Oral health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, many people suffer from oral diseases, which can range from cavities to gum disease to oral cancer. Most of these conditions are preventable and treatable in their early stages, but it's important to be aware of the different types of oral diseases and how to prevent them. Cavities, also known as dental caries, are one of the most common oral diseases.
They are caused by the accumulation of plaque-causing bacteria on the teeth, which leads to the development of gingivitis or periodontitis. To treat cavities, deep dental cleanings are required to remove plaque and tartar from around the gums. This procedure can be painful for some people, but it usually takes several sessions. Tooth decay is another common dental disease that affects millions of children and adults around the world.
It is caused by not brushing your teeth after consuming sugary and acidic foods and beverages, which pierce the enamel and allow bacteria to cause tooth decay. Regular visits to the dentist will help ensure that tooth decay is detected early on. Oral cancer is another serious condition that can attack multiple regions of the mouth, such as the throat, tongue, cheeks, and lips. It can go unnoticed for a while, so it's important to get regular checkups with your dentist that include an oral cancer screening test.
If you have been diagnosed with oral cancer, there are many treatment options available, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Geographical tongue is a common condition that can appear on the top and sides of the tongue and sometimes on the bottom surface. Burning mouth syndrome is another uncomfortable condition that can have several possible causes. Oral injuries are also a concern, as they are mostly the result of unsafe conditions, accidents and the social illness of violence.
Fortunately, most oral diseases can be prevented with proper dental hygiene at home. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth regularly (twice a day) and having regular checkups with your dentist.Halitosis (bad breath) is one of the most common dental problems and also one of the most treatable. It can be caused by a variety of factors, so it's important to get a full evaluation from your dentist if you're experiencing bad breath. Gingivitis is the mild, early form of periodontal or gum disease.
It is caused by plaque buildup and can lead to more serious forms of gum disease if left untreated. Risk factors for gingivitis include not brushing regularly, using poor brushing techniques, crooked teeth that are difficult to brush properly, tobacco use, pregnancy, and diabetes. Dental care for periodontitis includes topical antibiotics to treat the infection or referral to a periodontist.Sensitive teeth can also be an issue for some people. This occurs when the enamel layer on your teeth is naturally thin or has been worn away due to tooth decay or other factors.
There are types of toothpaste and mouthwashes specifically designed for use with sensitive teeth, as well as fluoride treatments, crowns, gum grafts or root canals in more serious cases.Gum retraction can also be genetic or caused by poor dental hygiene habits. Dental care for retracted gums includes a thorough cleaning of the teeth by a dental professional and proper brushing techniques. Serious cases may need to be treated with a gum graft or other type of surgery.The base or root of the tooth can become infected and swell with bacteria due to cavities or cracks in the tooth enamel. This is known as an abscessed tooth and requires immediate treatment from a dentist in order to prevent further damage.It's important to be aware of these different types of oral diseases in order to take steps towards prevention and early detection.
Regular visits to your dentist will help ensure that any issues are caught early on so that they can be treated effectively.
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