Your oral health is extremely important. Not only does having good oral health practices give you a beautiful, white smile and pleasant smelling breath, but practicing good oral health helps to prevent different dental diseases. Understanding how to prevent dental disease will help you to protect your mouth and your teeth. The following are several common dental diseases and how you can prevent them.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay affects all sorts of people and is extremely common. Tooth decay begins with getting cavities and results in damage to the teeth. It is likely that you have heard of cavities before, because it is probable that your dentist has either warned you about them or has filled them for you. A cavity is a small hole in the tooth that develops from improper oral care. 

There are certain symptoms of tooth decay that are important to be on the lookout for. If you have sharp pain around a tooth even when you aren’t eating, have tooth sensitivity, swollen gums, or dark spots on your teeth, it is likely you are developing cavities. Brushing your teeth after you eat sugary or acidic substances is the best way to prevent the development of tooth decay. 

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is not necessarily a dental disease, but is a common oral disease. Oral cancer can be located on your lips, cheeks, tongue, mouth, or throat. Oral cancer usually comes from excessive tobacco consumption or from HPV. The symptoms of oral cancer include swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing, and the appearance of ulcers. The best way to prevent oral cancer is to decrease tobacco use and to keep up with your regular dental appointments. The dentist will be able to see the signs of oral cancer early and help you get the right treatment.

Periodontitis 

Periodontitis, otherwise known as gum disease, is another dental disease caused by buildup of bacteria and dental plaque. Symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding gums after eating, brushing or flossing, swollen and tender gums, and growing space between teeth. Periodontitis typically requires treatment from a dentist who will remove the plaque buildup. Prevent periodontal disease by brushing your teeth and flossing regularly and making sure you keep up with your dental appointments.

Halitosis

Another one of the dental diseases that has the potential to be prevented is halitosis. Halitosis is the fancy name for chronic bad bread. Bad bread could be caused by a number of different factors including smoking and bad oral hygiene practices. Halitosis can also be caused by having another oral disease, such as periodontitis. 

If your breath smells usually foul, you have a near-constant bitter or metallic taste in your mouth, and thick saliva, it could potentially be attributed to halitosis. Preventing and treating halitosis includes practicing a strict oral cleaning routine including flossing, brushing teeth and sometimes using a medicated mouthwash.

Preventing Dental Diseases Every Day

We at Jenson Dental are passionate about helping our clients have the healthiest mouths possible. We believe that preventing dental diseases starts with your everyday routine and keeping up with regular dental appointments. If you are in need of dental assistance or a new dentist, we would be more than happy to help. For more information about our services, feel free to reach out to us today.