24 Jun What are the most common oral diseases?
Oral health conditions like gum disease or oral cancer could wreck your wellbeing and even take your life if left untreated. While many oral health conditions can be diagnosed and treated by a dentist, visiting a specialist such as an oral surgeon or periodontist may be necessary to preserve a patient’s oral health – especially when it comes to oral pathology and more complex procedures.
Following is some helpful information on common oral diseases and how they can negatively impact your health.
Gum Disease
Gum (periodontal) disease is a common health condition that can severely affect your oral health and quality of life when left untreated.
As with many other ailments, periodontal disease should be diagnosed and treated in its earliest stages. When this condition advances, patients can experience a range of symptoms including tooth loss and chronic inflammation of the gingiva. There is also research that connects gum disease to systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
When gum disease is advanced, a specialist who performs deep prophylaxis, gum surgery, and grafting procedures may be necessary to control the disease’s progression.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancers can form anywhere inside the oral cavity – including the linings of the lips, the tongue, and the insides of cheeks. Dentists typically screen for oral cancer during checkups. If suspicious lesions are found, a dentist will refer a patient to an oral surgeon for oral pathology. Oral pathology involves a biopsy of the tissue and evaluating it for cancerous cells.
When oral cancer is detected early on, the prognosis is much more favorable. If you notice changes in the texture and color of oral tissue or if you experience sores that do not heal, be sure to bring these symptoms to your dentist’s attention.
Tooth Decay
Did you know that tooth decay (cavities) is the second-most common infectious disease? “S. Mutans”, is a specific strain of bacteria responsible for the development of cavities. This bacterium is transferred orally from person to person. Although tooth decay is incredibly common, it is treatable with dental restorations.
Dental cavities can also be prevented with proper oral hygiene and preventive care such as dental cleanings, checkups, and fluoride treatments.
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