Oral health is essential for our overall wellbeing, as it allows us to smile, talk and chew. Unfortunately, some of the most common diseases that affect our oral health are tooth decay (caries), gum disease (periodontal) and oral cancer. Generally, the body's natural defenses and good oral hygiene habits, such as daily brushing and flossing, help keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that could lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Mouthwash only masks the odor caused by these problems.
If you have chronic bad breath, visit your dentist to find out what is causing it. Tooth decay is the second most common health problem in the United States, only surpassed by the common cold. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush twice a day, floss every day and have regular dental check-ups. Bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease are common problems that can be avoided by brushing, flossing and regular dental exams. Chronic bad breath can be caused by many different mouth diseases.
Tooth decay is caused by the interaction of plaque with sugar or starch. Your risk of gum disease increases if you smoke. Every hour in the United States someone dies from oral cancer. However, this disease is usually curable if it is diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Regular dental visits can help detect oral cancer in its early stages. Ask your dentist if an oral cancer test is part of your regular checkup.
There are several types of mouth sores that can be annoying. Usually there is nothing to worry about unless they last longer than two weeks. Tooth erosion is the loss of tooth structure and is caused by acid attacking enamel. Symptoms can range from sensitivity to more serious problems such as cracking.
Tooth erosion is common but can be easily prevented with proper oral care. Oral cancer is a common and fatal disease. See your dentist right away if you have sores or difficulty moving your tongue or jaw. Mouth sores can be canker sores, cold sores or thrush. If a sore does not go away on its own in two weeks, see your dentist.
Excessive acid in the mouth can cause tooth erosion which can lead to sensitivity or even breakage of teeth. If you suddenly experience tooth sensitivity, make an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you have a problem that needs treatment. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute for Dental and Cranial Research and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stabbing tooth pain usually indicates an injury or infection in the mouth. Often but not always it is a cavity or an abscess. People who have received dental treatments such as fillings, crowns, dentures or orthodontics should also check with their dentist regularly to make sure everything is as it should be. The American Dental Association estimates that about 100 million people in the United States do not go to the dentist every year.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dental diseases are among the most common chronic diseases worldwide with more than 40% of adults reporting having had mouth pain in the past year and more than 80% of people having had at least one cavity by age 34. Even if you do not have any serious dental problems you still run the risk of losing a tooth due to age-related wear and tear. Do not ignore small growths, constant mouth sores, toothaches or even something as simple as bad breath. According to the CDC while oral cancer is a common disease the number of people diagnosed has not improved significantly in recent decades. Even people with an excellent track record of keeping their teeth strong and healthy may find minor common dental problems. The following is a list of some of the most common oral diseases that people are diagnosed with today: Tooth Decay (Caries), Gum Disease (Periodontal), Oral Cancer, Mouth Sores (Canker Sores, Cold Sores or Thrush), Tooth Erosion (caused by acid attacking enamel) and Dry Mouth (caused by Sjogren's Syndrome).The absence of moisture in the mouth contributes to a greater accumulation of plaque, tooth decay and ultimately cavities. Get immediate help for dental emergencies such as broken or abscessed teeth or accidental tooth loss.
The whole mouth reconstruction process is unique to each patient since no two sets of teeth are alike. People with dry mouth are also at greater risk of dental erosion because they do not have enough saliva to remove acid. Alcohol also contributes to many dental problems especially if you do not have the habit of brushing your teeth afterwards but remember that bacteria from the mouth can enter other parts of our body causing illness.
