Dental Deterioration Across the World: The Most Common Oral Health Problems

More people on Earth own a smartphone than a toothbrush. While this is certainly great for advertisers, it is not so beneficial for people’s oral health, and many people across the world live with unfortunate and often preventable dental conditions that reduce their quality of life and can lead to serious health complications. Here is a brief overview of a few of the most common dental problems in the world along with a few tips for preventing them.

Tooth Decay Bites

Untreated tooth decay is the most common health problem in the world. A cavity starts small and can usually be resolved in its early stages with a dental filling, but if left unaddressed, it will worsen until it eats its way through the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth. Once the pulp at the center becomes infected, the patient will probably experience an agonizing toothache. If the infected tooth is not treated with a root canal or another procedure, the tooth will be lost, and the infection may spread to other teeth, starting this cycle of tooth loss over again.

Gum Disease Is Insidious

Gum disease is also incredibly common, and, like tooth decay, it starts out small. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease resulting in red, inflamed gums that may bleed when flossed. While it can often be reversed at this stage with improved oral hygiene, untreated gum disease will eventually become periodontitis, which causes permanent damage such as gum recession, tooth loss, and jawbone erosion.

Oral Injuries Can Ruin a Good Time

Many people across the world lose teeth due to falls, blows to the face, or other forms of oral trauma. Many athletes experience dental damage because they do not adequately protect their teeth, and dentists often report that athletic injuries are a common cause of dental emergencies. Too many people have the bad habit of chewing on objects like paperclips, ice, and writing utensils, leading to many dental chips, cracks, and fractures. These injuries diminish the strength of the teeth and leave them more vulnerable to infection.

How Can I Prevent These Conditions?

The best ways to prevent these conditions include:

• Practicing excellent oral hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash every day can help eliminate harmful oral bacteria that cause nasty oral infections.
• Seeing your dentist regularly: This will allow your dental professional to thoroughly clean your mouth, recommend better hygiene methods, and address problems in their early stages.
• Limiting your sugar intake: Excessive sugar consumption gives harmful oral bacteria the fuel they need to multiply rapidly and cause infections.
• Wear a mouthguard: When you play sports or ride a bike, wear a mouthguard to cushion your teeth from injuries.
• Don’t chew on non-food items: Human enamel is not strong enough to safely chew wood, plastic, metal, or many of the other materials used to make writing utensils and other household objects.

Excellent oral care can set you up for a lifetime with a healthy and beautiful smile. With the proper precautions, you can minimize the likelihood that you will ever have to deal with these unpleasant oral health problems.

About the Author

Dr. Patrick Crowley earned his dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, where he also completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. He is proud to serve as a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Edmond offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy, contact his office online or dial (405) 751-5515.