Caring for your mouth is vital to your overall oral health. Simple things like forgetting to floss can lead to the early stages of gingivitis. It is important to understand how oral diseases can cause serious problems, and how you can prevent them.
Dentist Visit
Tooth Decay
One of the first oral disease you need to know about is tooth decay. This occurs when excessive amounts of plaque form on the surface of a tooth. The plaque will start to break down the enamel of a tooth until it is able to penetrate into the dentin (inside) of a tooth. Failure to brush your teeth daily can lead to a higher amount of plaque. It can form due to the foods that you eat. If you drink alcohol or consume a lot of soda, the risk of tooth decay will increase. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to follow the American Dental Association guidelines for daily brushing and flossing. Visiting the dentist twice a year can help to identify tooth decay in an early stage. Treatment in an early stage will prevent serious decay that will lead to root canals, painful tooth extractions, and even bone disease.
Gum Disease
Similar to tooth decay, gum disease is directly related to your oral hygiene habits. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. This is caused by a lack of daily flossing to remove the bacteria that begins to form underneath the gums. When the bacteria and plaque begin to eat away at the gum tissue, causing the gums to become red, swollen, and painful. You may notice gingivitis in an early stage as it will cause your gums to bleed when you brush your teeth, or when you floss. Bad breath will occur as a result of gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will move to a more serious stage of gum disease known as periodontal disease. This will cause the gums to become quite painful, and you will need treatment from a periodontist. The gums will continue to weaken, and may cause the teeth to become loose as they are unable to hold them in place. Periodontal disease can lead to permanent problems with the gums and bone structure. Several studies have pointed to a link between periodontal disease and heart disease and strokes. Meeting with your periodontist to discuss antibiotic treatment is vital as the inflammation and infection can spread to other areas of the body.
Oral Cancer
The other serious oral disease you need to be aware of is oral cancer. Many people are at risk for oral cancer due to poor dietary habits. Prolonged use of tobacco products can increase your risk of oral cancer, and exposure to the sun can increase the risk of oral cancer to your lips. It is important to seek immediate medical attention for cancer as you may need to undergo chemotherapy. The common signs of oral cancer include sores on the cheeks and gums that do not heal. You will also notice red and white patches in the mouth. Persistent sore throats or lumps in the throat and neck are other symptoms of oral cancer. Eliminate the use of tobacco products to reduce your risk of oral cancer. Always use sunscreen on the lips to reduce the risk of lip cancer. Speak to your dentist about your concerns so they can do a complete oral cancer screening.
