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Most of us have had the unfortunate experience of developing a dental issue. In fact, according to The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40% of adults have reported feeling pain in their mouth in the last year. Over 80% of adults have had at least one cavity by the time they are 34. The good news is that there are various preventive steps you can take to avoid oral health issues. Continue reading to learn more.
Tooth Decay
When you enjoy sugary and starchy foods, the bacteria in your mouth feed off of them and produce acid as a by-product. This acid attacks the surface of the teeth, leaving you with weakened enamel and cavities. The good news is that if your dentist catches this problem early on, it can usually be treated with a tooth-colored filling or another treatment option. However, if left to progress, you could end up requiring root canal treatment or an extraction. Here are some ways that you can prevent tooth decay in the future.
- Excellent Oral Hygiene: Remember that you should continue to brush twice and floss every day to remove plaque and food debris.
- Fluoride: The most important thing to look for when choosing toothpaste is that it contains fluoride. This natural mineral helps to protect tooth enamel.
- Checkups: When you see your dentist, they remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places. They also keep an eye out for tooth decay and other issues. You should see your dentist every six months for routine cleanings and checkups.
- Healthy Eating: An occasional sugary treatment doesn’t usually do too much harm. However, you should moderate your intake for foods and beverages that are high in sugars, starches, and acids.
- Don’t Smoke: Using tobacco products leads to various dental issues, like tooth decay and gum disease.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is very common. In fact, nearly half of adults over the age of 30 in the United States are suffering from the condition at one stage or another. Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissue that holds your teeth in place. Common symptoms include bad breath, bleeding gums, painful chewing, and gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and bone loss. To keep your gums in good shape, here’s what you should do.
- Discontinue use of tobacco products
- Brush twice a day
- Floss daily
- See your dentist regularly
Oral Cancer
This type of cancer has claimed the lives of many people in our country. In 2026, there were nearly 45,000 new cases of this deadly disease and more than 10,000 deaths. The people who are most likely to develop oral cancer are those who partake in risky activities, like smoking, chewing tobacco, and heavy drinking. Oral Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is also known to cause cancer in the throat. Refrain from risky activities and see your dentist regularly. When it is caught early, many patients can make a full recovery.
These oral health problems are very common, but they can usually be prevented. By following the tips above, you can set your smile up for success!
About the Practice
At Parma Family Dentistry, Dr. Anthony Huron and Dr. Judy Kiss-Benke work together to treat patients in the Parma community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dental problems and how you can prevent them, visit their website or call (440) 884-0640.