Unfortunately, oral diseases are not uncommon. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, around 3.4 billion people globally are affected by oral diseases and poor oral hygiene each year. The good news is that your local dentist can treat many oral diseases. Here are some of the diseases they can treat.

Gum Disease

Gum disease can be characterized by swollen and red gums that may bleed and is typically detected during a dental checkup. There are many things that cause gum disease including certain medications, antibiotics, blood thinners, and other drugs used to treat various conditions such as high cholesterol. Some bacteria, if left untreated, can build up behind the gum line, causing a painful, persistent pain that can be mistaken for a toothache. While many people think of gum disease as a result of old age, it’s actually one of the most common complaints heard by dentists.

Tooth Decay

When you have an untreated cavity, it can develop into tooth decay. When the decay starts you grow, you’ll experience toothaches, tooth sensitivity, mild to sharp pain while eating or drinking, pain when you bite down, and more. When tooth decay starts as a cavity, you may not be aware of it. Luckily, tooth decay is preventable. With regular dental checkups and cleaning, your dentist can catch the cavity early and treat it before it turns into tooth decay.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer occurs on the inside of the mouth and can present in different ways. For example, oral cancer could present as white patches inside the mouth or as red sores. If you have oral cancer, you may experience a mouth sore that doesn’t heal, white or red patches inside your mouth, a growth or lump inside your mouth, mouth pain, ear pain, or even difficulty or painful swallowing. Unfortunately, oral cancer is one of the hardest oral diseases to treat, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Your local dentist can detect signs of early oral cancer, but you should seek further help from an oncologist for the best course of action.

While your local dentist can treat various oral diseases, it’s best to get regular dental checkups and cleanings so that your local dentist has an opportunity to catch problems before they grow into painful oral diseases. With regular visits to the dentist, you can minimize your chances of experiencing the pain and problems that come along with various oral diseases. Do you need a checkup or treatment from a reputable dentist? Give us a call today at Murfreesboro Family Dentistry.