deon Hugo says, "Recurrent ulcers may be caused by stress or anxiety - or medical conditions including vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, coeliac disease and Crohn's disease."
The Solution: "In most cases, ulcers will clear up after a few days, but there are steps you can take to limit pain while healing," advises Dr Deon. "Swap to a soft toothbrush to prevent catching the sore, stick to softer foods that are easier to chew, and avoid acidic foods that will cause pain."
Chipped tooth
The Problem: Chipped a tooth? This is one of the most common dental problems treated in adults. It usually happens to heavily restored teeth (which are therefore weaker) during eating, playing sport, or an accident.
The Solution: "If possible, store the portion of chipped tooth in a glass of milk to preserve it - and book an appointment with your dentist straight away," advises Dr Kilesh Solanki (www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk). "Your dentist will X-ray the tooth and determine the damage. Treatment may involve a filling, veneer, crown, or root canal treatment."
Uneven smile
The Problem: Suffer from an uneven smile? It's never too late to straighten it - and with new technology, there are several options to choose from.
The Solution: Dr Joy Matheson, of the British Dental Clinic (04-3421318) explains, "The first option is orthodontics (fixed or removable braces). This is a really effective way of moving teeth into place, but it isn't always the best option for adults, as it won't improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, worn, stained, or heavily filled. As a rough guide, orthodontics range between Dh12,000 and Dh24,000.
"The second option is porcelain veneers, where porcelain facings are bonded over your own teeth to straighten or improve their shape. This gives by far the best cosmetic result, but it's an irreversible procedure so you'll be committing the teeth to veneers for life. On average, they'll need to be replaced every ten years."
"The final option is full coverage crowns. This is the best option if your teeth are weakened from previous fillings, severely discoloured, or severely worn. Crowns last longer than veneers and are far stronger - but it's an invasive procedure and involves cutting the tooth, so it should be a last resort. On average, both veneers and crowns cost between Dh3,800 and Dh4,500 per tooth."
Dr Joy concludes, "Talk the options through with your dentist. What is right for one person won't be right for another."
Bad breath
The Problem: It's estimated that as many as 45 per cent of the world's population suffer from bad breath, clinically known as halitosis. Dr Bita Craig explains the cause, "We all have bacteria in our mouths, as it is needed to break down protein. The bacteria starts off as normal and balanced, but when you make certain lifestyle choices - like drinking coffee, smoking, eating certain foods, and not paying enough attention to oral hygiene - you allow these bacteria to grow and dominate the mouth. Your bad breath will be noticeable when you talk, exhale, or sigh."
The Solution: So, what's the key to fresh breath? Dr Deon Hugo advises, "Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day - and remember to brush your tongue too, as there's lots of bacteria there. It's equally important to floss, as brushing alone won't remove harmful bacteria and plaque between your teeth and gums. Sugar-free gum and mouthwash can temporarily mask odours too."
He continues, "If you brush and floss properly and visit your dentist regularly, the problem shouldn't persist. If you are still suffering, you may have a medical problem. Go and see your dentist or doctor - they can pinpoint the exact cause and help you take care of it."
Bleeding gums
The Problem: We all notice our gums bleeding from time to time, but should we be concerned if it happens regularly?
In most cases, the answer is yes. "Brushing teeth too vigorously can cause gums to bleed, as can hormonal changes - but the most common cause is gum disease, which can have a negative effect on both oral and general health," warns Dr Kilesh Solanki (www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk).
The Solution: "Visit your dentist straight away if the problems persists," warns Dr Kilesh. "Ignoring signs of gum disease and allowing the condition to worsen can increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and Type 2 Diabetes."
Dr Bita Craig of The Dental Center in Healthcare City (04 375 2175) adds, "Of course, prevention is better than cure. Brush your teeth and floss daily, drink plenty of water with your meals to wash away food particles, regularly use a mouthwash, limit your intake of sugar, and swap to an electric toothbrush. Most importantly, visit the dentist regularly."
Grinding teeth
The Problem: Most people aren't even aware that they are grinding their teeth until their partner points it out. "Bruxism - as it is clinically known - usually happens at night and has several possible causes, including an uneven bite, neurological conditions, and stress.
Dr Joy warns, "Whatever the cause, it needs to be stopped for the sake of your teeth. It is a leading cause of cracked teeth (sometimes so severely that they require root canal treatment, crowns, or extractions), and can cause muscle and joint pain, and severe headaches."
The Solution: "Teeth grinding is difficult to cure, as it happens when we're sleeping so isn't a conscious action," explains Dr Joy.
"Your dentist may suggest a protective mouth guard, which can be worn at night to prevent damage to your teeth (costing Dhs600 to Dh1,500).
"If the problem is caused by an unbalanced bite, this can be corrected with braces or small adjustments to the teeth themselves."
