Dentists are easily underrated by non-industry players. A lot of folks do not understand just how important these folks truly are and this is quite sad.
It will interest you to know that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dentistry is regarded as a top profession. You can read the report here. The simple reason why dentistry is regarded as a top profession is because of the important services that dentists provide. It takes experiencing a toothache to really appreciate the importance of these professionals.
Important Statistics of Dental Problems
To begin the journey of understanding why you need a dentist, let’s quickly start by looking at some statistics of dental issues:
- In most countries, oral cancer occurs in between 1 and 10 persons for every 100,000
- Approximately 30% of folks aged between 65 and 74 have no natural teeth left
- Up to 20% of all adults aged between 35 and 44 are diagnosed with severe cases of gum disease
- Almost every adult has one or more tooth cavities
- At least 60% of school children have one or more cavities. It can get up to 90% in some cases
What exactly do these statistics mean and how do they affect your wellbeing?
Some Dental Health Problems and their Effect
There are several issues that a person can have with their dentition. These will range from mild to severe. As part of our journey to understanding the importance of dental health service providers, we will look at some oral health issues and the effect they can have on an individual.
Stained Teeth
This is a condition where the enamel of the teeth is discolored. It can be caused by a number of factors including plaque, color stains from drinks, food, and other substances that are introduced into the mouth. In some cases, tooth decay can progress so much that it visibly discolors the teeth.
Effect
The effects of stained teeth are more often than not cosmetic. It can leave an individual looking older and also affect a person’s self-confidence.
Cavities
This is a situation where the enamel of the teeth begins to break down. It is also known as the demineralization of the enamel because of exposure to a mouth that is dry, an environment that is acidic, or plaque acid. It could also be all of the above.
Effect
When this happens, the teeth get weakened. It could then lead to pain of varying levels of severity, sensitivity, discoloration, and even infection.
Tooth Loss
In a lot of cases, dental conditions will result in tooth loss. Examples include teeth that have decayed extensively, usually because it was left untreated, gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), and a few other conditions. Tooth loss can also result from an accident.
Effect
Externally, the loss of a tooth or teeth can be a cosmetic concern. The position of the lost teeth will play a major role in how much of a cosmetic condition it will be. You can also experience difficulty while chewing and your speech may be affected. In a number of cases, the loss of a tooth can cause surrounding teeth to shift because of the absence of the support that the missing tooth provided.
Gum Diseases
Known professionally as Periodontitis, gum disease describes a condition where bacterial infection degenerates from a simple inflammation (Gingivitis), to something more serious – Periodontitis. In this worsened condition, the tissues holding the teeth to the bone are infected and the bones below get inflamed.
Effect
A person suffering from gum disease will experience bleeding of the gum, receding of the gum, a breakdown of the bones and eventually, tooth loss.
Irreversible Pulpitis
This is an infection of the dental nerve that’s so extensive that the tooth pulp damages beyond saving. It will usually result from tooth decay that was left untreated until it got to the nerve or some serious trauma.
Effect
This is a painful condition that will continue because of the recurring infection. Ultimately, it will require a root canal procedure or a complete extraction of the tooth.
The examples listed above are by no means exhaustive. It is important to note that repeated dental infections can compromise the body’s immune response. You may be shocked to learn that this can, among other things, results in strokes, heart attacks, blood sugar control issues, and even birth complications.
Dentists to the Rescue
With the few dental issues we discussed above, it should be clear why it is recommended that you visit a dentist at least twice a year. Everything listed above can be treated. The important thing is getting to a dentist before things get out of hand.
Given the fact that you now have a better understanding of the importance of having a dentist, it should also be obvious that you need to choose a dentist that actually knows what they are doing. You can visit https://wholelifedental.com/ to see what you can expect from the right professional.
Conclusion
If you’ve learned anything from this article, it should include the understanding that oral health issues should not be considered inconsequential. You can save a lot by visiting a dentist regularly. Early detection of any of the dental conditions we looked at above will ensure it is promptly treated and a worse condition prevented.
