Taking care of your teeth is one of the most important things you can do in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 91% of adults between 20 and 64 years old have dental caries, while about 27% have tooth decay that hasn't been treated. If you want to know more about common dental problems, here's a breakdown.

Dental Caries

Dental caries, also known as cavities, are a result of tooth decay that wears down the surface of the tooth. Eventually, this caries can reach the dentin and pulp, which are the deeper layers of your teeth. Bad cavities may require a trip to an emergency dentist if you're in pain.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay essentially describes any damage to the enamel of your teeth. Your enamel may be damaged by the foods you eat, stomach acid, smoking, and more, especially if you're not brushing regularly. Left untreated, tooth decay will continue to get worse and may eventually lead to pain and other complications.

Halitosis

Halitosis, also known as bad breath, isn't necessarily something you should visit an emergency dentist for. Lots of people have bad breath, and bad breath can even be caused by sinus infections and other nasal passage issues. If your breath doesn't improve with regular brushing and flossing, consider visiting a dentist.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common dental issues. The likelihood of developing gum disease increases with age, which is why it's so important to make sure you're brushing and flossing twice a day. Regular professional cleanings also help you avoid gum disease.

What You Can Do

If you want to avoid visits to an emergency dentist and keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to brush and floss twice daily. Every six months, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning. This routine dental care helps prevent major issues that can lead to severe pain, loss of teeth, and expensive dentist bills.

Your teeth are so important, and you only get one set of adult teeth. Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist twice a year can help you take better care of your teeth and prevent common issues. If you experience severe pain or swelling, consider visiting an emergency dentist. If you need your teeth cleaned or checked out, schedule an appointment with Pampered Dental today.