Research shows that taking care of your oral health is one of the most important ways to ensure your overall health. Routinely caring of your teeth and gums can significantly impact your physical health. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain a good oral health regimen by brushing several times per day and acting quickly if you have a dental issue. Let’s look at some of the most common oral health issues and how you can address them before they impact your overall health.
What Are the Most Common Oral Health Issues?
As a valued Centerton dentist, we see patients with various oral health issues that are often caused by not seeing your dentist regularly. Here are some of the most common oral health issues found in general dentistry:
Tooth Decay
Sure, it’s great if you continue to be a member of the cavity-free club, but most people end up with a cavity at some point in their lives. As a child or an adult, tooth decay is caused by poor oral hygiene or a diet high in sugary foods and drinks. Neglecting your oral hygiene can accelerate tooth decay which can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Brushing and flossing multiple times per day as well as avoiding acidic and sugary foods are the best ways to maintain good tooth health.
Gum Disease
Gum disease or periodontal disease affects 47% of adults over 45. Treating gum disease immediately is vital because it can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes through blood infections. Gum disease is a preventable issue but it often occurs because of a lack of regular oral hygiene. Individuals with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and some auto-immune disease may be genetically predisposed to periodontal disease. If you are prone to chronic illnesses, discuss this with your dentist so that they are aware and can assist in monitoring. In addition, make a minimum of two visits per year with your dentist for cleanings and to check for early signs of gum disease.
Bad Breath
Morning breath is something everyone deals with, but if you have a bad taste and smell in your mouth after you brush your teeth, it’s a possible sign of a problem. Lingering bad breath can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or dry mouth in addition to many other causes. Discuss your issue with your oral health professional and check to determine if it could be mouth related. Chronic bad breath can also be caused by nose and throat infections and chronic health issues such as diabetes, gastric reflux, and kidney or even liver disorder.
Missing Teeth
Baby teeth are made to fall out, but if you start losing your permanent teeth, you have a problem. While permanent teeth can be lost because of an accident or aging, tooth decay can result in your adult teeth needing to be extracted or falling out on their own. It’s essential to see a Centerton dentist for your missing teeth because the empty space can be a breeding ground for bacteria growth, can cause discomfort when eating and you just look and feel better with a beautiful smile.
Preventing Common Oral Health Issues
A good way to avoid serious health problems is to prevent these common oral health issues. Below are some of the best ways to do this:
- Practicing good oral hygiene
- Brushing your teeth, tongue, and gums at least twice a day
- Flossing at least once a day
- Using oral health products with fluoride
- Rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Keeping up with routine oral exams twice per year
Contact the Best Centerton Dentist to Schedule your Appointment
Epic Dental is committed to helping patients follow an oral health care routine that protects their overall health. We’re here to provide thorough routine cleanings and exams that support your oral health and ensure your teeth are always in top shape. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your Epic Smile shining bright.
