People can sometimes lackadaisical when it comes to their oral health, not realizing that they are putting themselves at risk of developing some thoroughly unpleasant dental problems. In fact, toothache has often been described as the worst pain in the world – topping even childbirth. Therefore, we need to stay on top of our dental hygiene and recognize when we have an ailment. So, here is a list of the most common dental problems, including their signs and symptoms. By knowing what to look for, you can effectively maintain your oral health.
1.) Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is probably the most common dental condition. It happens when plaque (the yellowish substance that appears on your teeth) manages to build up in your mouth and then is combined with sugar or starch. From here, the plaque creates acid which goes on to damage the enamel on your teeth. Eventually, this will lead to a cavity forming within the tooth. The main signs and symptoms of tooth decay include sensitivity, toothaches, an unpleasant taste in your mouth and discolored spots appearing on your tooth. Tooth decay is a big problem because it can cause further complications down the line. We recommend that you try Maven Dental and prevent tooth decay problems now!
2.) Gum Disease
Gum disease is when the gums surrounding your teeth become infected. It can result in tooth loss and it has also been linked to heart disease. If you suspect you have gum disease, it is important to book an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible. We recommend this dentist in Weymouth if you live in the area. But how exactly do you know when you have gum disease? Well, for starters, being a habitual smoker puts you at risk – as do diabetes and dry mouth. Some of the main symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen, tender and bleeding gums, plus bad breath. You might also experience pain when chewing food.
3.) Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a dangerous and deadly illness, but it can be stopped if detected in the early stages. People over the age of 40 are most likely to develop oral cancer, especially if they consume a lot of alcohol or tobacco. HPV (an STI) can also put you at additional risk. Those with oral cancer often have sores, lumps or rough patches in their mouth. They also have difficulty chewing, biting and moving their jaw.
4.) Mouth Sores
There are several different types of mouth sores, all of which are pesky and painful. Luckily, they usually disappear after two weeks – but see a specialist if they linger beyond this time frame. Canker sores (also known as ulcers) are shallow lesions on the soft tissue of the mouth. They can make eating or drinking food painful, especially when it is acidic. Meanwhile, cold sores are caused by the sexually transmitted disease herpes and appear on the lips. They are highly contagious, so you shouldn’t kiss or share cutlery with anyone if you have one.
These are some of the most common dental problems. Be sure to book an appointment with your dentist at least twice a year to deal with these issues.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.
