Oral Health 101: Understanding the Most Common Dental Issues

Dentistry is complicated, which is why dentists go to school for years to learn everything they need to know. However, if you want to be informed, it’s easier to focus on the most common oral health issues. Understanding them can give you the knowledge you need to create an effective prevention strategy. So, read on to learn all about the more prevalent oral health issues so you can be prepared.

Cavities (Dental Caries)

In all the world, cavities are the number one most common oral health issue. They occur when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and produces acids that erode tooth enamel. This leads to holes or cavities in the teeth.

The best way to prevent tooth decay is to ensure that plaque never builds up enough to cause harm. Brushing at least twice per day and flossing daily are the best methods to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It’s a major cause of tooth loss in adults with two main stages; mild gingivitis and severe periodontitis.

Gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral care and professional cleaning, while periodontitis may require more intensive treatments.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Persistent bad breath can be a sign of underlying dental or medical issues. Common causes include poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, and certain foods or medications.

Improving your brushing and flossing routine as well as using antibacterial mouthwash is vital to keeping halitosis at bay. If it persists, schedule an appointment with your dentist to find the cause.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a condition where the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. Over time, this leads to discomfort and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. There are several causes for dry mouth, but staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will help.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Risk factors include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and prolonged sun exposure.

The best way to guard against this potentially fatal disease is to attend regular checkups with your dentist. This allows them to perform a screening on your mouth every six months. Catching it early is the key to drastically increasing your survivability.

By understanding these common oral health conditions and taking preventive measures, you can maintain a healthy smile. You may not be an expert in dentistry, but with this knowledge, you’ll be able to have more meaningful conversations with your dentist.

About the Author

Dr. Prachi D. Shah has been helping her patients achieve brighter, healthier smiles as a dentist for well over a decade. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the New York University College of Dentistry. Since then, she has dedicated hundreds of hours to honing her skills to better serve her patients. Call (817) 860-2222 to schedule an appointment at South Arlington Dental Care or visit the website to see other services they offer.