Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment, and adopting proper oral hygiene habits early on—such as brushing, flossing, and reducing sugar intake—can significantly increase your chances of avoiding costly dental procedures and long-term health problems. According to Dr. Bhuvana, a top dentist in Kodambakkam, Chennai, dental and oral health are crucial components of overall well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental cavities and gum disease and has been linked to dentist. serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Key Facts About Dental and Oral Health
Dental cavities and gum disease are prevalent issues. The World Health Organization provides the following statistics:
- 60 to 90 percent of children have at least one dental cavity.
- Nearly 100 percent of adults have at least one dental cavity.
- Between 15 and 20 percent of adults aged 35 to 44 suffer from severe gum disease.
- About 30 percent of individuals aged 65 to 74 have no natural teeth.
- In most countries, between 1 and 10 cases of mouth cancer occur per 100,000 people.
- The impact of oral disease is significantly higher in impoverished or disadvantaged populations.
Symptoms of Dental and Oral Problems
Don’t wait for symptoms to visit your dentist. Regular check-ups, ideally twice a year, can help catch issues before you notice symptoms. However, if you experience any of the following signs, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly:
- Ulcers, sores, or tender areas in the mouth that don’t heal within a week or two
- Bleeding or swollen gums after brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Sudden sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or beverages
- Toothache or pain
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Pain while chewing or biting
- Facial or cheek swelling
- Jaw clicking
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Frequent dry mouth
If you experience these symptoms alongside a high fever and facial or neck swelling, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
Causes of Dental and Oral Diseases
Your mouth hosts a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. While some are harmless, a diet high in sugar creates an environment where acid-producing bacteria can thrive. This acid erodes enamel and leads to cavities. If plaque is not regularly removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens and can cause gingivitis. Left untreated, this inflammation can progress to periodontitis, where gums pull away from teeth and form pockets that may collect pus.
Factors contributing to gingivitis and periodontitis include:
- Smoking
- Poor brushing habits
- Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks
- Diabetes
- Medications that reduce saliva production
- Family history or genetics
- Certain infections, such as HIV or AIDS
- Hormonal changes in women
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Frequent vomiting
Diagnosing Dental and Oral Diseases
Most dental issues can be identified during a routine dental check-up. Your dentist will examine your mouth, throat, tongue, cheeks, jaw, and neck. They might use various tools to assess your teeth and may take dental X-rays. Inform your dentist if you are pregnant, as X-rays are not recommended during pregnancy.
A tool called a probe may be used to measure gum pockets. Healthy pockets typically range from 1 to 3 millimeters. Measurements beyond this range can indicate gum disease. If abnormal lumps or growths are found, a biopsy may be performed, and the sample will be examined for cancerous cells.
If cancer is suspected, additional imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or endoscopies may be ordered to determine if the cancer has spread.
How to Prevent Oral Diseases
To significantly reduce the risk of dental and oral diseases:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
- Floss daily.
- Limit sugar intake.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Drink fluoridated water.
- Seek professional dental care regularly.