If you’re like most people following the COVID-19 pandemic, you have become more aware of certain infections and health issues. You’ve learned that there are things you can do to minimize your risk. When it comes to your oral health, being aware of common problems can help you take the necessary steps to avoid contracting them or help you get the treatment you need to avoid disaster. Here are the three most common oral health problems and how they can affect you overall.
Cavities
Even when considering general health problems, cavities rank high throughout the world. In fact, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease for children in the United States. Furthermore, over 80 percent of people will have experienced one or more cavities by the time they reach 34 years of age.
Although teeth consist of enamel, the strongest material in the body, they are susceptible to erosion. Certain bacteria in the mouth, found in a white substance called plaque, produce acids that create holes in the enamel. This decaying process continues, delving deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the nerve, overtaking the entire tooth, or even spreading to other teeth or other areas of the body. Untreated cavities can lead to severe dental pain and endanger your overall health.
Gum Disease
Did you know that about 50 percent of adults over the age of 30 have at least the beginning stages of gum disease? This prevalent infection, also called periodontal disease, afflicts even more of the elderly. In fact, about 70 percent of adults over the age of 65 have advanced gum disease.
An infection in the gum tissue may not seem important compared to other problems at first glance; however, it can develop into a serious issue, affecting many other systems in the body. It starts with red, puffy gums that bleed easily, but as the disease progresses and spreads to the jawbone, the gums recede, and the bone tissue degrades. As a result, teeth become loose or come out entirely.
However, the disease doesn’t stop there—the inflammatory bacteria responsible for this infection can enter the bloodstream, impacting heart health and circulation, the brain, the kidneys, and more.
Oral Cancer
As the sixth most common form of cancer, oral cancer is newly diagnosed for about 54,000 patients across the country each year. It most often results from years of smoking, drinking alcohol heavily, and exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV).
When caught and treated early, patients with oral cancer generally have a good prognosis. Unfortunately, this disease is often diagnosed in later stages, which is why one person dies every hour as a result of oral cancer.
In each of these oral health problems, more than just your smile is at stake. The key is identifying and addressing the problem as early as possible or even preventing it entirely by having a daily oral care routine at home, consisting of brushing and flossing your teeth. In addition, routine dental checkups and cleanings are necessary so that your dentist can catch issues in the beginning stages of development.
When you adopt this preventive approach, you can avoid these common and potentially devastating oral health problems!
About the Practice
Beach Dental proudly serves patients from East Moriches, Manorville, Westhampton, East Quogue, and Westhampton Beach. Dr. Jason Parli and Dr. Alexis Gersten have the training and skills to treat serious oral health problems with advanced procedures like gum disease therapy and dental implants, but they prefer prevention. If you haven’t seen the dentist in a long time, they will not judge, and they will help get your smile and your health back on track. To schedule an appointment, contact our office online or call 631-325-0731.