Just about everybody wants to love their smile a little more, but not everyone fully understands what that entails. Dentistry is an incredibly complicated field, with many different kinds of oral health conditions that interact with each other, and with the body as a whole, in a wide variety of ways.
That said, there are a few oral health problems that show up often at routine checkups, and that most people are likely to encounter in some form or another. While understanding the entire mouth requires years of study, here are a few of the most common oral health conditions that everyone should know more about.
Gum Disease
It’s estimated that nearly 50% of adults in the U.S. suffer from gum disease to some extent. That can sound surprising, but the fact is that “gum disease” is a broad term for bacterial infections in the gums, and what exactly that means varies depending on its intensity.
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, and tends to entail the swollen gums and bad breath that are typically associated with the condition. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is its more advanced form. At this stage bacteria can begin to attack the bone tissue, sometimes even resulting in tooth loss.
Tooth Decay
If that made you think that gum disease is the most common oral health problem, you’d be wrong. In the U.S., tooth decay is the most common chronic condition that there is, period. Tooth decay is the result of certain bacteria in the mouth that consume simple sugars and secrete acids. These acids can dissolve enamel, leading to cavities.
While eliminating these bacteria is impossible, you can limit their growth by cutting back on sugary and starchy snacks.
Oral Cancer
This condition is much more serious than the previous two, and it’s unfortunately all too common. Smoking is the primary cause of oral cancer, but excessive alcohol use is also a major risk factor. The abundance of these two cancer-causing drugs is part of why dentists screen their patients for oral cancer before every checkup.
Indeed, the best way to check for any of these oral health conditions is to make frequent visits to the dentist’s office. They’ll be able to help you manage your risk factors, and treat you for these problems before they become serious. Now that you understand what’s at stake, that’s all the more reason to see your dentist biannually for checkups and cleanings.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding is a dentist who understands that the way to get his patients the best smiles possible is through a careful understanding of their condition and a well-thought-out treatment plan. That’s why he works closely with his patients to learn their unique needs, and to work with them on a solution to their problems. Dr. Olberding graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, and he frequently works with SPEAR Education to ensure his continued mastery of his field.
If you have any questions about how you can protect your oral health, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (402) 488-2325.