The American Dental Association (ADA) advocates for children and adults to receive regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months. This level of consistency allows dentists to identify the earliest signs of tooth decay, gum disease, infection, cavities, oral cancer, and more. These visits are also likely to be covered in full or in part (80-100%) by most dental insurance companies. So then why do so many patients avoid seeking regular preventive care? Read on to learn more about some of the most common oral health problems dentists see and why scheduling a six-month checkup can help you keep your smile on track.
Which Oral Health Problems Are Most Common?
Unlike dental injuries that can be hard to prevent, common oral health problems can be avoided as long as you take care of your teeth and gums. This not only means brushing, flossing, and rinsing each day but also visiting your dentist for twice-yearly checkups and cleanings.
Without these regular appointments, you may be surprised to learn upon your next visit that you are dealing with:
- Tooth Decay: As the most common oral health problem dentists treat in the United States, it occurs when the foods you eat that consist of sugar and starch interact with plaque. Forming harmful acids inside your mouth, they can begin to break down your tooth enamel, causing erosion. It can also form as a result of age, dry mouth, certain medications, and illness.
- Gum Disease: Affecting nearly 1 out of every two adults in the United States, gum disease occurs as a result of a bacterial attack on the soft oral tissues that surround your teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults and is a contributing factor in the formation of heart disease. Bleeding, gum inflammation, and tenderness are early signs; however, as the disease progresses, it can lead to bone and tooth loss.
- Tooth Sensitivity: If you consume something hot or cold and experience sharp pain, you are likely experiencing tooth sensitivity, which can be caused by excess whitening, a cracked tooth, or even an abscess (infection). You may find it hard to brush your teeth because of the discomfort.
Other common problems include teeth grinding (bruxism), oral sores, oral cancer, toothaches, an infection of the root, and more.
How Can Dental Checkups Reduce Your Risk?
While no one wants to learn they need restorative care to address a cavity, gum disease, tooth sensitivity, or any other similar problem, they can all be avoided with regular dental checkups and cleanings.
While it is true that even the most diligent and consistent oral hygiene routines may not be enough to prevent a cavity or injury, the attention and care you and your dentist provide can significantly lower your risk.
These visits:
- Allow your dentist to use high-powered technology to see above and below your gumline to check for any signs of infection, decay, disease, or damage.
- Offer you the chance to learn how you can take better care of your teeth and gums at home, in between appointments.
- Allow your dental team to use specialized instruments to remove accumulated plaque and tartar that regular toothbrushes and floss cannot.
Your oral health matters. If you want to ensure a cavity- and disease-free smile for a lifetime, make sure you treat your dentist like your ally in the fight against these common oral health problems.
About the Practice
LIC Dental Associates at Court Square/Queen’s Plaza consists of multiple dentists and specialists who provide a higher level of expertise when administering care to patients. Emphasizing the importance of preventive dentistry, they use advanced technology to detect the most common oral health problems to reduce the potential need for more invasive restorative treatment in the future. If you have not seen a dentist in the past six months for a regular checkup, contact us at (718) 280-3286 to schedule an appointment.