One of the benefits of having a dentist that you can trust is that you can talk to someone about what’s happening with your oral health, allowing you to make sense of it better than you may be able to on your own. However, most of your time is spent outside the dentist’s office, meaning that it would serve you well to have a working understanding of some of the most common oral health problems.
With that in mind, here are some examples of the most common oral health problems, along with how you can prevent them.
Tooth Decay: Prevalence and Prevention
You may have thought that tooth decay was something that happened naturally when you don’t brush your teeth, but in actuality, it’s caused by a fairly common bacterial infection in the mouth. These bacteria form plaque deposits in the mouth, consuming sugars and secreting acids that erode enamel.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic condition in America among both children and adults. While removing the bacteria from the mouth entirely isn’t practical, you can control it by keeping up with regular dental hygiene.
Gum Disease is More Common Than You’d Think
It’s estimated that around 50% of adults have gum disease to some extent, and that proportion only gets higher the older that you get. While many people’s gum disease is relatively mild, involving only a little bit of bleeding or swelling, the condition only gets worse over time if nothing is done to treat it.
If the disease advances too far, its symptoms may become irreversible and can lead to a degeneration of the jaw. For that reason, you should be sure that you’re flossing thoroughly to remove any plaque buildup.
The Prominence of Complete Tooth Loss
Typically tooth loss is the result of long-standing oral health problems, and according to a WHO estimate, it affects around 7% of adults over 20 worldwide. Over the age of 60, that number rises to 23%.
While not necessarily the most common problem, the prevalence of people who have lost all of their teeth means that everyone could take some time to think about the possibility of losing their teeth. Be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year, as they’ll be able to catch any catastrophic oral health problems before things get bad.
About the Author
Dr. Michael C. Byars is someone who loves being able to make his patients smile, which is why he constantly strives to improve his practice by making use of the latest developments in oral health. His mastery of his field and his clinical expertise allow him to offer remarkably comfortable dental care. Dr. Byars received his degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and goes above and beyond in pursuing continuing education each year.
If you have any questions about oral health problems, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (816) 781-8222.