Your oral health can have a profound impact on both your overall health and your quality of life. It can even affect your confidence in everyday situations. Therefore, taking care of your teeth and gums should be a high priority. How can you do that? In this blog post, we will discuss three of the most common oral health problems and how you can reduce your risk of developing them.
Cavities
Cavities, otherwise known as tooth decay, are one of the most prevalent chronic conditions. In fact, roughly 90 percent of people will develop a cavity at some point in their life. While genetics may play a role in your susceptibility to tooth decay, habits are also key. To keep your risk of cavities to a minimum, you should:
- Visit your dentist in Auburn at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss once a day
- Limit your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages.
Gum Disease
Some studies indicate that about half of adults in the U.S. have a form of gum disease, while other research states that only about 4 in 10 have it. In either case, it is clear that gum disease is a widespread problem. Even worse, it is strongly correlated with a number of serious systemic health problems, including heart attack and stroke.
Many of the same habits that prevent cavities, such as brushing and flossing, are also vital in reducing the risk of gum disease. When you brush your teeth, be sure to clean along the gumline. If your teeth are misaligned and you find it difficult to floss between them, you may need to ask your dentist about orthodontic treatment.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is much less common than the other issues discussed in this article. However, it does still affect tens of thousands of people annually. In fact, at the beginning of 2020, it was estimated that more than 53,000 new cases of oral cancer would be diagnosed this year. To reduce your risk of oral cancer, you should:
- Avoid the use of tobacco
- Wear sun protection for your lips when you are outside
- If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation
- Get vaccinated for HPV (if you are 11 – 26 years old)
It is also vital that you visit your dentist for regular oral cancer screenings. Dental professionals are often the first to notice potentially cancerous growths and can help you catch the disease while it is still in its early stages.
Are you doing all you can to protect your oral health? Some simple preventive steps can help you enjoy a lifetime of sound smiles.
Meet Our Practice
Willow Run Dental Association is proud to have three talented dentists on-staff. They have decades of combined experience and take pride in providing top-quality preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care. If you have questions about how best to care for your teeth and gums, they would be pleased to assist you. To learn more about our practice and the services we offer, contact us at 207-783-0261.