Cavities, gum disease, toothaches caused by infections… at some point, most people will likely encounter these oral health issues. However, taking precautions to minimize your chances of experiencing these concerns can provide you with peace of mind that you’re doing everything you can to preserve your smile. The first step of prevention is education! Read below to learn about four of the most common dental problems in the country.
Cavities (Decay/Caries)
It’s likely that at some point in your life, you’ll hear that you have a cavity or are experiencing signs of decay—as will virtually every other person in the country! Cavities are an unfortunate, but sometimes unavoidable result of wear and tear on teeth; however, they can also be caused by preventable problems, like poor dental hygiene. With timely treatment and a good at-home routine, your chances of experiencing dental sensitivity and other signs of decay can be drastically minimized.
Gum Disease (Gingivitis & Periodontitis)
Gum disease is another common dental concern that most people will experience at some point in their life. It can cause a variety of symptoms and has an early stage (gingivitis) and late stage (periodontitis). While gingivitis can often be tackled at home with the help of a thorough and diligent dental hygiene routine, along with a deep cleaning, periodontitis may require additional treatments, like antibiotic therapy. In any case, if you’re diagnosed with gum disease, working with your dentist in Clinton Township to reverse and control the infection can help preserve your smile.
Oral Cancer
While oral cancer can’t be prevented, routine screenings at your bi-annual checkups and cleanings can allow your dentist to detect the signs as early as possible, drastically increasing the chances of successful treatment. If they spot any suspicious lumps or lesions within the mouth, they will refer you to the appropriate specialist for a biopsy and additional testing.
Tooth Loss
Tooth loss is a top fear among many people. Just like with cavities, with good at-home dental hygiene and routine checkups and cleanings with a dentist, tooth loss can occasionally be prevented. However, other underlying causes for this dental problem, like dental damage caused by accidents, are unavoidable. In any case, your dentist can work with you to create a treatment plan that will help rebuild your smile to be completely functional and whole again.
While these top four oral health issues may strike fear in you, know that with a trustworthy dentist by your side, all of them are treatable, and in some cases preventable!
About the Author
Dr. Milad Rabban has nearly a decade of dental experience, meaning she has helped thousands of patients improve and maintain their dental health. Her knowledge also provides her with a keen eye to know exactly what common concerns to look out for. With the ability to take care of most dental concerns in-house, Dr. Rabban provides patients of all ages with comprehensive, gentle, and friendly dentistry. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Clinton Township Family Dental’s website or call 586-416-1444.