People from many parts of the world suffer from the same dental problems. Some may be because of financial capacities, while others could be due to negligence. We should take proper care of our teeth to prevent wear and tear from all the strain they get from biting, chewing, and grinding. Everyone encounters a minor dental issue once in a while. Some of these dental diseases that affect adults include the following.
1. Dry Mouth
Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth is a condition where saliva glands cannot produce adequate saliva to keep the inside of the mouth wet. Saliva keeps plaque off of teeth’ surface due to its antibacterial components. A dry mouth can be caused by aging, stress, smoking, or medication.
People at high risk of dry mouth include; the older population and those on medication or chemotherapy. It manifests through bad breath, chapped lips, and mouth sores. There is no known cure for dry mouth, but drinking more water will keep your mouth hydrated.
2. Cavities Or Tooth Decay
This is one of the most common dental issues and can affect anyone, despite their age. Cavities are damaged areas around or in the surface of your tooth that lead to tiny holes. What causes cavities? Plaque from food high in starch or sugar forms on the surface of teeth. The bacteria inside your mouth feed on starch and sugar, causing enamel deterioration.
This causes tooth decay in the long run. Watch out for symptoms such as sensitivity, toothache, visible holes in the teeth, and pain when eating. You can prevent cavities by avoiding food high in sugar and starch, brushing your teeth thoroughly, drinking water, and remembering to visit your dentist regularly.
3. Root Infection
This is an excruciating and uncomfortable issue. It happens when bacteria infect the root part of your tooth. The bacteria go to the center of your tooth and attack the pulp tissue inside. It manifests as a generic toothache. An abscess will form eventually, showing that the infection has become very severe. This is treated by a root canal procedure which your dentist should perform.
4. Gum Disease
This is also common among most adults. It develops through three stages, starting from gingivitis. At this point, it is reversible, but if left untreated, it may lead to a more severe problem called periodontal disease. If left untreated at this stage, it will advance further, causing your teeth to fall off. The symptoms include; bad breath, swollen gums, bleeding gums, pus development, and loose teeth.
5. Oral Cancer
This is probably the deadliest dental disease anyone can get. It begins with a tiny pinkish growth in the mouth. It is hard to detect since mouth surfaces are generally red or pink in color. This is where visiting your dentist regularly helps since they know what to look for. Oral Cancer is usually caused by drinking and smoking. Those engaging in such activities need regular checkups and mouth cleaning to reduce the chances of getting oral Cancer.
6. Tooth Loss
Most of the dental problems already discussed may lead to tooth loss if left untreated to the point the teeth cannot be saved. Also, teeth weaken after years of grinding, biting, and chewing. You might not have severe dental problems but could be at risk of tooth loss.
This is the reason why many older people need dentures. There is no way of preventing this. However, it’s not something to lose sleep over. With the recent dental techniques innovations, it has become possible to restore lost teeth with dental implants. They feel and look like natural teeth and function normally.
