Did you know that approximately 700 bacterial species call the mouth home? They’re all over the gums, teeth, tongue, palate, and other soft tissues. Some are beneficial, playing a role in saliva production and food digestion.
Unfortunately, many others are behind the most common dental problems among Americans. These oral diseases, in turn, cause pain, suffering, and financial losses.
But what exactly are the most prevalent oral health woes? Are they even treatable or curable?
Keep reading, and we’ll tell you what you need to know below.
Dental Calculus (Tartar) Build-Up
Dental plaque is a sticky, transparent film constantly forming on the teeth. It’s full of bacteria and, if not removed, can harden into dental calculus (AKA tartar).
Tartar is no longer transparent or removable through brushing or flossing. Instead, it’s usually yellow, even light brown, and only dentists can get rid of it using special tools.
Visit a dental hygienist or dentist as soon as you see crusty, hardened deposits on your teeth. Otherwise, that tartar can encourage more bacterial growth. That can lead to more severe problems, including tooth decay and gum disease.
Dental Cavities
Dental cavities, also known as tooth decay, occur when bacteria create holes in the teeth. It often results from plaque and tartar formation caused by poor oral hygiene. However, sugary foods and drinks and those rich in starch can also promote decay.
If you notice a hole in one or more of your teeth, schedule a dental appointment ASAP. Your dentist needs to fill that; otherwise, your tooth can crack or become infected.
Gum Disease
Almost half of U.S. adults (aged 30 or older) have gum disease. About 9% have mild gum disease, while nearly one in three have moderate periodontitis. The rest have severe cases of periodontal disease.
So, can gum disease be cured? The good news is yes, it is curable and, if caught early, can even be reversible.
Thus, it’s vital to see a dentist if you notice parts of your gums swelling or looking more bright red. Do the same ASAP if you bleed while brushing or flossing.
Malocclusion
According to researchers, about 20% of the population doesn’t have an “ideal” bite. In simpler terms, they have a misaligned bite or crooked teeth. Such dental problems are what oral healthcare professionals refer to as malocclusions.
The problem is that malocclusion can increase a person’s risk for tooth decay. One reason is that it makes brushing and flossing more challenging. Moreover, crooked teeth create more crevices that a standard toothbrush can’t reach.
If you have a bad bite or crooked teeth yourself, orthodontics, such as braces, may help. You can also opt for removable clear aligners if you don’t fancy having metal brackets on your teeth.
Seek Help for These Dental Problems
Please remember that approximately 120 million folks in the U.S. have at least one missing tooth. Of that number, more than 36 million no longer have any of their natural teeth left. Many of those cases resulted from failure to treat the most common dental problems.
So if you experience any of the dental issues discussed above, don’t delay seeking help from a dentist.
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