How do you know if you have problems with your teeth and gums? Tooth decay is a tricky condition because cavities often start out small and are undetectable unless you are visiting a dentist regularly. When you do start to show problems such as pain, intense sensitivity and more, the problem is likely already severe. Many people don’t know the signs to look for to detect gum or teeth problems. Spot the signs of developing oral health conditions, and know what habits put you at risk for those problems!

Oral Health Problems

Did you know that oral health problems are some of the most common problems people have? In fact, millions of people are plagued by oral health problems and you wouldn’t even know it. About ½ of all American adults have gum disease. This is a disease that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Tooth decay is even more common, as more than 90% of people have had tooth decay sometime in their life.

Just these two oral health problems alone affect much more than 100 million people. The crazy part about it? Oral health problems such as these are completely and 100% avoidable. You never have to struggle with tooth decay, gum disease or many other oral health problems if you simply follow oral hygiene recommendations and see your dentist. Tobacco and alcohol use significantly raise your risk for every single oral health problem, so avoid them at all costs. Let’s go over some of the most common oral health diseases and conditions so you can know if you’re at risk for them.

Tooth Decay

You know tooth decay by it’s other names of “dental caries” and “cavities”. Most people don’t think of tooth decay as a disease. However, it’s called the most “chronic, prevalent disease” among children and adults, as reported by the National Institutes of Health. This decay can be painless until it reaches a severe point where you get toothaches, chronic pain, broken teeth and more.
When you eat, sugars in your food and drink mix with bacteria in your mouth. That forms a sticky, acidic substance called plaque that sticks to your teeth and doesn’t budge. Plaque will start eroding your tooth enamel and decaying your teeth, especially if it sits on there for a long time. That’s why it’s so important to brush and floss, and to do it multiple times a day! You are at risk for tooth decay if you don’t:

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, or after every meal.
• Floss 1-2 times every day.
• See the dentist for biannual cleanings and exams.
• Limit sugar intake, as more sugar creates more plaque.
• Eat nutritious and balanced meals, while limiting snacking.

Gum Disease

Your gums hold your teeth in place and keep them solidly rooted throughout life. However, they can weaken and become mushy if you don’t take care of them. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth several times a day, you have that acidic plaque sitting on your tooth enamel. That plaque generally collects around your gum line and especially in the gum area between your teeth. If you don’t brush and floss, your gums will start to become red, irritated and even swollen from the acidic plaque. They will often bleed easier, especially when flossing.

This stage is known as “gingivitis” and it’s one that you can reverse with better oral hygiene habits. More severe stages of gum disease cause severe gum recession, which will show a large portion of your tooth root. That tooth root will be sensitive and you will feel pain with hot and cold substances. If gums recede enough, they will also become mushy and your teeth will start to fall out. You may not be able to get dentures or dental implants at that point if your gums are too weak. If you follow proper oral hygiene habits, you won’t be at risk for gum disease.

Oral Cancer, Bad Breath and More

There are other oral health problems that aren’t exactly chronic, but they do happen often enough to patients to be an area of concern. These include:

• Oral Cancer. This takes about 50,000 lives each year. The progression of oral cancer can be halted with frequent oral cancer screenings at your biannual dental exam.
• Bad Breath. If you have chronic bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing, flossing or mouthwash, it’s a sign of oral health problems. You might have tooth decay or a health problem that is causing the bad breath.
• Dry Mouth. You are at risk for dry mouth if you take medications or if you don’t drink enough. If you have dry mouth, make sure you are staying hydrated enough. If the problem persists, your medications might be the culprit. You never want dry mouth, as saliva is what helps wash away food particles and plaque that would cause quicker decay. Saliva also helps to remineralize your teeth each day.
• Cold Sores. These are generally genetic. If family members get them, you are at risk for them too. However, they can be spread through kissing, drinking, and similar activities.
• Canker Sores. The exact cause isn’t known, but stress, illness, oral health problems and more can make you have canker sores. Warm salt-water rinses can help them go away.

Seeing the Dentist

Studies show that seeing the dentist can have a major impact on you developing oral health problems but in a good way. If you visit the dentist frequently, a dentist can detect oral health problems before they turn into full-blown diseases. The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist at least twice a year for comprehensive examinations and dental cleanings. These services are so simple, yet, they can save your smile and your life. Don’t live with oral health problems! Detect them early, treat them effectively and even prevent them entirely by calling Mountain Aire Dentistry at (303) 731-7755!