Dental diseases are not as easy to spot as many other diseases. It’s fairly easy to notice and diagnose a stomachache or fever or skin issue. But dental problems aren’t widely understood by the general public and many people out there avoid going to the dentist regularly out of nervousness or phobias. But dental health is well-being and if not handled proactively it can be detrimental to your overall health if any issue is allowed to persist.
Dental diseases tend to follow a few similar patterns and being aware can help things from getting worse or better yet, cure them.
You may have an issue that is fairly commonplace and not too disruptive to your life and health but gets progressively worse the more you ignore it. Then there’s the one where the issue presents itself only when it has become serious and painful. Both these outcomes are why it is so important to maintain good vigilance of your oral health.
Below are four of the more common dental diseases that may be both very common but very serious.
Tooth Decay
This is most commonly expressed as cavities. At least, cavities are the first sign of this issue. Cavities are small breakdowns in the tooth enamel as a result of acids produced by bacteria that are often drawn to your teeth by sugar. This isn’t just candy, most foods contain some amount of sugar and bacteria then flocks to the chewing surfaces of your teeth and leaves behind dangerous and corrosive materials on the tooth enamel. Cavities mean the surface has demineralized and are only the first step in a larger issue. If this demineralization gets deep in your tooth it could mean infection.
Halitosis
This is more commonly known as simply “bad breath.” But it’s often part of a larger issue. While not having good oral hygiene could lead to bad breath, chronic halitosis can be the result of smoking, respiratory tract issues, dry mouth, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and plaque and tartar build up. Secondary symptoms include thick saliva, constant bad tastes in the mouth, or dry and even cracked flesh within your mouth.
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is extremely common. More than one third of adults age 30 or older have experienced some form of periodontal disease. This is an inflammation or infection of the gum tissue that hold your teeth in place, usually as a result of improper hygiene but other factors such as diabetes, weakened immune system, and hereditary issues can be contributing factors. If left untreated periodontal disease can lead to permanent gum loss that will then lead to damage to teeth and support bones with the eventual need to extract teeth as a result.
Oral Cancer
This is probably a form of cancer you don’t think too much about but as many as 40,000 new cases and 10,000 new deaths are reported every year as a result of cancer of the oral cavity or pharynx. Oral cancer usually results from risky behaviors like tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or vaping) and excessive alcohol use. The human papilloma virus (HPV) can also cause cancer in the mouth and throat. Early detection of such cancer is key, and a dentist visit is the first step.
Related Questions
What conditions are contributing factors to dental diseases?
Hereditary factors often play a part in oral health. Addiction to substances such as drugs or alcohol could cause dental issues, as well as diabetes, allergies, and asthma. Talk to your dentist about what health conditions are contributing to your oral health state.
How often should I visit the dentist?
At minimum you should be seeing your dentist once a year for x-rays which can reveal otherwise hidden issues. Ideally, you’ll see the dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and clinical checkup of your oral health. If you have concerns about your dental health talk to your dentist promptly to find out what is going on and how to address it.
For the best dental care in the Commerce Twp area, come to Sedki Dentistry Dental office. We are a full-service dental clinic with a caring staff committed to the long-term dental health of each patient. Dr. Sedki has more than 20 years of experience and is highly skilled and trained in all the latest treatments and procedures in modern and cosmetic dentistry.
Whether you are looking to brighten your teeth, straighten your smile, restore your dental health or treat an ongoing oral health issue, you are in the right place. Call today for a Free Dental Consultation and see why our Commerce area dental office is preferred by so many!