Dental Dilemmas: 3 Common Problems Your Dentist Can Prevent

You probably are already aware that brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily is essential to preventing dental issues like cavities and gum disease. It removes bacteria and plaque buildup from on and around your pearly whites to prevent problems. However, if you’re not seeing your dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning, then you could be putting your mouth at risk. They have unique training and experience to spot any potential areas of concern that you might miss in time to treat them before they progress.

Keep reading to learn about 3 common oral concerns and how your dentist can address them!

Problem #1: Oral Cancer

Did you know that most dentists include an oral cancer screening as a standard part of dental checkups? An estimated 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with this condition this year, and of those, only about 57% can expect to be alive after 5 years. It’s natural to be worried by such startling statistics but fortunately, oral cancer is often treatable if it’s caught early enough.

Your dentist will examine the soft tissues in your mouth to detect any indicators that a problem has developed and if they’re able to identify any, will work with you to resolve it as quickly as possible.

Problem #2: Gum Disease

Gum disease is another common oral issue and can be dangerous because although it starts small, it can be dangerous once it has progressed. It’s the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, for example. It can also enter the bloodstream to travel to other parts of your body and contribute to serious medical conditions like diabetes and heart problems.

You might not know if you have developed periodontal disease until its later stages because it doesn’t always show obvious physical symptoms. Your dentist, meanwhile, is a trained expert who knows what to look for and can clear it up before it gets worse.

Problem #3: Cavities

Tooth decay is probably the most common dental concern that impacts about 90% of adults who are 20 years or older. It occurs when acids from the food you eat interact with harmful bacteria in your mouth to erode your enamel. This eventually penetrates deeper into the tooth and can cause painful infections that can spread to neighboring teeth or even your jawbone. Your dentist can repair cavities with treatments like fillings or root canals and will provide professional cleanings at each checkup as a preventative measure.

Now that you know why it’s so important to visit your dentist regularly, you can keep your smile happy and healthy for the long run!

About the Practice

At Cranbrook Dental Care, you benefit from the expertise of three dentists who work together to offer a full array of top-quality services under one roof. With combined decades of experience, they’re able to enhance your life by improving your oral health regardless of your current dental condition. They’re committed to providing compassionate care using state-of-the-art equipment, so you get the most current treatments possible. Whether you need a basic checkup or are concerned that you’ve developed an issue, they’re happy to help. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (248) 647-5434.

by: Dr. David Banda at May 2, 2024.