Oral health is an important part of the overall health and well-being of an individual. Poor oral health may lead to a number of dental problems, which may further be linked to diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. As a result, every individual is encouraged to keep their gums and teeth healthy as a lifelong commitment. Below are some of the common dental problems inherent to both children and grown-ups. Bad Breath Also known as halitosis, bad breath is one of the most embarrassing dental problems. According to studies, around 85 percent of people have experienced persistent bad breath as an oral health problem in their lifetime. Some of the factors that can accelerate bad breath are cavities, bacteria that may be found on the tongue, dry mouth, oral cancer, and gum disease. Tooth Decay Also known as cavities, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease second to the common cold in the United States. Cavities usually occur when the sticky substance formed on teeth, called plaque, combines with starches or sugars of the food we eat. Out of this, the combination results in the production of acid that has the effect of attacking the tooth enamel. Dry mouth arising from medications or age may also cause cavities. Gum Disease Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is a form of infection in the gums around the teeth. Additionally, it is one of the causative factors of tooth loss in adults. Studies have also indicated that there is a link between heart disease and gum disease. One of the significant risk factors for getting gum disease is smoking, dry mouth and diabetes might further the risk. Symptoms of this oral health problem are bleeding, swollen, tender, or red gums, sensitive teeth, bad breath, and pain when chewing.

Oral Cancer This is one of the most deadly and serious oral health problems affecting a huge number of people. According to the oral cancer foundation, estimates show that almost one individual dies from oral cancer every hour. Some of the risk factors for oral cancer are alcohol and tobacco use, as well as HPV which is a sexually transmitted virus. Mouth Sores Mouth sores are of several types and they can be very bothersome. Usually, a mouth sore should last for not more than two weeks. Some of the most common types of these oral health problems are canker sores, which mainly occur in the inside of the mouth. They may be contagious and may be triggered by a number of causes. Tooth Sensitivity This is usually a common oral health problem affecting a huge number of people. Basically, this type of dental problem involves experiencing discomfort or pain to teeth from hot drinks, cold air, ice cream, or sweets. People with this type of problem may have discomfort while flossing or brushing. Sensitivity in the teeth may also be an indicator of tooth abscess or cracking of a tooth. Tooth Erosion Usually, this refers to the loss of the structure of a tooth caused by the attack of the enamel by acid. Signs and symptoms of tooth erosion may be sensitivity or cracking of the tooth.

Preventing Common Oral Health Problems Most of the above oral health problems can be prevented by simply observing daily oral hygiene measures. The common practice of brushing in the morning on waking up, and before going to bed is not enough in ensuring oral health. Correspondingly, it is advocated that one should spend their money on their dental needs. Arising from this fact, one should make regular visits to the dentist, at least once in three months. In this regard, one’s teeth may be cleaned and checked on a regular basis. Also, one should limit themselves from the intake of foods that may contribute to the building up of plaque on teeth. In this regard, people are advised from taking sweet foods such as soft or hard candies, chocolate, cookies, or caramel, carbonated drinks, and snacks which have high volumes of preservatives, sodium, and sugar which may have a harmful effect to one’s teeth enamel. It is also pertinent for those who have the regular habits of smoking and taking alcohol to control or completely stop these behaviors. This is due to the fact that these indulgent behaviors pose a risk to oral health. Also, it is advocated to keep their mouth clean and hydrate by drinking large quantities of water, as well as using toothpaste that is high on fluoride to strengthen one’s teeth enamel.