While practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist twice a year for preventive care can go a long way toward keeping your smile in good shape, you can never completely eliminate the possibility of oral health issues occurring. Thus, it’s essential to be aware of the kinds of problems that can happen in your mouth so that you can ensure that you’re properly prepared to deal with them. Here’s a closer look at 3 all-too-common oral health complications that you need to watch out for.
1. Cavities
It’s estimated that about 92% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have had cavities at some point. This widespread oral health issue can occur when harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acid as a result. Said acid can slowly erode your enamel, forming pits in your teeth.
A cavity often doesn’t cause any discomfort at first, but if it’s left alone for too long, the bacteria causing the decay could eventually reach the pulp at the center of the tooth, resulting in a painful infection. As such, it’s in your best interest to have a cavity treated as soon as possible; in many cases, this involves placing a tooth-colored filling.
2. Gum Disease
The bacteria in your mouth can infect your gums, resulting in gum disease (which is sometimes referred to as periodontal disease). This condition typically has relatively mild symptoms at first, such as red or swollen gum tissue that bleeds easily. If gum disease reaches its most advanced stages, it can lead to far more serious consequences such as tooth loss.
Early on, gum disease can often be reversed with improved oral hygiene practices. In more severe cases, you may need to speak to your dentist about professional gum disease treatment options.
3. Oral Cancer
Oral cancer may not get as much attention as other types of cancer, but it’s estimated to cause about one death every hour in the United States. It can potentially occur anywhere in your oral cavity, including your tongue, your lips, the inside of your cheeks, and the floor of your mouth.
Having your oral cancer diagnosed early can significantly improve your chances of survival over the next five years. For this reason, modern dental checkups often include an oral cancer screening. Your dentist can check for odd lumps, discolored patches, and other potential oral cancer symptoms that may warrant a biopsy.
These are simply a few examples of some of the oral health issues that you could experience. If you ever notice any worrisome or unusual symptoms inside your mouth, it’s a good idea to reach out to your dentist as soon as possible so that they can identify the true cause of the problem and determine the best way to treat it.
About the Author
Dr. Darren Koch studied dentistry at The University at Buffalo. He belongs to many different dental organizations, including the North Carolina Dental Society and the Fourth District Dental Society of Raleigh/Wake County. His practice in Cary offers a comprehensive menu of preventive and restorative services to help his patients protect their smiles. If you would like to schedule a checkup with Dr. Koch, visit his website or call (919) 859-6633.
