According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than $124 billion is spent on oral health costs annually. This translates into 34 million hours of missed school time for the younger members of society and a $45 billion loss in productivity from adults missing work due to dental emergencies. At the root are 3 common oral health problems: cavities, gum disease and oral cancer. Continue reading to learn about them and discover what you can do to prevent any flare-ups.
Cavities
The enamel is the hard-outer layer of material that protects your teeth from the very dynamic environment inside your mouth. In this volatile world, leftover food and beverage particles and sugar attract bacteria. If allowed to gather, the bacteria release caustic fluids that, over time, demineralize the enamel.
Eventually, a cavity can develop (a tiny hole in the enamel). If untreated with a filling, the cavity will only bore deeper until it reaches the pulp area of the tooth, requiring a more complex treatment to restore your oral health.
Gum (Periodontal) Disease
In a sense, cavities can serve as a gateway to gum disease, as they both are associated with poor dental care. In addition to gathering on the teeth, bacteria can also settle along the gum line, eventually working their way beneath to cause inflammation. This is referred to as gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
Over time, the condition can worsen, as germ pockets form and the connective tissue and bone material that hold the corresponding teeth in place can be permanently damaged. Even worse, gum disease that is ignored can lead to health issues in other parts of the body, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Oral Cancer
Each year, thousands of people are diagnosed with oral cancer, with nearly 20 percent of the cases ending fatally. If cavities can be considered as a gateway to gum disease, then the latter could certainly be viewed as a doorway to oral cancer. That’s because at the helm of all three conditions is bacteria growth.
Other factors that increase the risk of developing oral cancer are smoking and chewing tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
How to Protect Yourself
Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to fortify your oral health. Consider the following:
- Practicing excellent dental hygiene – You should be brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day to help remove leftover debris and bacteria that could eventually form plaque.
- Maintaining regular dental visits – Make it a habit to visit a dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations. Therefore, any developing problems can be spotted early and effectively treated.
- Monitoring your consumption of sugary items – Processed sugars are especially notorious for attracting bacteria. It’s best to limit your consumption of snack items, pastries, breads and other foods and beverages that contain loads of sugar.
- Avoiding unhealthy habits – As mentioned earlier, tobacco usage of any kind can be detrimental to your oral health, as it releases harmful toxins inside your mouth. Excessively drinking alcohol can also be problematic because of the high sugar content.
It’s empowering to know that by taking cautionary measures, which includes working with a dentist in West Orange, you can prevent most dental mishaps and enjoy the absolute best in oral health for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Med Dawoud is a graduate of The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Throughout his career, he has diligently worked to expand his knowledge by taking several hours of continuing education. Additionally, Dr. Dawoud is certified in Pinhole Surgical Technique, minimally invasive, scalpel-free periodontal treatment. He provides preventive and restorative dentistry at D&G Dental, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.