3 Most Common Oral Diseases (and How To Treat Them)

According to the World Health Organization, about 3.5 billion people all around the world have oral diseases. That’s about half of all people on earth. Fortunately, most oral diseases can be successfully prevented with simple at-home care. These diseases include tooth decay, mouth infections, gum disease, and mouth cancer. Though not a disease, dental injuries are also highly preventable because they typically occur due to unsafe conditions, social violence, and accidents. If prevention is no longer an option, learning about the most common causes of different dental problems can help you identify them early and start timely treatment.  

Keep on reading to discover the three most common dental problems, their culprits, and ways to treat them. 

1. Cavities

Cavities are often called the most common health condition in those with adult teeth. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, they affect about 3 billion kids and adults worldwide. Cavities start forming when this two-stage process occurs, leading to tooth decay:

• Dental plaque accumulates on your teeth

• This plaque contacts with bacteria and sugar in your mouth and produce enamel-dissolving acids

If identified early by a dental specialist, your tooth decay can be reserved with a fluoride treatment. In other cases, your dental specialist may suggest filling the affected tooth with porcelain, amalgam, and composite materials. However, if decay affects the inner structure of your tooth, a dentist might recommend removing the infection and covering your tooth with a dental crown. In severe cases, extracting your tooth may be necessary.  

2. Gum disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 50% of adults aged over 30 have some type of gum disease. This condition can cause both minor issues like mildly inflamed gums and serious problems like complete tooth loss. Gum disease typically develops in three stages, including:

• Accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth, resulting in gingivitis

• Gingivitis attacks the soft tissues along your gum line, gradually developing into periodontitis

• Pus-filled pockets start to develop in your gums, leading to further infection that affects your teeth and jawbone 

Similar to cavities, the mild stage of gum disease is reversible if identified early. If the damage caused by gum disease is irreversible, a dental specialist may perform a deep cleaning to eliminate plaque from the affected tooth. They can also recommend that you take antibiotics. In case of severe periodontitis, surgery may be your only option.  

3. Oral cancers

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, about 55,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or throat cancer annually. Oral cancer can appear in the form of persistent sores on your tongue, gums, tonsils, and the back of the mouth. Because different types of oral cancer usually show clear signs and symptoms at their early stages, routine dental checkups are essential to detect them. Your dental specialist can perform a cancer screening during your checkups, especially if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Sores on your lips or in your mouth that doesn’t seem to heal

• Loose teeth

• Difficulty swallowing, continuous mouth pain, or ear pain

• Lumps in your mouth

• White or red patches in your mouth

You’re at higher risk to be diagnosed with oral cancer if you smoke or use various tobacco products. Depending on the type of your oral cancer and its stage, your treatment may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. 

The bottom line

If you experience any of the aforementioned signs and symptoms, don’t let them worsen, and consult a dental specialist to determine their precise cause to start timely treatment.