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Aging does
not cause oral diseases.
Instead, oral diseases can be experienced at any age. However, oral
diseases are more prevalent as one ages. That is the reason regular
dental visits are highly recommended, whether you have "natural"
or "artificial teeth", for a lifetime of good oral health.
According to Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General,
“What amounts to a ‘silent epidemic’ of oral diseases is affecting
our most vulnerable citizens – poor children, the elderly, and many
members of racial and ethnic minority groups.” 1 The report
also says, “Individuals who are medically compromised or who have
disabilities are at greater risk for oral diseases, and, in turn, oral
diseases further jeopardize their health.”
Oral disease with the most serious impact is "oral cancer".
Oral cancer may appear as a red or white sore or as a bump that does not
heal within 1 or 2 weeks, and there is a possibility that it may not be
painful. Other indications of oral cancer are:
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swollen lymph nodes of the neck |
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difficulty swallowing and speaking |
The risk of contacting oral cancer
increases with:
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age |
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tobacco use |
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frequent use of alcohol |
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exposure to sunlight |
Additional symptoms of oral disease
are:
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can also cause swelling and
discomfort |
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altered taste and bad breath |
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detracting from your good looks |
Changes that can result from oral
diseases are:
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changes in the gums |
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a reduced immune system |
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an increase in the number of
systemic diseases ( bleeding disorders, diabetes, heart valve
problems, certain cardiovascular conditions, stroke and artificial
joints, as well as a greater use of over-the-counter and prescription
medicines) |
1 Oral Health in America: A Report of
the Surgeon General, Department of
Health and Human Services.
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