If you don’t look after your teeth you’re likely to lose them before you head into old age. That can cause several issues, including a lack of confidence and expensive dental bills.
But, with the right care, this doesn’t need to be the case. You can use a reputable dentist, like this Sydney Park dentist, and look after your teeth, catching issues before they start. You may become one of the many people with fillings but this helps you to keep your teeth!
In most cases, the right dental care will spot issues for you and then schedule the necessary follow-up appointments. But, it’s still a good idea to be aware of the 5 most common oral health issues.
Cavities
It’s not surprising to find that cavities are one of the biggest issues in oral health. Cavities are holes in your teeth. They can be filled by the dentist. But, if they are left then bacteria get in through the hole and eat the pulp inside the tooth, damaging the nerve in the process and frequently causing an abscess.
The result will be either root canal surgery or the loss of the tooth. Tooth damage is caused by bacteria in your mouth reacting to sugars in the food you eat. Regular brushing and dental checkups can eliminate the issue before the cavity forms.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is another major oral health issue. It can be caused by brushing too hard, allowing bacteria to get below the gum line. Or, it can be a result of the acid produced in your mouth eating the gum tissue, again allowing bacteria in. The result is receding gums that become infected. In the long term, this can cause teeth to become loose and even fall out.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer generally affects the lip, throat, and sometimes other parts of the mouth. It’s estimated that 4 people in 100,000 will have this each year. It’s generally caused by smoking or alcohol, although infections can also cause issues that lead to oral cancer.
Noma
This disease generally only affects children between 2-6 years old. It’s a serious issue as it causes gangrene in the mouth and face. Thankfully, it’s becoming rarer as it is most prevalent in areas with extreme poverty and very poor oral hygiene.
Treatment is essential as, without it, NOMA is fatal in as many as 90% of sufferers. Detection at an early stage is essential, if not, even those who do survive will be seriously disfigured and have problems communicating.
General Sickness
You may not realize it but there is a direct connection between oral health and overall health. Your mouth is full of blood vessels, allowing the plaque and bacteria in your mouth to be carried around your body. Plaque can stick in arteries, contributing to cardiovascular issues. There is even evidence of bacteria affecting the brain, potentially being linked to cases of Alzheimer’s.
In short, look after your oral health and you’ll dramatically reduce the likelihood of developing any of these diseases.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
