Common Dental Issues That Could be Prevented by Regular Dentist Visits

You do not need an oral health complication or emergency to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Since some dental complications have early signs you cannot easily detect, regular dental checkups could help detect and treat the issues before they cause further complications.

Finding the right dentist for your dental checkups and to treat oral health complications is critical. Also, taking this proactive approach to oral health will help you prevent common dental issues and maintain a healthy smile through the years.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath is a common dental condition that could cause severe psychological distress. According to the National Institutes of Health, 25% of Americans have bad breath. You may be self-conscious and have bad breath, limiting your verbal interaction with others. After gum disease and tooth decay, halitosis is one of the common reasons people seek regular dental care.

The condition is characterized by a foul odor from your mouth, which persists even after brushing and flossing regularly. Several factors could cause bad breath, including:

• Poor oral hygiene, like failure to brush your teeth and floss regularly. These can cause the accumulation of food particles and bacteria, which produce a bad odor.
• Dental diseases, like gum disease. When bacteria enter your gums and cause an infection, the pockets of pus can produce the bad odor associated with halitosis.
• Dry mouth. Saliva is the first line of defense in the mouth and is essential for washing out mouth bacteria. When your body does not produce enough saliva, you can experience bad breath. Habits like tobacco use and alcohol use are common causes of slow saliva production.
• Improper cleaning of dentures. When you have removable dentures, clean them correctly and soak them in warm water to prevent them from drying up.
• Health conditions. Bad breath can be a result of poor hygiene. However, sometimes, it indicates a more severe health issue. Some of the conditions that can contribute to the occurrence of bad breath include diabetes, chronic bronchitis, and chronic sinusitis.

Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing at least two times daily, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash can help reduce bad breath. However, since the condition may result from a more serious oral health condition,  you must visit your dentist.

During these dental visits, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums and detect conditions like gum disease, dry mouth, and tooth decay. When these conditions are treated, you can avoid bad breath.

Additionally, your dentist can recommend professional teeth cleaning, which removes the food particles and bacteria lodged between your teeth and gums. The next time you are tempted to reach out for a mint freshener to deal with your bad breath, you should consider scheduling an appointment instead.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among Americans. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is an infection of the tissues holding your teeth correctly. Data from the CDC shows that nearly 46% of adults over 30 years old show signs of gum disease.

The condition is caused by a sticky film of bacteria that forms around the gums when you do not maintain proper oral hygiene. Gum disease begins with swelling and redness of the gums and worsens when left untreated.

The following factors increase your risk of gum disease:

• Smoking and tobacco use. Smoking limits the oxygen supply to your gums, which can contribute to worsening infection and progression of gum disease.
• Broken or damaged dental fillings. Sometimes, gum disease could result from an injury to the gums. Damaged dental fillings can cause these injuries and gum disease.
• Genetic factors. Your risk of developing the condition is higher than average if you have a family history of gum disease.
• Suppressed immunity. Gum disease is an infection. Therefore, lowered immunity can increase your susceptibility to developing the condition.

While it is possible to have gingivitis without visible symptoms, the following symptoms may indicate the onset of this infection:

• Swelling and inflammation of the gums
• Reddening and tender gums
• Loose teeth
• Change in the fit of your teeth
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Dental implant failure

Consulting your dentist regularly could be beneficial in preventing gum disease. During your dental appointment, your dentist can examine your oral health for signs of gum disease. This ensures that you receive prompt treatment for your underlying issues.

You also receive guidance on oral care practices to prevent gum infection. Failure to diagnose and treat gum disease can result in the following complications:

• Tooth Loss

When your gum disease is not detected on time and treated effectively, the infection can weaken the tissues holding your teeth and cause them to loosen or fall off. This occurs when bacteria accumulate in the gum pockets, worsening the infection. Tooth loss will significantly distort your smile and can ruin your confidence.

If you want to replace your missing teeth, you must undergo dental procedures like dental implants, dentures, and bridges, which bring additional expenses.

• Cardiovascular Disease

Recent research shows that an untreated or late diagnosis of periodontal disease could cause cardiovascular disease. This occurs when the bacteria around the gum infection travels through the blood and into your heart.

• Gum Recession

If your gum disease is not diagnosed and treated on time, the infection can cause the gums to loosen and move away from the teeth. When this happens, space is created for bacteria to accumulate and cause further complications, like shifting of the teeth. Therefore, taking the right measures, like visiting your dentist regularly, can help detect and treat gum disease before you suffer complications like gum recession.

Tooth Decay

Our mouths are full of bacteria, some of which are helpful. However, some bacteria are responsible for dental issues, including tooth decay. Tooth decay is damage to tooth enamel. This oral health complication can begin with small holes in the enamel and progress to complete enamel damage, exposing tooth roots.

