Top Three Dental Problems that You Need to Guard Against

Everyone should make it their goal to maintain good dental health. Knowledge of potential dental problems can give us the tools we need to take a proactive approach to our dental issues. Prevention and maintaining good dental health habits is the key to keeping a mouth full of pearly white teeth.

The top three oral health problems that affect many people today is tooth decay, bad breath and mouth sores. There are many other dental and oral diseases that people suffer from as well. Most of these problems can be addressed and prevented with simple dental maintenance such as eating and abstaining from certain foods and drinks, flossing, regular dental checkups with your dentist and brushing twice a day. Keep reading to see what line of action needs to be taken in regards to these dental problems.

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Tooth decay is a disease that can affect anyone, no matter the age. Tooth enamel which is the outer hard layer of your teeth is destroyed due to plaque. When consuming foods and beverages that contain sugar, the bacteria inside of plaque is activated which produces acids that harms your enamel. Over periods of time the tooth enamel continues to break down which eventually causes cavities. Cavities are so common that it’s the second most common ailment next to the common old. When cavities remain untreated it can lead to infection, severe toothache and tooth loss.

Here are some of the following habits that you can take to prevent tooth decay:

• Floss daily between teeth
• Brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
• Limit Snacking
• Eat balanced and nutritious meals
• Ask your dentist about using supplemental fluoride (used to strengthen teeth)
• Schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist

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85% of the population suffers from bad breath caused by a dental condition and according to the ADA, half of all adults will suffer from halitosis in their life. Certain foods such as cabbage, garlic, onions and other spices can cause smelly breath as it’s absorbed into your bloodstream. Gasses passed through the mouth through digestion can also give off a foul odor. If you are addicted to cigarettes, try your best to quit. Not only is cigarette smoking linked to COPD and lung cancer, it can also be the main cause of gum disease.

Make it a habit to make brushing and flossing part of your routine. Neglecting these simple tasks can contribute to bad breath and leave you open to the nasty complications of bacteria. The following health conditions you should be aware of that can also give you bad breath are:

• Oral Cancer
• Gum Disease
• Bacteria on the tongue
• Cavities
• Dry Mouth

If you’re constantly experiencing bad breath that doesn’t go away, let your dentist know. A trained professional can figure out the root of the problem and get your oral health back on track.

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Mouth sores is something everyone can relate to whether it be in the form of canker sores, oral thrush, cold sores or a host of many other ailments. Sores in the mouth can be a painful inconvenience, making it difficult to perform normal activities such as eating hot food or brushing your teeth. Just like bad breath, sores in the mouth could be caused by another health condition. Additionally, a broken or sharp tooth, burning of the mouth with hot beverages or food, ill-fitting dentures, retainers or braces and tobacco products can also cause mouth sores.

Women going through hormonal changes during their pregnancy will sometimes experience mouths sores as well. Vitamin deficiencies, certain medications and stress can be an underlying cause of developing sores.

The following medical conditions are known to cause people to suffer from oral sores:

• Herpes Simplex (known as cold sores)
• Chronic Canker Sores
• Oral thrush (fungal infection)
• Oral Cancer
• Leukoplakia – Creates greyish-white patches inside the mouth
• Lichen Planus – Causes an itchy rash inside the mouth or skin

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If you’re repeatedly suffering from mouth sores that’s causing discomfort, ask your dental provider and they may be able to identify the root cause of your sore by visually examining your mouth. If the dentist suspects something more serious they can do a biopsy for testing. If you are waiting for a dental appointment, there are steps you can take in the meantime to diminish the discomfort that you may be experiencing such as avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, saltwater and avoiding high acidic foods.

If you are suffering from any dental problems Dr. Suffoletta and his team have the experience and latest technology at their disposal to identify the cause. Dr. Suffoletta prides himself in offering laser dental technology that helps you get in and out of this office quickly with minimal to virtually zero pain. Make an appointment today by calling his office at 702-671-0001 or visit online.