Did you know that over 90% of the adults in the US have had at least one cavity in their teeth? Sounds questionable, right? But it’s true, unfortunately, that it is the opposite of popular beliefs; dental issues are far more common than the public seems to think about it. Which concerns, because that means we have failed to spread enough awareness among people regarding the severity of dental problems.
What appears to be a small cavity or toothache can turn out to be a major issue, which can cause you to have expensive treatments or, even worse, tooth removal. That’s why we will go over some of the most common dental issues in this blog & ways to prevent/treat them.
Common Dental Issues & Prevention:
1. Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Cavities are far too common & can be very difficult to spot. Making them one of the leading causes of teeth related issues in many adults. That’s why it is important to schedule a regular visit to your dentist for check-ups & cleaning. But what exactly causes cavities? We know our parents used to tell us not to eat too many candies during Halloween & Christmas, but what else? Well, there are in fact various different ways for you to get cavities, such as plaque build-up, poor oral hygiene, old fillings, frequent snacking, consuming overly acidic food & drink, not flossing, etc. Depending on the severity of your cavities you might have to opt for fillings, crowns or even a full root canal surgery.
Prevention:
Some of the best ways in which you can prevent yourself from getting cavities are by regularly brushing your teeth twice a day ideally with a toothpaste that has fluoride in it, flossing properly in between your teeth, reducing your overall sugar intake, & of course, scheduling a regular check-up with your dentist.
2. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Most gum diseases start out as gingivitis in the initial stages but will progress further into more serious gum issues if left untreated for a long time. Common signs of gum diseases are swollen gums, bleeding, and sensitivity of the gums. These are usually the result of heavy plaque built-ups which require proper flossing between your teeth & regular brushing. In advanced cases, more serious steps are involved for treatment, like deep cleaning, scaling & root planing.
Prevention:
Brush twice & floss your teeth daily, alongside with your regular dental cleaning appointments. Smoking & consumption of tobacco is also another risk factor.
3. Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitivity in teeth is when you consume something cold, hot, sweet or acidic & feel a sharp sting in your teeth. This happens due to the erosion of the upper layer of your teeth, which is called ‘Enamel’. This exposes the dentine & the nerves below it, leaving them prone to the outside factors.
Prevention:
It is important to detect enamel wear as soon as it starts to happen, so make sure to keep visiting your dentist for regular check-ups. Alongside this, use a soft brush, avoid over brushing, & try toothpastes with desensitizing factors.
4. Tooth Erosion
Erosion of teeth is the process of wearing of your enamel due to acids. It’s different from tooth decay but is seen as equally harmful, if not more. It can be caused due to the frequent consumption of acidic drinks & citrus foods.
Prevention:
Limit your consumption of acidic food & beverages in general, & drink water after every meal to rinse off your mouth.
5. Toothaches
Toothaches can be caused due to multiple reasons & none of them should be taken lightly. Issues like cavities, an abscess, gum infections & such can be the cause of your pain. If the pain lingers past a couple of days then it is better to consult a dentist.
Prevention:
Maintain proper oral hygiene & consult experts before the situation becomes dire.
6. Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Is the cause of your bad breath garlic food or something else? Bad breath or Halitosis can be due to having poor oral hygiene, gum diseases, dry mouth or even digestive problems.
Prevention:
Alongside your normal cleaning routine, try integrating cleaning your tongue thoroughly too. Keeping your mouth hydrated is also important.
7. Oral Cancer
Around 54,000 Americans suffer because of oral cancer every year. It is most common in people above the age of 45 & those who regularly consume tobacco. It can appear as sores that don’t heal or unusual lumps inside your mouth or throat.
Prevention:
Avoid tobacco & limit the consumption of alcohol. Consult a specialist at the earliest signs of oral cancer.
8. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Apart from forgetting to keep yourself hydrated, a dry mouth can also be due to some side effects of certain medications or because of having specific medical conditions.
Prevention:
Staying hydrated is the most common answer, but you can also try sugar-free gums to stimulate saliva. You can also consider visiting a doctor if this is being caused due to certain medications.
After Thoughts:
Prevention is better than cure, people like to say. But oftentimes, even with all our preventive actions, things just don’t go our way. That’s exactly the reason why dentists are there for you. We understand that individual capabilities can be limited, or certain circumstances can just be unfavorable. But it is important to understand that just because you can’t solve the problem yourself doesn’t mean you won’t allow others to do it for you.