How to Prevent the 3 Most Common Oral Health Problems

Most of us have experienced dental health issues at some point or another. In fact, about 40% of adults reported feeling some type of pain in their mouth last year, according to the CDC. Additionally, more than 80% of people have had at least one cavity by the time they’re 34 years old. Fortunately, the three most common oral health problems are largely preventable. Here are some tips to reduce your risk of developing them.

How to Prevent Cavities

When you eat or drink something sugary, bacteria in your mouth feed on those sugar particles and leave behind an acidic waste product that attacks a tooth’s surface, creating cavities. If your dentist is able to detect a cavity early on, it can usually be fixed with a tooth-colored filling. However, if the decay progresses enough, the tooth may end up needing a root canal or even a tooth extraction.

Here are a few easy ways you can prevent cavities from developing:

• Keep up with your oral hygiene – Brushing and flossing twice a day removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from your mouth.
• Use fluoride – When choosing toothpaste or mouthwash, pick one that contains fluoride. This mineral strengthens your tooth enamel and lowers your risk of decay.
• Limit your sugar intake – Indulging in sweet treats on occasion isn’t the end of the world, but keep in mind that moderation is key. Consuming too much sugar will increase your risk of cavities.
• Don’t smoke – Tobacco use makes you more likely to develop cavities as well as gum disease. Talk to your dentist and your loved ones about ways you can quit.
• Visit your dentist – At your routine checkups and cleanings, the dentist can diagnose and treat cavities early on. Plus, the hygienist will remove plaque that causes cavities in the first place.

How to Ward Off Gum Disease

Gum disease is easily preventable, but it’s still quite common. In fact, about 50% of all adults over the age of 30 currently have some form of this oral disease. Common symptoms of this bacterial infection in the gums include persistent bad breath, painful chewing, bleeding gums, gum recession, loose teeth, or even tooth loss. Here are some tips for keeping gum disease at bay:

• Brush twice a day.
• Floss at least once daily.
• See your dentist every six months.
• Don’t use tobacco products.

How to Avoid Oral Cancer

Oral cancer has claimed many lives over the years. You’re more likely to develop this disease if you partake in risky activities such as heavy alcohol use or smoking/chewing tobacco. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is also associated with cancer of the throat and mouth.

As with all types of cancer, early detection is key. Whenever you attend your regular dental checkups, your dentist will closely examine your mouth for any troublesome areas that could indicate oral cancer. That way, your treatment is more likely to be successful. Seeing your dentist on a regular basis could save your life!

Just because these oral health problems are common doesn’t mean they need to happen to you. With diligent oral hygiene, a healthy lifestyle, and routine dental visits, you can keep your smile healthy for years to come!

About the Author

At White Oak Dental, Dr. Mark Stapleton has been helping the Chaska, MN community maintain healthy smiles for almost a decade. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, he has proven his dedication to clinical excellence and continuing education. To learn more about preventing common oral health problems, visit Dr. Stapleton’s website or give his team a call at 952-448-2868.