The Usual Suspects: How to Avoid the Most Common Oral Health Problems

While statistics about preventable medical issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes often make headlines, people often forget about how pervasive and harmful oral health problems are. The truth is that dental illnesses are some of the most common health conditions on the planet and have serious consequences. Thankfully, most oral maladies are easy to avoid with excellent hygiene, smart eating habits, and regular dental visits. Here are three of the most common dental conditions and how you can prevent them.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an insidious threat to your oral health that starts out small, but it will develop into a full-blown dental catastrophe if it is not addressed in time. The first stage is gingivitis, or inflammation of the gum tissue, which results in symptoms like tenderness, redness, and bleeding when flossing, and it can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene. However, gingivitis that is not addressed will eventually become periodontitis that causes permanent damage like gum recession, tooth loss, and jawbone erosion.

Tooth Decay

Humans love the taste of sugar because it is rich with simple chemical energy that the body can easily absorb for use as fuel, and harmful oral bacteria also love it for exactly the same reason. Sugary snacks and beverages have become quite popular around the world, but consuming these products excessively or without proper hygiene measures will lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay will not get better without professional dental intervention, and it will lead to agonizing toothaches and permanent tooth loss if it is left untreated.

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss becomes more common with age due to decades of wear and tear, but it can happen to people of all ages and leads to issues like trouble eating, difficulty speaking, malnutrition, indigestion, oral infections, and diminished confidence. A few common reasons for tooth decay include accidents, poor hygiene, advanced oral infections, and genetic factors. While tooth loss can be addressed with restorations like dentures, bridges, and implants, it is always best to preserve a patient’s natural teeth if possible.

How Can I Keep My Smile Healthy?

Luckily, you’ll only need to keep up with a few excellent habits to keep your smile in great shape for life. A few great rules to keep in mind include:

• Brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash every day.
• See your dentist twice a year for routine exams and cleanings.
• Limit your consumption of sugary, acidic, hard, and sticky foods and beverages.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Abstain from using your teeth to open packages or bottles.
• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports or riding a bike.
• Wear a customized nightguard from your dentist if you grind your teeth in your sleep.
• Smile frequently and proudly, as this will encourage a sense of well-being and keep you motivated for excellent oral healthcare.

About the Practice

Maguire Comprehensive Dentistry provides the finest oral healthcare in Ocoee and the surrounding area. Led by Drs. Erik Holz , the staff ensures that each patient enjoys personalized care and exemplary customer service. Services offered include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your next dental checkup or learn more about excellent oral hygiene, contact the office online or dial (407) 537-4440.