Common Dental Problems
Many people suffer from some form of dental problem. However, most common dental problems are very easy to prevent and simple to diagnose. By brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and making appointments at Jessamine Dental for regualr dental check-ups, you can prevent almost every common dental problem or treat already occuring problems while they are small and less expensive, in a single visit.
The first step in treating common dental problems is recognizing what they are, what causes them and what other serious problems that they could trigger or be indicative of. Provided here are five of the most common dental problems that can be diagnosed by your Dr. Wilson.
Bad Breath:
One of the most common dental problems, chronic bad breath is usually indicative of an underlying condition. In fact, around 85% of people that experience frequent bad breath have another dental condition to blame. Problems that cause bad breath include cavities, dry mouth, oral cancer, disease in the gums and bacteria.
Although mouthwash can conceal bad breath, it does not treat the underlying problem. It is important to visit your Nicholasville dentist to rule out any serious underlying condition before determining that simple lack of hygiene is the problem.
Sensitive Teeth:
Sensitivity in teeth is a very common problem. It can result from cold food/drink or air, hot food/drinks or sweet foods. Sensitive teeth can becomes such a problem that even flossing and brushing can cause pain or discomfort. Sensitive teeth can result in a lack of enamel or be indicative of cavities that expose the inner portion or root of a tooth.
Fortunately, sensitive teeth are readily treated by your Nicholasville dentist using a variety of techniques. While some are expensive, many are very cost effective and can be performed in only a few visits to the office.
Tooth Decay:
Tooth decay is indeed common. In fact, its prevalence in the United States as a disease is second only to the common cold. Tooth decay is a result of the combination of plaque and sugars that gather and build up on teeth - gradually producing acid that breaks down enamel and, eventually, the inner portion of the tooth.
Although tooth decay can become serious, it is easily treated at your Nicholasville dentist office. However, unlike the common cold, tooth decay is very easily preventable by basic oral hygiene including brushing your teeth at least when you wake up and before you go to bed, flossing at least once daily and regularly visiting your Nicholasville dentist. You can also avoid unhealthy foods high in sugar.
Gum Disease:
Although commonly associated only with the mouth, some studies have effectively linked gum disease to heart attack and stroke. Just as the name suggests, gum disease is a infection that affects the gums - especially where they meet the teeth.
Gum disease is one of the major causes of tooth loss and is usually present in primary stages - periodontitis and gingivitis. Good dental hygiene along with regular visits to your dentist can prevent gum disease effectively.
Oral Cancer:
One of the few common dental problems that is very serious and can result in death, oral cancer is a problem in millions of people. The Oral Cancer Foundation released a study that estimated the amount of deaths from oral cancer equal to a United States citizen dying each hour of each day.
Abstaining from poor dental habits such as using tobacco (especially smokeless tobacco) and practicing good dental hygiene can prevent oral cancer. However, some cases result in people that practice good habits and abstain from tobacco products. Fortunately, oral cancer is very treatable if it is discovered in its early stages.