From tooth aches to bad breath, oral health problems in this country run the gamut. But what are the biggest mouth and teeth concerns among Americans? The American Dental Association recently found out.
In several of nearly 15,000 adults across all 50 U.S. states, these were the top oral health issues:
33% reported dry mouth. Also called xerostomia, dry mouth generally results from insufficient saliva production. This is a side effect of many medications, and it can also be caused by certain diseases. If it becomes a constant problem, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and bad breath.
31% reported difficulty biting or chewing. A number of things can cause this problem, including teeth that are cracked, loose, or deeply decayed, or poorly fitted dentures. If your teeth are sensitive to pressure, it may indicate that you need a root canal to save a tooth with diseased or dying pulp tissue. Problems when biting or chewing may also keep you from enjoying healthy, nutritious food, because this is often more challenging to eat than processed foods.
29% reported pain. There are many possible causes of this issue, but in general, tooth pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. If you ignore it, the pain may go away… but the underlying problem won’t. The longer you let it go, the more difficult it may be to treat.
If you are experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, don’t disregard it — make a dental appointment as soon as possible. THE SCIENCE OF SMILES can diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms, restore any damaged teeth, and return you to good health.
THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® offers affordable cosmetic and laser dentistry and gentle, compassionate general dental care in Pasadena, CA. Our office is conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover affordable up-to-date dentistry and a team who truly cares at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®.