If you’ve ever attempted to self-diagnose your oral health, you know that it’s a complex issue. It’s so complex, in fact, that dentists must study the subject for several years to gain the necessary experience to work on your teeth. There are many things that can go wrong in a mouth, making it crucial to rely on the expertise of trained dental professionals.
Read on to discover some of the most common issues facing your oral health and learn how dentistry has risen to meet the challenges.
1. Tooth Decay
The prevalence of added sugar in the modern diet is the main contributor to tooth decay. More than 80 percent of the world’s adult population have experienced tooth decay in their lifetime.
Plaque, a paste-like substance, clings to your teeth and produces acid when exposed to other sources of food, especially sugars. This acid gets into the pores of your teeth and begins eating away at them.
2. Gum Disease
Plaque has another byproduct: bacteria. When these bacteria are allowed to spread, they can make their way into your gums. This causes inflammation, swelling, burning, and pain.
If left untreated, the condition worsens, affecting your teeth, gums, and even your jawbone. Once you have gum disease, it can be very difficult to treat it. There is no “cure” for the disease, only treatments that can make the infection less severe.
3. Missing Teeth
When gum disease affects your gums and jawbone, missing teeth aren’t far behind. The periodontal ligament, the tissue that keeps your teeth held in place, can become loose and allow teeth to simply drop out.
There are other ways people lose teeth, especially through accidents like being hit with a ball during sports, crashing a vehicle, or slipping and falling.
Dentists have a full array of tooth replacement treatments including dentures, dental bridges, and implants. These can be employed to completely replace a single tooth or multiple teeth at once.
4. Halitosis
Also known as bad breath, halitosis affects millions of people every year for multiple reasons. Eating smelly foods, poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, and tonsil stones can all contribute to bad breath.
The best way to treat this condition is by brushing, flossing, and rinsing at least twice per day. Ensure that when you brush, you’re also paying attention to your tongue which can trap a lot of odor-causing bacteria.
5. Oral Cancer
Oral cancer forms most often on the tongue, lips, or floor of your mouth. While it may not be as common as other oral health issues, its potential consequences are severe.
If detected early, oral cancer is often highly treatable. Persistent sores, lumps, or white or red patches are all signs that point to this condition. However, it’s essential to consult your dentist promptly for proper dental screening and diagnosis.
Maintaining good oral health is vital for your overall well-being. Regular dental checkups and a commitment to proper oral hygiene can help prevent and address these common oral health concerns, ensuring your smile remains healthy and bright.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Rudolph has practiced dentistry for over 30 years, 15 of which have been spent in Warsaw. With a kind and nurturing attitude, Dr. Rudolph treats all of his patients like family. Dr. Rudolph graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and then served in the US Navy. He became the UMSOD Department of Microbiology Alumnus of the Year in 2014 for his contributions to aiding and mentoring undergraduate students. To schedule a cleaning or checkup at East Center Dental, call (574) 269-1787 or visit the website for more information.