Your oral health can be a window to your overall health, in fact, poor oral health or neglecting common oral problems can lead to serious complications not only gum disease and cavities but it can also be linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Maintaining good oral hygiene is a lifelong commitment, according to Delta Dental, 85 percent of Americans believe oral health is extremely important to their overall health, and yet 42 percent of Americans don't see a dentist as often as they would like, beating out their primary care doctor (29 percent), dermatologist (23 percent) and the ophthalmologist (17 percent). Common dental problems are something everyone at some point in their life has to deal with and getting them treated is the first step to maintaining oral health. According to VeryWell Health, here are five of the most common dental problems.
1. Bad Breath
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be downright embarrassing. According to dental studies, about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition that is to blame. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, and bacteria on the tongue are some of the dental problems that can cause bad breath. Using mouthwash to cover up bad breath when a dental problem is present will only mask the odor and not cure it. If you have chronic bad breath, visit your dentist to rule out any of these problems.
2. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is the second only to the common cold as the most prevalent disease in the United States. Tooth decay occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and/or starches of the food you eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. You can get cavities at any age—they aren't just for children. As you age, you can develop cavities as your tooth enamel erodes. Dry mouth due to age or medications can also lead to cavities.
3. Gum (Periodontal) Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding the teeth. It is also one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults. Some studies have indicated that there may be a link between heart disease and periodontal disease. Everyone is at risk for gum disease, but it usually occurs after age 30. Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors. Diabetes and dry mouth also increase your risk. The symptoms include bad breath, red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and painful chewing.
4. Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a serious and deadly disease that affects millions of people. The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that someone in the United States dies every hour from oral cancer, but it is often curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. It is most often seen in people over the age of 40.5
The biggest risk factors are tobacco and alcohol use, including chewing tobacco. HPV—a sexually transmitted wart virus—also increases the risk. The symptoms of mouth or throat cancer include sores, lumps, or rough areas in the mouth. You may also have a change in your bite and difficulty chewing or moving your tongue or jaw. Regular dental visits can help catch oral cancer early. You may ask your dentist whether an oral cancer exam is part of their usual checkup.
5. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects millions of people. Basically, tooth sensitivity involves experiencing pain or discomfort to your teeth from sweets, cold air, hot drinks, cold drinks or ice cream. Some people with sensitive teeth even experience discomfort from brushing and flossing. The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated. Sensitive teeth can also be a sign of a cracked tooth or a tooth abscess, which needs to be treated by your dentist to prevent losing a tooth or getting an infection in your jaw bone.
Don’t put off your dental hygiene any longer, Value Dental offers some of the best dental solutions at affordable rates in Nature Coast area. Here, at Value Dental we ensure that all our patients’ needs are met every time they visit us. We have a team of professional and courteous staff who always keeps their patient's best interests at heart. From root canals to cavities, to restoring teeth, we exceed all expectations in a wide array of services. Visit us online today to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/survey-more-americans-want-to-visit-the-dentist#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20survey%2C%2042,the%20ophthalmologist%20(17%20percent). https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1 https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-common-dental-problems-1059461