Proper oral care is crucial for appearance and overall health. Untreated oral disease can lead to tooth loss and gum damage. Oral diseases are grouped into three categories: tooth diseases, gum disease, and oral cancers. Prevention includes proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Tobacco and alcohol use increase the risk of oral cancer.
Proper and effective oral care is extremely critical to a person’s appearance and overall health. Untreated oral disease can lead to tooth loss and gum damage. Many doctors and experts also believe there may be a link between oral disease and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, premature birth and low birth weight.
Oral diseases are generally grouped into one of three main categories. The first category covers tooth diseases such as caries and caries formation. Tooth decay generally occurs when plaque can remain on the surface of a tooth for an extended period of time. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms naturally in the mouth and contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in foods and drinks. The bacteria produce an acidic waste product that can seep through the tooth surface, eventually leading to the formation of tooth decay.
The second category of oral diseases is gum disease. The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. As with tooth decay and tooth decay, gingivitis is caused by bacteria in plaque that damage the gums by creating acid. Some of the signs and symptoms of gingivitis are swollen or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, and persistent bad breath. Gingivitis is a reversible condition that can be treated with proper oral hygiene and professional care.
If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a serious type of oral disease known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to a weakening of the support system that holds teeth in place and erosion of the gum line surrounding the teeth. Over time, periodontal disease can also cause tooth loss. While gingivitis is reversible, the damage caused by periodontal disease is permanent and not reversible.
Both tooth decay and gum disease can be prevented with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups and treatments. Regular dental care is important because the first signs of oral disease are not always obvious to the untrained eye. Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, and flossing at least once a day. Many dentists also recommend rinsing with mouthwash or plain water after each meal.
The third category of oral diseases consists of oral cancers. Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth and throat such as the lips, voice box, gums, cheeks and tongue. Signs and symptoms of oral cancer can include bleeding, a sore that doesn’t heal over time, white or red spots in your mouth, a sore throat, and a lump or thickening in your neck. Anyone with any of the above symptoms that lasts for a couple of weeks should see a healthcare professional right away.
While anyone can develop oral cancer, one of the leading causes of oral cancer is linked to the use of tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco, as well as alcohol consumption. Sun exposure can also contribute to oral lip cancers. People may be able to reduce their risk of developing oral cancers by stopping the use of tobacco products and limiting alcohol consumption. Daily use of a lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 can also help prevent the development of oral lip cancers.
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