Often, tooth decay is caused by bacteria buildup on the tooth enamel. The bacteria produce acid, which erodes the tooth enamel and causes infection. Tooth decay affects adults and children. CDC data shows that up to 52% of children have a cavity on one of their teeth when they are six to eight years old.

Even when faithfully following your oral hygiene routine, you could be at risk of tooth decay. Regular brushing and flossing are insufficient to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth and gums.

During dental clinic visits, your dentist will assess your mouth and teeth. Additionally, they can use diagnostic tests like X-rays to detect the early signs of decay. This helps prevent the condition from worsening.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, throat, tongue, and gums. Oral cancer accounts for up to 3% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. You are at an increased risk of developing oral cancer if you are over forty years old and male.

Common causes of oral cancer include:

• Tobacco use. Tobacco of any kind, including cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes, puts you at risk of cancer.
• Most cancers, including oral cancer, could be the result of an inherited genetic defect.
• While human papillomavirus is sexually transmitted, it has been linked to oral cancer.

Experiencing the following symptoms for two weeks or more could be a sign of oral cancer:

• A sore on the lip, mouth, or throat
• Persistent sore throat and a feeling of something stuck in your throat
• Difficulty swallowing your food
• Pain and bleeding from the mouth

Like other forms of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening. Oral cancer treatment is more effective when it is detected and treated early. An early diagnosis of the condition will be possible when you make regular dental visits. Sometimes, oral cancer is not linked to common tooth complications.

Therefore, even when you are not experiencing pain, you must see your dentist. At the dental examination, your dentist will screen you for oral cancer. The process for oral cancer screening is simple and involves checking for abnormalities in your gums, oral cavity, and throat.

If you are at increased risk of the condition due to underlying issues, lowered immunity, or genetics, your dentist can advise you on the right steps to take to avoid oral cancer.

Teeth Grinding

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is characterized by clenching or gnashing your teeth. Individuals with this oral health condition can grind their teeth subconsciously during the night or day. Bruxism is a common sleep disorder that affects 10% of the adult population and up to 15% of children, according to WebMD.

Teeth grinding may seem like a simple problem or a habit you take on when stressed. Unfortunately, it can cause the following complications when left untreated:

• Pain

Teeth grinding causes constant pressure on your teeth and gums. This can cause you to experience jaw pain and discomfort, making it challenging to chew your food correctly.

• Tooth Damage

Consistent tooth grinding can damage your tooth enamel. Since your tooth enamel is a protection layer for the more sensitive tooth parts, its damage can expose the tooth to other complications like sensitivity and cavities.

• Jaw Disorders

Grinding your teeth persistently can affect the structure of your joints, causing conditions like temporomandibular joint disorders.

• Teeth misalignment

The constant pressure from grinding the teeth can cause them to loosen and move out of position. This will result in a misalignment. Misaligned teeth will distort your smile and affect your overall oral health.

You can avoid grinding your teeth by consulting your dentist regularly. Some individuals who grind their teeth do not even realize they have that habit. By examining your teeth and reviewing your oral health history, your dentist can recommend ways to reduce the risk of teeth grinding.

Some ways include wearing a mouth guard to sleep, avoiding stress, and adopting good sleeping positions.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is an oral health condition characterized by pain and discomfort when you eat or drink cold and hot foods. A sensitive tooth is annoying and inconvenient when you enjoy your favorite foods and drinks. The discomfort associated with tooth sensitivity is often a result of exposed root nerves.

The tooth enamel is a protective layer of the tooth. When it wears down, the sensitive nerves are exposed to outside conditions. Your tooth sensitivity could result from aggressive brushing, grinding, and gum recession.

Sometimes, tooth sensitivity is an indication of severe dental complications. In addition to taking care of your teeth, you will want to make those dental appointments even when you do not experience sensitivity. During regular dental visits with your dentist, the early signs of sensitivity can be treated to avoid the discomfort associated with the condition.

Your dentist can recommend treatment options if other underlying dental issues can cause the sensitivity. Sometimes, you may need fluoride treatment to avoid sensitivity when no underlying conditions exist.

Find Expert Dental Services Near Me

Most dental issues can be treated to restore a beautiful smile and the function of your teeth. However, preventing dental issues saves you from the expensive and complicated procedures needed to restore the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Besides regular dental care and hygiene, making regular dental visits is critical to preventing most dental complications.

During these dental visits, the onset of the conditions is detected, and appropriate measures are taken to avoid worsening the situation. Proper dental examination, prevention, and treatment of oral health conditions require expert dental services.

At Dr Joseph Goodman, we are committed to providing quality, safe, and reliable oral care services for you and your loved ones in Beverly Hills, CA. Call us at 310-860-9311 to book your dental appointment.