Common Dental Condition in Adulthood

As you turn older and older, you could see some changes in your health physically and mentally which includes your dental health too. Adult - This is the stage where you grow, you play, you work. Mostly, it is difficult for adults to maintain good oral hygiene during this period because of their food habits, work tension and many other reasons. As life keeps you busy all the time, it is difficult to maintain your health stable.

Here, we are going to discuss the dental problems that are faced by an adult because of their irregular oral health.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is also known as periodontitis involves inflammation of the gums. Gum disease in middle-aged adults is common due to their bad oral health and smoking habits.

When brushing or flossing the teeth doesn't remove plaque in the mouth, it leads to gum disease. As plaque spreads bacteria, it sticks to the gums and the teeth damaging the gums forming spaces called pockets. Food particles may settle down in those spaces making it difficult for the gums and the teeth. This needs to be treated by a dentist, if left untreated you may tend to lose your teeth.

But, an early stage of gum disease can prevent you from losing your teeth. So, once the gum disease is identified it is better to visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss is a common problem among adults ageing 40 and above. Gum disease is the major reason for tooth loss. Missing teeth affect your smile and also makes it harder for you to chew your food. When the food is not chewed properly, it leads to other health problems. Missing teeth also affect your fluency while speaking, it also gets hard for you to pronounce certain words. This can be treated by your dentist by replacing your teeth by following methods.

1. Dental Bridges - It is a false tooth that is held in the place of the missing tooth. Dental bridges fill the gap in your smile.

2. Dentures - Dentures are the artificial devices made to replace the missing teeth which are supported by soft and hard tissues.

3. Dental implants - Dental implant is a surgery done by your dentist to place a false teeth root into your jaw to hold the replaced tooth.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity is the most common dental problem among adults. When you feel the pain in your teeth when you eat something heat or cold, then you are suffering from a common problem called tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can be reversed by proper oral health. When it is out of your control, it's to approach your dentist. Your dentist will suggest you desentisizing toothpaste or any other treatment based on your condition.

Oral Cancer

Older adults have a higher chance of oral cancer. It is also known as mouth cancer which affects the lips, mouth or throat. Initially, it appears as a small white or red spot or swelling somewhere in the mouth or throat. Mostly, these are unnoticed at the early stages. It is better to visit an Oncologist or an ENT specialist to get treated. Your dentist will examine your complete dental health profile and the area affected by the cancer cells. Mouth cancer can be treated completely by regular visits with the dentists and maintaining good oral hygiene.

It is important to mention all your dental problems with your dentist while you speak, chew, swallow or move your tongue or jaw. Regular dental check-ups will always keep you away from these above-mentioned conditions. Maintain good oral health for a healthy smile.