text: Although many people focus heavily on oral hygiene in their youth, the reality is that the majority of adults will suffer from some sort of dental issues in their lifetime. As we age, there is a wide range of common teeth problems that may spring up; fortunately, many of them can be mitigated with proper hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
  Most Common Dental Health Problems
  Believe it or not, the list of common dental health problems for adults is actually rather long. Some of the more serious common issues to watch out for include:
  - Untreated tooth decay — this affects more than a quarter of all adults in the United States.
  - Gum disease — 46% of Americans over 30 show signs of gum disease.
  - Tooth loss — Loose teeth in adults shouldn’t go unchecked; though tooth loss has declined over time, it can still occur as a byproduct of decay or gum disease.
  - Oral cancer — Those who are over 55 and who smoke or drink heavily are particularly prone to oral cancer.
  - Chronic diseases — Arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and a range of other chronic diseases can heighten a person’s risk for generally poor oral health.
  Some of the more innocuous (but still detrimental) dental issues which are relatively common in adults include:
  - Bad breath — While bad breath (or halitosis) isn’t necessarily concerning on its own, about 85% of bad breath sufferers actually have a different condition to blame for their affliction, like dry mouth or cavities.
  - Mouth sores — Canker sores, cold sores, and fever blisters are common mouth sores that are generally not a concern as long as they dissipate on their own within two weeks.
  - Tooth sensitivity — Millions of people experience sensitive teeth which make it uncomfortable to ingest very hot or cold substances, but this issue can be treated.
  Though there are many different common dental issues that adults should be aware of, there are also many steps you can take to prevent them.
  Habits to Improve Oral Health
  If you want to prioritize your oral health, follow these guidelines to avoid the most common dental problems.
  - Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking
  - Brush teeth twice a day in gentle circular motions with a fluoride toothpaste using gentle, circular motions; gently brush your tongue at the same time to avoid plaque
  - Floss daily and use mouthwash
  - Visit the dentist 1-2 times per year
  - Drink water, and avoid your intake of sugary and acidic foods
  By taking these simple steps, you will have adopted an effective preventative care routine that will save you from having to invest in costly procedures and surgeries down the line. Small measures such as this can have a huge impact on your oral health.
  Be sure to visit the dentist to ensure that you don’t have any dental issues already occurring. The staff at Ascent Dental Group in Cherry Creek, Denver is here to assist you in achieving your oral health goals—contact us to set up an appointment today.