Dental concerns: Regular issues and ideal times to consult a dentist
In the world of oral health, it's essential to be aware of the common symptoms of dental problems and the preventive measures that can help maintain a healthy smile.
Dental problems encompass a wide range of issues, including cavities, tooth erosion, gum infections, and gum diseases. One of the most common oral disorders worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017, is dental cavities.
Symptoms of dental problems can vary, but common indicators include tooth pain and sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. This is often an early sign of tooth decay caused by enamel erosion exposing the dentin layer beneath. Other warning signs can include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, which may indicate gum disease, and persistent bad breath.
Preventive measures to avoid dental problems focus on good oral hygiene and regular dental care. Brushing teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and limiting sugar intake are all crucial practices. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, including professional scaling and root planing if necessary, are also essential for early detection and treatment of decay or gum disease.
Avoiding extreme temperature foods and acidic or sugary snacks can also help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, including controlling systemic conditions like diabetes, is also important for oral health.
People can help prevent tooth erosion by following a balanced diet and seeking treatment for acid reflux or dry mouth. Dentists may treat tooth erosion with tooth bonding, veneers, or crowns.
Recognizing symptoms early and practicing consistent oral hygiene combined with professional dental care are key preventive strategies against dental problems. If you notice tooth pain, gum bleeding, or swelling, see a dentist promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
Regular dental check-ups can also help with early diagnosis of oral cancer. People with other medical conditions or undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy should include a dentist in their medical team.
For those seeking cosmetic dental enhancements, dentists may recommend veneers, orthodontics, teeth whitening, dental implants, or other procedures to improve the appearance of a person's teeth.
Pregnant people should have regular dental check-ups as pregnancy may worsen existing dental problems. Around one-third of pregnant people have gingivitis and are at risk of cavities.
Individuals should immediately contact their dentist if they notice jaw pain, gum problems, dry mouth, difficulty when eating, presence of mouth sores and spots, or any other unusual symptoms.
In the United States, around 100 million people do not see a dentist every year, according to the American Dental Association. With the American Cancer Society estimating there will be about 53,000 new cases of oral cancer in 2021, it's crucial to prioritize oral health and regular dental check-ups.
- Tooth pain and sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods, can be an early sign of dental cavities, a common oral disorder around the world.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing teeth twice daily, flossing, and limiting sugar intake, can help prevent dental problems like cavities and gum infections.
- Early detection and treatment of dental problems, like decay or gum disease, are crucial and can be achieved through regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
- For those with other medical conditions or undergoing treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, it's important to include a dentist on their medical team to ensure oral health is addressed.
