Common Causes of Adult Oral Diseases

Did you know that more than 40 million Americans have had dental treatment at least once in their lives? Dental work is more common than many people think and is actually one of the first things a patient sees upon entering the doctor's office. This is why it is essential to take regular care of your teeth and gums and make sure that you get regular treatment if needed, from a dentist. Here are some things that will help you spot potential problems early on with your dental treatment:

One common problem for many patients is a loss of sensitivity in the jaw area that results from a bacterial infection that is widespread throughout the mouth. If you begin to notice a loss of sensitivity in your jaw and are feeling discomfort when you talk or eat, you may want to have your tooth or dental work performed by a dentist as soon as possible. Common signs of mouth infection include swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck and around the ear, fever, and an irritated or burning tongue. If you experience these symptoms, you should see your dentist as soon as possible to ensure that the bacterial infection does not progress and lead to further dental or gum problems.

Another common dental health issue is cavities. Cavities occur for many reasons, but often result when tooth enamel becomes weak over time. This weakening causes a crack to open up in the tooth and allows bacteria to invade the spaces and begin feeding on the tooth and surrounding areas. Although some cavities are perfectly normal, it is important to note that any cracks or openings in your teeth should be cleaned and looked at by a qualified dental professional on a regular basis, especially if you do not eat or drink regularly. Failure to clean or repair a cavity right away can lead to more severe mental health problems down the line, such as cavities that require root canals or even caps.

Osteonecrosis is a dental problem that causes a change in the texture of a tooth's surface. This occurs when the area underneath the enamel of a tooth becomes severely worn, which causes it to peel and erode. This condition, which can eventually lead to complete loss of a tooth, occurs most commonly in children, although it can affect anyone, even those as young as two-years old. Any change in the texture of a tooth, whether from improper treatment or an accident, can lead to osteonecrosis later on, so it is imperative that you seek regular dental treatment to prevent the condition from progressing.

Other common issues in adults include gum disease (gum problems), periodontal diseases (plaque and calculus), and infections (such as periodontitis, or gingivitis). Proper dental treatment can help to prevent these conditions, and in some cases, can even reverse them. For example, dysplasia, or abnormal growth of the teeth, commonly occurs in children. However, it can often be avoided with regular dental treatment and early detection. A dentist may suggest bi-yearly checkups to monitor your child's oral health and to look for signs of possible serious dental problems. As a general rule, your child should have their mouth checked annually for periodontal disease, and treatment should be started as soon as the condition is detected.

Treatments for fungal infections of the oral cavity include antibiotics (for fungal infections of the periodontal tissues) and antimicrobial prophylaxis. Antibiotics are generally administered intravenously or orally, while antimicrobial prophylaxis can be applied directly to the infected site or taken orally. Treatment is typically done during a routine dental visit. Your dentist will most likely give you both an antibacterial ointment and antibiotic mouthwash, which they will use to treat the infection you have, and then may also prescribe a special antimicrobial tablet. This tablet can help prevent the development of any further infections you might have had under the previous treatment.