Although oral care is a crucial part of physical health, many individuals avoid visiting dentist's offices. Foregoing visits to a dentist can cause oral diseases to emerge. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of adults aged over 29 years old show signs of gum disease. In addition to gum disease, there are various other oral diseases that dentists can help prevent or treat. Here are four common oral conditions you can avoid with simple, routine dentist service.

1. Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease, which is an infection of the tissues holding your teeth in place. This is a very serious gum infection and, without treatment, it can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Consequently, your teeth can become loose and potentially fall out. In many cases, this condition occurs due to plaque buildup stemming from poor brushing and flossing habits. As dangerous as this disease is, it can typically be prevented with proper dental care. Furthermore, a dental service can identify this issue early on, which provides an opportunity for earlier treatment.

Common symptoms of this disease include painful chewing, loose teeth, receding gums, swollen gums, tender gums, or gums that regularly bleed easily. If you notice any of the signs above, you should contact a dentist as soon as possible. To prevent gum disease, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss each day, and visit a dentist's office regularly.

2. Halitosis

There are various possible causes for bad breath, and bad breath is very easily dismissed as a non-serious issue. Halitosis is a condition characterized by bad breath, but it is so much more. We've seen that this oral condition is generally caused by bacteria that produce sulfur, which has a distinct, unpleasant odor. According to the Better Health Channel, other key causes include smoking, periodontitis, post-nasal discharge, tonsil stones, and acid reflux.

Common symptoms of halitosis include dry mouth, a burning tongue, thick saliva, a constant need to clear your throat, a constant sour or metallic taste, and a white coating on the tongue. While this condition may seem less serious than gum disease, it can be particularly damaging to an individual's self-esteem and confidence. A dental service can assist you with this condition by addressing the key cause behind your particular case. This could mean improving your oral hygiene practices, helping you avoid dehydration, suggesting mouthwashes or toothpaste, or prescribing a specific antibiotic.

3. Cavities

Did you know cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, emerge due to various factors? Specifically, cavities are areas in the hard surface of your teeth that are permanently damaged. These damaged areas grow into tiny holes. Snacking frequently, drinking sugary beverages, and not cleaning your teeth properly will make cavity growth much more likely. According to the Mayo Clinic, tooth decay is one of the world's top health issues. While they may be more common in children, teenagers, and older adults, anyone can get them, even infants.

Visiting a dental service regularly can protect you from tooth decay. Contact a dental professional as soon as you notice random toothaches, visible holes in your teeth, pain when biting, teeth sensitivity to sweets or cold items, or dark staining on the surface of your teeth. These are all common symptoms of potential tooth decay and need to be addressed immediately.

4. Oral Thrush

This condition is a fungal infection that occurs in the mouth. While this condition typically affects babies and toddlers, our team has identified that adults can also experience it. According to the National Health Service in England, the condition is also called oral candidiasis because it's caused by a group of yeasts in the body called candida. Similarly to the conditions above, oral thrush can be caused by poor oral hygiene. However, it can also be caused by other factors, such as wearing dentures that don't fit, smoking, chemotherapy, taking a high dose of antibiotics, and more. A dental service can treat this condition with antifungal medicine in the form of gels, liquids, tablets, or capsules.

For many individuals, it can be easy to neglect proper oral hygiene. A dental service can do more than just treat oral diseases. It can also prevent certain conditions and improve your overall oral health. If you've noticed any of the symptoms mentioned above or you're looking for dental services in your area, please contact Shoreview Dental today.