1. Tooth Decay is the Most Widespread
Tooth decay, also known as cavities or dental caries, affects people of all ages. Tooth decay afflicts more than 25 percent of children under age 5. As people age, the incidence of tooth decay increases, with 50 percent of young teens suffering from it. By the time people reach the age of 40, a shocking 90 percent of them have tooth decay.
2. Serious Complications Can Ensue
Another common mouth disease is infection of the gums caused by excessive plaque, which is a sticky coating from food and bacteria that forms on the teeth. The medical term for this type of infection is periodontal disease. In its mildest form, it causes inflammation of the gums, which is called gingivitis. If the cause of the inflammation is left untreated, serious damage can be done to the tissues and bones supporting the teeth, ultimately causing permanent tooth loss. If the infection progresses even further, it can travel throughout the body and cause even more severe health problems, such as strokes and heart attacks. The good news is that brushing, flossing and having professional dental cleanings can remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
3. The Mouth is Susceptible to Cancer
While less common than tooth decay and gum disease, cancer of the mouth and throat is the sixth most common type of cancer throughout the world. Also called oral cancer, this serious disease can occur anywhere in the mouth, on the lips, in the throat or in the sinuses. Symptoms may include a persistent sore, a thick or lumpy area, white or red discoloration, and/or difficulty or pain when chewing or swallowing. Risk factors for mouth cancer are tobacco use; excessive alcohol consumption; a prior radiation treatment for cancer of the head or neck; a family history of cancer; and prolonged exposure to the sun when young. Prevention and early treatment are critical, since this disease can be deadly if left untreated.
4. Treatment of Common Mouth Diseases Is Expensive
As is the case with most diseases, prevention of common mouth diseases is much less expensive than treatment. Dental treatment is costly, and many insurance plans today either do not cover it or only pay for a small amount of the total bill. It is much cheaper to buy and use a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, as well as to make regular visits to the dentist, than it is to pay for the damage that common mouth diseases can cause.
5. Most Can Be Prevented
Maintaining proper dental hygiene, drinking fluoridated water, eating a healthy diet, protecting the face from the sun and avoiding tobacco products and excessive use of alcohol can, for the most part, prevent common mouth diseases. New dental techniques--like putting dental sealants on the chewing surfaces of children's back teeth--further aid in the prevention of common mouth diseases like tooth decay.
