Your smile shows your beauty and represents your confidence. But your smile can also reflect your oral health. There are many common everyday foods, beverages, and habits that can negatively affect your teeth.
You may not even notice these common dental problems until you need to go to the dentist to have them treated. Here are the five most common issues with their teeth that young adults report.
1. Tooth Decay
More commonly known as cavities, tooth decay is the second most prevalent disease—after the common cold—in the United States.
When plaque combines with sugars and starches from food, the two create an acid that wears down tooth enamel. You are susceptible to cavities at any age so it’s important to develop a good oral hygiene routine and stick to it.
Fillings, crowns, and root canals are all common treatments for cavities. Learn more about root canals here.
2. Gum Disease
An infection in the gums is the most common cause of losing a tooth for adults. In the early stages, this is called gingivitis; in later stages, it’s known as periodontal disease.
You’re at a higher risk of developing gum disease if you smoke or have diabetes. If you have dry mouth—for example, from medication—you may also be at risk.
Scaling and root planning are the options for gum disease treatment.
3. Mouth Sores
These are common and usually harmless, though they can be annoying. In most cases, mouth sores will disappear on their own.
Common types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, and oral thrush. Canker sores are not contagious, however cold sores are. Oral thrush is an infection where a naturally occurring fungus accumulates in the mouth.
These common sores are easy to treat and often resolve themselves. However, if you have a sore that persists for more than two weeks, you may want to consult a dentist.
4. Bad Breath
Halitosis is more than eating something stinky for lunch or forgetting to brush your teeth in the morning. Persistent halitosis is often caused by some dental conditions.
Common dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and dry mouth can cause you to have bad breath. In most cases, mouthwash can help to cover the odor.
Chronic bad breath that mouthwash can’t cover may mean another issue is to blame. If a dental problem is causing the halitosis, the only treatment is to see a dentist.
5. Tooth Sensitivity
If cold air, sweets, hot drinks, or cold beverages have given you pain or discomfort, you may have developed teeth sensitivity. Those with extreme sensitivity may even have discomfort when brushing and flossing.
In most cases, sensitive teeth have an easy treatment. But tooth sensitivity may also be a sign of a tooth abscess or a cracked tooth. Your dentist can diagnose these issues to prevent an infection or losing a tooth.
Start Treating These Common Dental Problems
The condition of your teeth often reflects your overall health. Unfortunately, the foods and drinks you consume every day can deteriorate your teeth and affect your oral health. It’s not uncommon to have dental issues as a young adult.
Treating these common dental problems often means an easy procedure at the dentist’s office. With the proper daily hygiene and routine trips to the dentist, you can maintain your healthiest mouth.
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