3 of the Most Common Dental Health Conditions

Many of us have had the unfortunate experience of developing a dental problem now and again. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40% of adults claim that they have felt pain in their mouth sometime in the last year. On top of that, more than 80% of people get at least one cavity by the time they are 24 years old. Fortunately, most of the common dental issues that people develop can be prevented. Continue reading to learn about the three most common ones and how you and prevent them.

Cavities

A cavity develops because harmful bacteria in the mouth create acid when they feed on sugar. This acid is what attacks the surface of the teeth, causing decay. If your dentist is able to catch this issue early on, it can usually be resolved with a dental filling or another treatment option. However, if it is left to progress, you could end up requiring root canal treatment or an extraction. Here are some of the ways that you can avoid cavities in the future:

• Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice and floss at least once each day to prevent plaque, food debris, and bacteria.
• Limit Sugary Foods: An occasional sweet treat won’t do too much harm, but constantly indulging in sugary things increases your chances of developing tooth decay. You should limit your consumption of foods and beverages that are high in sugars, starches, and acids.
• Use Fluoride: When choosing a toothpaste, the most important ingredient to look for is fluoride. This helps to protect your enamel from decay.
• See Your Dentist: During your professional cleaning, your hygienist will remove any lingering plaque and tartar from your teeth.
• Avoid Smoking: Tobacco problems increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is easy to prevent, but it is still extremely common. In fact, more than half of adults who are over the age of 30 have gum disease at some severity. Gum disease is a condition that occurs when the tissues that hold your teeth into place become infected. Some common symptoms include bad breath, bleeding gums, painful chewing, gum recession, and loose teeth. Here are some ways you can prevent the development of gum disease:

• Brush twice daily
• Floss every day
• See your dentist every six months
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco

Oral Cancer

This is a deadly disease that has claimed the lives of many people. The people who are most likely to develop this disease are the ones who partake in risky activities, like smoking, chewing tobacco, and heavy alcohol use. Another thing that can cause oral cancer is oral human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be associated with cancer of the throat. To make a full recovery, early detection is a must. When you go to the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, your dentist will look for abnormalities that could indicate oral cancer. The earlier it is detected, the higher the chance of making a complete recovery.

All three of these conditions are common, but you don’t need to become one of the statistics. By maintaining excellent oral hygiene, a healthy lifestyle, and seeing your dentist for checkups, you can keep your smile in good health.

About the Author

Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. He has attended many courses in esthetic dentistry, implant dentistry, endodontics, occlusion, neuromuscular dentistry, and prosthodontics. He also has a certification in dental lasers through the World Clinical Laser Institute. To learn more about how you can keep your smile healthy or to schedule an appointment at his office in Homer Glen, visit his website or call (708) 854-5912.