How to Prevent 3 of the Most Common Oral Health Issues

Many of us have dealt with an oral health problem at one point or another. In fact, over 80% of adults have had at least one cavity by the age of 34. They are an inconvenience to your busy life and can even be painful to work with. The good news is that most oral health issues can be avoided with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dental office. Continue reading to learn about some of the most common oral health problems that Americans deal with and what you can do to prevent them.

Tooth Decay

When tooth enamel is broken down by the acid that is produced as a result of bacteria, a cavity will eventually form. As common as they are, they are usually easy to prevent. If cavities are left untreated, they can cause an abscess beneath the gums. This dental emergency requires immediate care so that it doesn’t spread to other areas of the body and cause serious health issues. In addition to brushing twice and flossing once a day, be sure that you are seeing a dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. You don’t want a simple dental filling to turn into a root canal or an extraction.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is very common throughout the United States. In fact, approximately half of Americans over the age of 30 are suffering with it at one stage or another. Gum disease is an infection of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. The earlier stage, gingivitis, results in swollen, red, and bleeding gums. Fortunately, this stage is reversible by good oral hygiene and help from your dentist. However, when left to progress to the more serious stage, periodontitis, you could be looking at bone loss, gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. This requires immediate dental care! By brushing twice and flossing once each day, you can reduce your risk of developing gum disease. By seeing your dentist for regular checkups, they can examine your mouth for any signs of this condition so it can be treated.

Oral Cancer

This is a very serious disease that can be life threatening, especially when it isn’t caught early on. Oral cancer has a 5-year survival rate of about 61%. The best way to prevent this is by eliminating high risk behaviors from your life. This includes smoking tobacco products, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol excessively. Early detection is necessary for a full recovery. By visiting the dentist every six months for checkups, you may even be saving your life!

Even though these oral health problems are common, you may be able to prevent them by caring for your smile properly. This way, you can stop them before they even become an issue.

About the Author

Dr. Matt VanderMolen is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for more than 30 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois and is committed to continuing education. He earned the fellowship award from the Academy of General Dentistry and is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Illinois State Dental Society. For more ways to prevent oral health issues or to schedule an appointment at his office in Springfield, visit his website or call (217) 546-3333.