The oral health issues many adults ignore until it’s too late
Most adults unknowingly have gum disease or decay. Good daily habits and regular dental checkups prevent painful, expensive complications later.
According to CDC figures, around 42% of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease to some extent, with 8% of those people having a more severe form. Most of the people in that 42% don’t even notice, but by knowing the subtle signs of oral health issues, you make it much more likely that gum disease will be caught before it progresses.
Adult Dental Issues That Can Catch You Off Guard
Tooth decay is one of the most common and problematic dental problems. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, roughly 1 in 4 adults aged 20-64 has some form of untreated tooth decay.
Cavities are the most common disease in adults, despite how easily preventable they are.
A small cavity generally gives off only subtle signs as it tunnels deeper into the tooth, but when it hits the nerve, you’ll certainly know about it because the pain can be severe. Gum disease follows a similar trajectory as it slowly loosens the foundations under healthy-looking teeth.
A simple visit to somewhere like the NorthShore Center for Oral & Facial Surgery is often all it takes to prevent these painful conditions from developing.
Oral Hygiene Mistakes People Should Avoid
Despite being careful and taking time each day to take care of their teeth, some people can still make fundamental errors. Brushing too hard can often cause more problems than it solves, meaning that the most diligent brushers are often overdoing it.
Brushing too hard wears down enamel and pushes the gums back. Skipping flossing is also a problem because it leaves the tight spots between the teeth untouched, even if you brush thoroughly.
Rinsing with water right after brushing washes away the fluoride before it has the chance to protect the enamel.
Everyday Dental Care Tips
People should do the following to avoid common oral health issues:
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush.
- Floss once per day.
- Wait 30 minutes after acidic food or drink before you brush. Acid weakens the enamel.
Why a Preventive Approach to Oral Health Issues Pay Off
A routine check-up feels like something that you can easily skip if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Yet, given how severe dental pain can be and how some of the most painful symptoms can easily be alleviated if tooth decay or gum disease is caught early, getting treatment early can save you a lot of pain and complications.
Those who skip years of dental visits often are forced to get back into the habit after minor issues deteriorate into painful dental emergencies. Gum disease, especially, is much cheaper to treat in the early stages.
It’s preferable to do preventative care rather than getting treatment after the gums have started to seriously recede.
Staying Ahead of Common Dental Problems
Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health issues on the planet, but it’s often avoidable by getting routine dental checks and practising good everyday habits. While bad luck and genetics can certainly be a factor in dental health, nothing is quite as influential as following good dental hygiene habits, routinely visiting a dentist for check-ups, and getting regular teeth cleanings.
If you’re interested in learning more about similar topics related to health, see our other blog posts.
