Most oral health conditions are largely preventable and curable, especially if they are found and treated in their earlier stages. However, they are still fairly common and can happen to a person at virtually any point in their lifetime. It’s important that, regardless of its severity, you receive treatment to prevent worse dental or other health issues from arising. Here are 4 of the most common oral health problems and how preventive dentistry can help you avoid them.
#1: Cavities (Tooth Decay)
Cavities are the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults. Although they are largely preventable and have decreased significantly over the past five decades, more than 90% of adults have had a cavity.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and having sugary foods and drinks in moderation are ways you can help reduce your risk of tooth decay at home. That being said, one of the best ways to prevent cavities is to regularly see your dentist for your biannual teeth cleanings.
#2: Periodontal (Gum) Disease
The main risk factors for periodontal disease are poor oral hygiene and tobacco use. It’s characterized in its earlier, more treatable, and even reversible stages by bleeding or swollen gums, pain, and sometimes bad breath.
Flossing thoroughly and attending your regular checkups and cleanings ensures that your gums will stay in tip-top shape. Your dentist will be able to catch and treat periodontal disease when it’s still in its earlier stages before it develops into something serious and permanently damaging.
#3: Tooth Loss
If your severe periodontal disease and tooth decay go untreated, you could lose some or all of your teeth. Other reasons for tooth loss are trauma, a lifelong history of oral disease, and more.
7% of people above the age of 20 have complete tooth loss, with that number rising to 23% for people older than 60.
Finding and treating the root causes of tooth loss reduces the chances of you needing an extraction or your teeth falling out. Brushing and flossing twice a day, seeing your dentist regularly, and wearing a mouthguard are the best practices to protect your smile.
#4: Advanced Stages of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is the 13th most common cancer in the world. This form of cancer is typically found in patients who drink excessive amounts of alcohol or smoke tobacco products. However, even if you don’t engage in poor oral habits, you are still at risk of oral cancer.
Your dentist does an oral cancer screening at your biannual checkups and cleanings. Early detection and intervention are the key to increasing a person’s chances of beating oral cancer.
Although oral health conditions are fairly common, they are usually preventable. By maintaining good oral hygiene, keeping a balanced diet, quitting poor oral habits, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can protect your smile and avoid becoming a statistic!
About the Practice
At White Clay Dental, we recognize the unique needs, preferences, and smile goals of each and every patient. As such, Dr. Bond and Dr. Ganfield offer a comprehensive range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dental services for your comfort and convenience. If you have additional concerns about any of the aforementioned oral health problems, contact our White Clay Dental team through our website or by phone at (302) 731-4225.