26 Apr 3 Common Oral Health Problems and How to Prevent Them
When common oral health conditions advance, they can pose serious threats to your oral health. Fortunately, most common oral health concerns and the problems they contribute to can be prevented with regular visits to your dentist, healthy lifestyles, and good oral hygiene.
Following is helpful information on common oral health issues and what you can do to prevent them.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common concern that arises when we are dehydrated, eat a high-sodium diet, and take medications or have health conditions that affect saliva production. For some folks, dry mouth can be alleviated by watching sodium intake and drinking more water. Others may require special rinse aids to alleviate their symptoms.
Untreated dry mouth increases people’s risks for developing tooth decay and gum disease. If you suffer with dry mouth, it is important that you keep soft oral tissue hydrated with proper water consumption, practice proper brushing and flossing, and visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings.
Gum Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease affects up to 80% of the population in the United States. When this condition is left untreated, it can advance to more progressive stages that destroy bones and teeth. Gum disease is also linked to a number of general health woes including diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.
Even if you don’t have signs of gum disease now, you should still adopt a great oral hygiene regimen with daily flossing and twice-daily brushing. You should also receive professional cleanings and checkups every six months.
Tooth Decay
Cavities and tooth decay are incredibly common. In fact, over 90% of people will develop tooth decay at least once in their lifetime. It’s important to know that teeth cannot self-heal; therefore, professional treatment is necessary to stop tooth decay from worsening.
Most tooth decay is preventable with proper oral hygiene and routine professional care. It’s also important to limit acid and sugar in your diet, which helps keep the protective barrier around your teeth (tooth enamel) strong.
Give our team at Kozlow & Rowell Dentistry a call if it’s time for a checkup or a cleaning.