3 of the Most Common Oral Health Problems Among Americans

Have you experienced a cavity or two in your lifetime? Has your dentist told you to start flossing more because you have gingivitis? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Oral health problems are incredibly common. In fact, the CDC reports that more than 40% of Americans experienced dental pain in the last year and that the nation spends upwards of $124 billion on dental care and treatments. Unfortunately, some of the most common dental issues can lead to serious problems, permanent damage, and even life-threatening conditions. That’s why it’s so important to see your La Porte dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings! Read on to learn more about the three most common oral health problems in America and how simple preventive care can stop them in their tracks!

Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Did you know that more than 90% of Americans have experienced tooth decay and over 25% have untreated cavities? Tooth decay forms when your enamel is broken down by acids produced by bacteria and plaque in your mouth.. While cavities may be easy to ignore at first, leaving them untreated can lead to severe dental infections, destroyed oral tissue, and even life-threatening complications.

Cavities don’t cause discomfort right away, which is why your dentist will sometimes discover areas of tooth decay that you can’t see or feel. Spotting and stopping cavities early preserves your natural tooth structure and keeps harmful bacteria at bay.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

The leading cause of tooth loss in America is periodontal disease. The later stages of this dangerous infection in the gum tissue (periodontitis) can damage the jawbone and increase a person’s risk of heart disease. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that 47.2% of Americans suffer from this condition. However, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association indicates that an additional 40% of the population has the earliest stage of gum disease (gingivitis).

While periodontitis is irreversible, gingivitis can be treated successfully with early detection. During each of your dental checkups, your dentist will check for symptoms of gum disease. If needed, they may recommend improved at-home oral hygiene, specialized dental products, or more frequent professional cleanings to restore your gum health. For more advanced stages of gingivitis, they can use more intensive methods like antibiotic therapy or deep cleanings to control the infection and prevent it from progressing.

Oral Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer in the next year alone, and it will kill over 10,000 people. This is about one person an hour, which is a higher death rate than other cancers such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, and many others. Experts stress that this astonishingly high death rate isn’t due to it being difficult to diagnose or treat, but rather because oral cancer is routinely discovered late in its development.

Like all cancers, the earlier it’s discovered, the more likely it is that it can be treated successfully. That’s why every dental checkup includes an oral cancer screening. These biannual visits give your dentist an excellent opportunity to spot small changes or slight abnormalities in your mouth that you may not have noticed until much later.

Seeing your dentist twice a year is about so much more than keeping your smile sparkling. Your checkups can reduce your risk of these common oral health problems in La Porta and potentially even save your life one day!

About the Practice

The talented team of Region Dental is proud to offer gentle, personalized, and high-quality dental care for the smiles of La Porte. They encourage all their patients to come in twice a year for a thorough dental checkup that includes gum disease screenings, oral cancer checks, and general preventive care. If they detect any oral health issues, they’ll work with you to create a custom treatment plan to get your oral health back on track. If it’s been more than six months since your last visit, don’t hesitate to reach them on their website or at (219) 362-8980.