3 Common Oral Health Issues and What You Can Do About Them

Oral health problems are very common and many of us have encountered some at one point or another. Inn fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that more than 40% of adults have reported feeling pain in their mouth sometime within the last year. Over 80% of people have at least one cavity by the age of 34. The good news is that there are a variety of steps you can take in order to prevent common oral health issues. Continue reading to learn more.

Tooth Decay

When you eat sugary and starchy foods, the bacteria in your mouth feed off of it and produce a weak acid as a result. This acid attacks the surface of your teeth, leaving you with weakened enamel and ultimately, cavities. Fortunately, if your dentist catches this early on, it can often be treated with a tooth-colored filling or another treatment option. However, if it is left to progress, you may end up needing a root canal or even an extraction. Here are some ways that you can prevent tooth decay:

• Excellent oral hygiene: Remember that you should be brushing twice and flossing at least once each day to remove plaque and food debris from your mouth.
• Fluoride: The most important thing to look for when choosing a toothpaste is that it contains fluoride. You may also want to consider purchasing a fluoridated mouthwash.
• See your dentist: When you see your dentist, they remove hard-to-reach plaque and tartar. They also check for tooth decay and other issues. You should see your dentist approximately every six months for a cleaning and checkup.
• Healthy Eating: An occasional sugary treat doesn’t usually hurt, but to reduce your risk of tooth decay, you should limit foods and beverages that are high in sugars, starches, and acids.
• Don’t smoke: Using tobacco products leads to a variety of dental issues including tooth decay and periodontal disease. If you smoke, talk to your doctor, friends, and family about the best ways that you can quit.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is very common. In fact, approximately half of Americans over the age of 30 are suffering from it at one stage or another. Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissues that hold your teeth into place. Common symptoms include bad breath, bleeding gums, painful chewing, gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and bone loss. In order to keep your gums healthy, do the following:

• Discontinue use of tobacco products
• Brush twice a day
• Floss daily
• Visit your dentist

Oral Cancer

This type of cancer has claimed the lives of many people throughout the United States. In 2016, there were nearly 45,000 new cases of the deadly disease and more than 10,000 deaths. The people who are most likely to develop oral cancer are those who partake in risky activities, like smoking or chewing tobacco, or drinking heavily. Oral Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is also known to cause cancer in the throat. Refrain from risky activities and see your dentist regularly. When it is caught early on, many patients are able to make a full recovery.

These oral health problems are very common, but usually preventable. By following the tips above, you are setting yourself up to have a strong, healthy smile!

About the Author

At Orange Place Family Dentistry, you have two experienced dentists serving patients in the Beachwood, OH area. Both Dr. Jed M. Koops and Dr. Jerome L. Faist earned their Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. Currently, they are members of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and Greater Cleveland Dental Society. For more ways to prevent oral health problems or to schedule an appointment at their office, visit their website or call (216) 464-2448.