We all know that oral health issues are not only annoying but also dangerous to our overall health. But the good news is, you can likely prevent most of them. By following good oral hygiene practices, like flossing daily and brushing twice a day, you can prevent several tooth diseases and dental problems. Furthermore, your diet plays a crucial role when it comes to optimum oral health.
That’s why it is advisable to see your family dentist in Houston and receive regular check-ups. This way, your dentist can identify and prevent any tooth diseases in their early stages.
Regarding oral health issues prevention, educating yourself and your family about common dental problems is essential. Below are some of the common dental issues that people often experience. So, let’s get started!
4 Common Dental Problems
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay (also known as a cavity) is the second most common disease in the United States. It occurs when plaque or bacteria build-up combines with the food particles with sugar or starch. This harmful combination procedures acids that can attack and harm your tooth diseases.
Tooth decay doesn’t discriminate against anyone based on their age. Children and adults, alike, are prone to this disease. However, people with eroded enamel or dry mouth have an increased risk of developing tooth decay or cavities.
As you know, prevention is better than cure. You can easily prevent tooth decay by simply having good oral hygiene. So make sure you brush twice per day, floss daily, and see your dentist for regular check-ups. But if you’ve already developed this disease, you should visit your dentist to treat it sooner than later!
Bad Breath
Having a bad breath is not only embarrassing but also an indication of some underlying oral health issues. The medical term for bad breath is halitosis. About 85% of people have bad breath due to an underlying oral condition. You may experience bad breath if you have:
- gum disease
- cavities
- oral cancer
- bacteria on the tongue
- dry mouth
While mouthwash can help mask the odor temporarily, you should look for its causes. So, make sure you visit your dentist. They will check your oral condition and recommend a professional solution.
Oral Cancer
You might already know how dangerous and deadly oral cancer is. But did you know oral cancer is also a common disease? According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer is the reason behind at least one death occurring every hour in the United States.
But the good news is, oral cancer is curable when diagnosed and treated in its early stages. The symptoms of oral cancer are:
- sores/lumps in the mouth
- difficulty in chewing and biting
- pain while moving the tongue or jaw
Gum Disease
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is a gum infection that spreads quickly to your entire mouth. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Almost everyone has some risk of developing gum disease, especially if you are above 30. People who smoke, have diabetes or have dry mouths have a greater chance of getting gum disease. Its symptoms are:
- bad breath
- teeth sensitivity
- swollen gums
- pain while chewing
If you experience one or two of these symptoms, make sure to let your dentist know. Early treatment can save your oral health and prevent further complications.