Dental problems can cause severe discomfort and ruin your entire day. Luckily, most of them are very easy to prevent. Brushing two times daily, flossing regularly, eating healthily, and visiting routine dental checkups are essential steps to avoid dental problems. Gaining more knowledge about common dental problems and their culprits can also help you prevent them.
Below are the four most common dental problems, their culprits, and ways they can be prevented.
1. Bad breath
Bad breath is an embarrassing condition that can sometimes lead to anxiety. Nearly 85% of those with chronic bad breath have an underlying dental condition that’s causing it. Xerostomia, tooth decay, gum disease, mouth cancer, and dangerous oral bacteria are some of the potential culprits of unpleasant odor from your mouth. Rather than trying to mask your bad breath with mouthwash, or spray, it’s important to determine its precise cause so it can be treated. If your problem is persistent, visit a dental specialist to rule out any of the aforementioned causes.
2. Gum disease
Gum disease is a condition that occurs when the gums surrounding your teeth become infected. It’s one of the major causes of tooth loss among the adult U.S. population, and is highly associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease. Gum disease typically occurs in people over the age of 30. Common risk factors for this condition include tobacco use, diabetes, and xerostomia. Gum disease can cause bad breath, redness, tenderness, and swelling in your gums, tooth sensitivity, and difficulty chewing due to pain. It can develop into a more severe periodontal disease if untreated.
Practicing proper dental hygiene and visiting routine checkups and cleanings is essential to prevent it. If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, visit your dentist ASAP to prevent irreversible damage to your teeth and gums.
3. Dental decay
Dental decay and associated cavities take second place among the most common diseases in America. Dental decay develops when the colorless film that forms on your teeth contacts the starches and sugars from the foods and drinks you consume. This contact creates acids that dissolve the protective layer of your teeth, leading to cavities. Cavities can affect any person regardless of their age. Their common triggers include dry mouth, frequent snacking, and eating disorders.
The best way to avoid dental decay is by flossing regularly, brushing two times daily, and visiting your dentist for biannual cleanings and checkups. Eating a healthy diet and limiting your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks is also a good way to prevent decay. Your dental specialist may suggest further treatments that may help minimize your risk.
4. Oral cancer
Oral cancer is a serious and potentially fatal disease that affects millions of Americans. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, one U.S. citizen is dying from oral cancer every hour. Luckily, this condition is highly curable if identified early. It typically occurs in middle-aged people who smoke, use alcohol, and have sexually transmitted wart virus. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include wounds, ulcers, or lumps in the mouth, sudden changes in bite, and trouble chewing or moving your tongue or jaw. Routine dental appointments are essential to diagnose oral cancer early. Make sure that your dentist performs an oral cancer screening as a part of regular dental checkups. If your cancer stays untreated for a long period, you may require treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
The bottom line
If you experience any symptoms of the aforementioned conditions, avoid waiting until they worsen and visit your dentist right away. A specialist will determine their proper causes and recommend the appropriate treatment.