Dental Problems

The health of your mouth affects the health of your whole body. When you have a dental problem, it is best to have Dr. Kruse give you a thorough examination and then an explanation of all the options offered by modern dentistry.

The good news is that you are taking the first step to get your mouth and your body back into good health. And you are not alone! Many people have experienced the same problems, and improved their condition with the help and care of Dr. Kruse, serving the Clay Center, Junction City and Manhattan, Kansas areas.

Common Dental Problems
  • Jaw / TMJ
    The term TMJ refers to a variety of conditions that affect the TMJ, the hinge that connects the jaw and the muscles one uses to chew.
  • Abscessed tooth
    An abscess is a painful condition caused by infection in a badly damaged or decayed tooth.
  • Bad Breath (halitosis)
    Halitosis, or “bad breath” is a common, but embarrassing condition that often has a dental cause.
  • Cavities and Tooth Decay
    Tooth decay is the process of a tooth’s mineral content being dissolved. A cavity, or caries, is the actual hole in a tooth that is caused by tooth decay.
  • Dry Mouth
    Dry mouth is caused by an inadequate supply of saliva. This is usually due to medication side effects, but may have other causes.
  • Fluorosis
    Fluorosis is a defect in tooth enamel caused by excessive fluoride in young children. It typically looks like white streaks or spots in teeth.
  • Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
    Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is usually caused by plaque. It is the earliest and most easily treated form of gum disease, as it only affects the gums, but it must be treated to avoid more serious gum disease.
  • Plaque
    Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that coats teeth. When we eat, plaque reacts with the food in our mouth and releases acids that eat away at teeth enamel, causing tooth decay.
  • Sensitive Teeth
    Tooth Sensitivity is a very common problem that can be treated effectively by Dr. Kruse with different products and techniques. It occurs when gums have receded or tooth enamel is worn down to reveal the sensitive parts of the tooth.
  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
    Bruxism is either the clenching or grinding of teeth, or both of them together. Dr. Kruse will often recommend a mouth appliance to prevent damage to your teeth, and stress reduction to change the behavior.
  • Toothaches
    There are many possible causes for a toothache. Two of the most common dental causes are the presence of a cavity or an abscess. Some of the other causes of toothache are quite serious, so you should certainly consult Clay Center Family Dental Care for a proper diagnosis.