The Top 5 Oral Health Conditions You Should Be Aware Of

There are a lot of components to your oral health. There are so many, in fact, that dentists have to go to school for years to effectively learn to diagnose and treat them. However, if you’re just a casually curious individual, you may only need ten minutes to learn what you need to know to prevent an oral health catastrophe.

Continue reading to learn more about the top five most common oral health conditions affecting everyday people like you.

1. Dry Mouth

While it may not seem like much of a “condition,” dry mouth can be a symptom of other things or lead to complications on its own. Saliva is a crucial component in your oral biome.

Without it, your gums and teeth dry out and become more susceptible to the acid in plaque. This can cause an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva is also responsible for fighting bad breath and breaking down food for digestion.

2. Tooth Decay

Whether it’s a cavity or full-blown decay that eats away at an entire tooth, dental caries are the most common oral health condition in the world.

The World Health Organization estimates that over 2 billion people suffer from cavities and tooth decay every year. If you’d like to not be part of that statistic, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss every night. This will fight the plaque that causes the erosion.

3. Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by the same plaque buildup that causes tooth decay.

Whenever this plaque is left in the mouth for too long, it produces bacteria that slowly work their way down into the gum line. If left untreated, this bacterium can infect your gums, and cause permanent damage to your jawbone.

4. Missing Teeth

Missing teeth are the result of gum disease and dental caries but can also come about due to dental trauma.

Once the gums have been infected by periodontal disease, they can cause the ligament that holds your teeth in place to become loose and eventually let your teeth fall out.

5. Dental Trauma

This refers to any instance of physical trauma that may befall the mouth such as a violent altercation, a car accident, or a sports incident. The results of these encounters range from busted lips to broken or knocked-out teeth.

 Whenever you have an incident that leaves your teeth broken, it’s imperative that you contact your dentist as quickly as possible. Especially in the case of a knocked-out tooth as you may only have 30 minutes to have it restored!

By staying informed and proactive on matters of oral health, you can avoid many of the pitfalls. If you have any concerns or questions about your oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for guidance and support.

About the Author

Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo, a dedicated dentist, is committed to providing exceptional care and achieving beautiful smiles for his patients. Dr. DeAngelo earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, continuing his education every year through multi-discipline study. He is deeply rooted in his community, residing in Homer Glen for over 30 years, and actively engages in non-profit freshwater conservation efforts. His dedication to patient care and community involvement defines his holistic approach to dentistry. To schedule an appointment at DeAngelo Dental of Homer Glen, call (708) 854-5912 or visit the website for more information.