As humans, our teeth are a vital part of our bodies and account for a significant amount of our day-to-day maintenance. Unfortunately, oral health diseases remain prevalent throughout the world. As a local dental service, we'll do what we can to help you prevent oral diseases before they start. Here's a brief overview of some all too common oral health diseases we much prefer to treat with preventative measures as your dentist.

1. Gum Disease

Gum disease often starts with swollen or bleeding gums. However, as the disease progresses, the gums can begin to recede. According to the CDC, gum disease and tooth decay are the most common reasons people lose teeth. Prevent gum disease with regular dentist appointments and proper oral hygiene.

2. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay isn't a specific disease, but it's familiar enough to note. Various things can cause tooth decay, but the most common is poor oral hygiene. Tooth decay can lead to sensitive teeth and unbearable pain. You may have surgery or another dental service, like dental crowns, to address this. Work with your dentist to develop a proper hygiene routine to prevent tooth decay.

3. Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a severe disease that can be fatal if not treated promptly. It can spread quickly, leading to you developing cancer in other parts of your body. Help prevent oral cancer by avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol, and protecting your lips from the sun. Purchasing lip balm with SPF can help protect from the sun's harsh UV rays.

4. Mouth Thrush

Thrush is a surprisingly common condition that results in white, raised, sore areas on the mouth. It can make eating and drinking painful. You may not be able to brush your teeth or wear dentures. According to the CDC, it's usually caused by an overgrowth of a particular fungus called Candida. It's possible to treat the condition with anti-fungal medicine, but it can be prevented by always removing your false teeth before bed.

5. Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a small pocket of pus under your tooth or in your gums. It usually happens because of severe tooth decay. An infection can also cause an abscess. You can prevent this by working with local dental services to learn more about oral hygiene and how to take care of your teeth. Of course, you should take proper care of your teeth and gums daily.

We understand that oral diseases can be frightening. However, an expert dental service can help you learn how to prevent them as much as possible! There are all kinds of benefits to good oral health. Contact our team at Harvard Dental Group to learn more about how we can help you care for your teeth.