Over their lifespan, many people are at risk for various dental diseases such as gum disease, dry mouth, and mouth and throat cancers. Make sure to consult various dentists in Greenville, SC to understand prevention and treatment methods for oral disease.
Gum Disease
Gingivitis is a reversible gum disease that causes symptoms such as swelling, bleeding of the gums, loose teeth, and difficulty chewing. If caught and treated in time, gingivitis can be reversed; however, if the patient does not treat it in its early stages, gingivitis can progress to a more serious gum disease called periodontitis. In addition to not smoking, good oral hygiene and awareness of gum sensitivity and inflammation are important for individuals to pay attention to in order to prevent gum disease.
Regular appointments with a periodontics dentist in Greenville, SC will ensure that the gums are in optimal health. If the gums become diseased, consult a periodontist to control the symptoms before they progress.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common symptom of many medications, but it can also be a sign of another disorder, such as Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that reduces the body’s saliva production. Common symptoms of dry mouth result from compromised saliva flow in the mouth and esophagus and include burning and itching, hoarseness, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and a sore throat.
Dry mouth symptoms should be treated immediately not only to prevent discomfort, but also to prevent tooth decay that can result from lack of saliva flow throughout the mouth. A dentist in Greenville, SC may suggest a variety of options to increase moisture in the mouth, such as chewing sugar-free gum or using rinses that mimic saliva flow to stop tooth decay. Following the dentist’s instructions should eventually restore moisture to the mouth.
Mouth and Throat Cancer
Mouth and throat cancer, medically known as oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer, starts in the mouth and throat and may spread to other parts of the body. This type of cancer is most common in middle-aged men, although it is not limited to that population. The two most common symptoms of this type of cancer is a persistent sore in the mouth, or an unrelenting pain in the mouth.
Other symptoms include spots on the tongue, lumps in the cheek or neck, sore throat, and/or loosening teeth. Dentists in Greenville, SC may help patients who have these symptoms and eventually refer them to an oncologist or specialist to treat the cancer and prevent it from spreading.
Sources:
Concerns mouthhealthy.org
Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer cancer.org