Oral health refers to the health of teeth, gums, and the entire orofacial face that enables us to smile, talk, and chew. Some of the most common diseases that the best Kids dentist Shoreline often encounter are tooth decay (cavities), periodontal disease (periodontitis), and oral cancer.
More than 40% of adults reported having experienced mouth sores within the past year, and more than 80% reported having at least one cavity by the time they were 34. The country spends more than $124 billion on dental care-related expenses each year. On average,the country loses more than 34 million hours of class time and more than $45 billion in productivity each year due to dental emergencies that require unscheduled treatment. Oral diseases are often considered separate from other chronic diseases, but they are actually related. Poor oral health is associated with other chronic
diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Kids dentistry Shoreline also reports that oral disease is also associated with risky behaviors such as tobacco use and consumption of sugary foods and beverages.
Public health strategies such as community water fluoridation and school closure programs are safe and effective interventions that have been shown to prevent tooth decay and save money.
Cavities are caused by a breakdown of the tooth enamel by acids produced by bacteria located in plaque that collects on teeth, especially along the gumline and in the crevices on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Eating and drinking foods high in carbohydrates cause these bacteria to produce the acids that can cause the outer coating of the tooth (enamel) or root surface to break down (demineralize).
Although cavities are largely preventable, they are one of the most common chronic diseases throughout the lifespan.Untreated tooth decay can lead to abscess (a severe infection) under the gums which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious, and in rare cases fatal, results. So if you suspect having this go to the best kids dentist Shoreline immediately.
Kids Dentistry Shoreline reports more than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth.Up to 10% of children aged 2 to 5 have untreated cavities.More than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.
One quarter of adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated cavities. More than 90% of adults have had a cavity. Community water fluoridation and school dental sealants programs are both cost-saving, proven strategies to prevent cavities.
Gum (Periodontal) Disease
About 4 in 10 adults aged 30 years or older had gum (periodontal) diseases in 2009–2014. Gum disease is mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. Certain chronic conditions increase one’s risk for periodontal disease including diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor oral hygiene, and heredity. Tobacco use is also an important risk factor for periodontal disease. If gum disease is not treated in its early stages, the bone that supports the teeth can be lost and the gums can become inflamed. Teeth with little bone support may become loose and require extraction.
Oral cancer
In 2016, nearly 45,000 new oral and throat cancer diagnoses in the United States, and more than 10,000 deaths. 5-year survival rate for these cancers is about 61%. The mortality rate from oral cancer is about three times higher in men than in women (4 vs. 1.4 per 100,000) and about twice as high in the Hispanic population in white and black populations (2.6 vs. 1.5 per 100,000). Preventing high-risk behaviors such as tobacco, cigar, pipe smoking, smokeless tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption is essential in preventing oral cancer. Early detection is the key to increasing the survival rate of these cancers. Oral human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted disease, can cause a cancer of the throat known as “oropharyngeal cancer”. Further research is needed to determine whether HPV itself causes oropharyngeal cancer or whether other factors (such as smoking or chewing tobacco) interact with her HPV to cause these cancers.
For your Pediatric Dentistry Shoreline needs, look no further than Robinson Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, having the best cosmetic and pediatric dentists led by Dr. Brent Robinson, we are committed to give you and your entire family nothing but the best service. For appointments in Shoreline ,visit our website at www.robinson-dental.com or call us at 425-778-1164.