What are 5 oral health diseases?

Oral health includes a lot more than teeth. It also involves other structures inside the mouth that allow us to speak, chew, taste, and eat. Problems or irregularities connected to these are referred to as oral health diseases.

The mouth may be small, but oral health problems can impact the rest of the body.

Problems can be temporary or chronic and can be due to various factors. Some oral health issues are associated with existing medical conditions, while some are linked to habits or lifestyle.

Here are some of the common oral health diseases that can affect people at any age.

1. Toothache

   Toothache can be due to tooth decay or infected gums, among many others.

   Headaches and fever can be present with a severe toothache. See your dentist for a thorough examination if your toothache lasts for more than two days or worsens over time.

   Don’t ignore sore teeth as it may be a sign of an underlying health condition. Your dentist can help you find out the root cause of the problem and treat it as soon as possible.

   While waiting for your appointment, take note of your triggers and what eases the pain. Take over-the-counter painkillers within your dentist’s recommended dosage.

   Maintain good oral hygiene habits to keep debris from accumulating in the area and aggravating the pain.

2. Tooth decay and cavities

   Tooth decay refers to damaged enamel. Harmful bacteria feed off debris from starchy and sugary food and produce acids that erode enamel.

   Poor oral hygiene habits can cause deposits to accumulate in the mouth, giving harmful bacteria more opportunities to grow and spread. Chewing surfaces with fissures are most vulnerable to acid attacks as they’re harder to clean.

   When tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to infection and spread to other parts of the body.

   One way to keep harmful bacteria out is to apply dental sealants on the chewing surfaces. It’s also crucial to maintain routine dental visits and good oral hygiene at home.

3. Bad breath

   Offensive breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing can affect a person’s confidence.

   Chronic bad breath is linked to dental conditions. Gargling with mouthwash is only a temporary solution. It’s important to identify the cause of the issue to eliminate it altogether.

   Bad breath or halitosis can be caused by cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease. Before your appointment with the dentist, think about your habits. Smoking can contribute to bad breath, as can your food and beverage choices.

   Your dentist can determine if the issue is related to your oral health or whether you should see a specialist for other health conditions.

4. Gum disease

   Gum disease is due to bacteria build-up in the gums. Common risk factors include smoking, weakened immune system, hormonal changes, existing medical conditions, and genetics.

   Untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Poor oral hygiene habits can trigger gum inflammation. Mild cases of gingivitis are reversible by improved dental care, which includes regular dental cleaning and checkups.

   Severe cases of periodontitis, on the other hand, can result in receding gums and bone loss. Treatments may include deep cleaning, medication, and surgery.

   Gum disease can be hard to diagnose as symptoms aren’t noticeable at first. This is why seeing your dentist regularly is crucial as they can spot signs and recommend treatment to halt progression and recurrence.

5. Oral cancer

   Oral cancer starts in the tissues of the mouth and can appear anywhere in the mouth. It’s classified under head and neck cancers.

   Mutations or changes keep cells from growing and cause dying healthy cells to divide. This leads to uncontrollable growth of abnormal cancer cells, which can spread inside the mouth and other parts of the body too.

   While there’s no definite way to prevent oral cancer, you can reduce your risks of developing it by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, avoiding excessive exposure to the sun, and seeing your dentist regularly.

   Oral cancer screening is a part of comprehensive routine oral examinations. Your dentist examines the inside of your mouth and may also perform additional tests to identify areas where abnormal cells could be.

   See your dentist in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, for a comprehensive oral examination

   These are only five out of the several oral health diseases that anyone may experience.

   Dental problems are never fun, so it’s important to be aware of how to protect yourself from possible risk factors. Seek advice from dental care professionals so you can care for your mouth better. See your dentist in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, regularly so they can help look after your oral health.