Uncovering Dental Health: A Guide to Common Conditions

Cavities:

A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by bacteria interacting with sugar. It is one of the most common dental conditions, with around 90% of all people over 20 having at least one cavity throughout their lifetime. Some of the primary causes of cavities are the result of bacteria living in the mouth. These bacteria can enter through actions of normal living, but when they are not cleaned out, they are able to grow and attack the teeth. Cavities do not go away on their own, so if you feel any pain in your teeth or notice any little brown or black spots on your teeth, visit a dentist as soon as you can to prevent it from getting any worse.

Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease:

Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease and is referred to as the mildest form of gum disease which causes gum inflammation. This is often the cause of the buildup of plaque (a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth with time). Common symptoms of gingivitis include red and swollen gums that may regularly bleed with brushing and/or flossing. Many adults over the age of 30 show some signs of gingivitis, with the condition being largely reversible with proper dental treatment and care.

Periodontal disease as a whole refers to the more advanced stages of gum disease that occurs when gingivitis is left untreated. This condition can lead to permanent injury and damage to the gums and jawbones of an individual. Unlike gingivitis, periodontal disease can result in lasting injuries, including in severe cases tooth loss.

Breathing related conditions:

There are several dental conditions that surround breath and breathing. Mouth breathing involves the process of breathing in and out exclusively through the mouth, without the utilization of the nose. Mouth breathing can dry out the mouth, causing other conditions including cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth can also be the result of the underproduction of saliva, which around 1 in 4 people deal with on some level. This is generally not a life-threatening condition but can be annoying for the individual and cause discomfort. Several causes of dry mouth can include tobacco and alcohol use, medication use, aging, nerve damage, and more.

Another breathing related condition can be bad breath. This affects roughly 30% of the population and can be the result of poor dental hygiene, tobacco use, high-sugar diets, alcohol consumption, and more. This condition may be the result of dental conditions or genetics, or it may be the result of social and personal choices that one makes. Depending on the severity, it may be recommended to consult with a dentist on how to prevent this condition from worsening.

Oral Thrush and Oral Cancer:

Oral thrush is characterized as a yeast infection that results from a fungus growing in the mouth’s mucous membranes. This tends to be difficult to notice at first, but other time, thrush can be characterized by white spots on the tongue or cheeks. Oral thrush is common in people with dry mouths, weakened immune systems, and uncontrolled diabetes.

Like most other cancers, oral cancer begins with the development of cells dividing abnormally, resulting in growths in the mouth that will not disappear without dental procedures or surgery. These growths can appear throughout the mouth and can be deadly if not addressed early and with specialty care.

Jaw Related Conditions:

One common jaw related condition is called bruxism, which refers to the voluntary or involuntary movement of the bottom jaw. This movement can result in the grinding of teeth, leading to damage or cracking. Many with bruxism tend to grind their teeth during their sleep without noticing they are doing it. Untreated, this can lead to jaw pain and headaches, TMJ disorders, and long-term tooth damage. Common treatments can include a mouthguard, medications, etc. One specific common condition that is often the result of bruxism is cracked tooth syndrome. This is characterized by excessive grinding of the teeth that results in an internal crack of a tooth. This can cause extreme pain to the individual and if not treated can lead to more severe damage.

Another jaw related condition, called temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ, is characterized by pain in the jaw join when opening and closing the mouth. This can be the result of bruxism along with other dental conditions, and can interfere with chewing, eating, talking, drinking, and more. In the United States, around 10 million people suffer from TMJ with treatments typically requiring orthodontic care, jaw surgery, physical therapy, and more.

Gum Recession and Dental Erosion:

Gum recession can take place when the gums pull away from the teeth that they sit by. The roots of the teeth can become exposed, leading to increased sensitivity and an increased risk of tooth decay. Around 50% of the population experiences gum recession with many causes including tobacco use and genetics. Surgical treatment is typically needed to correct this condition.

Dental erosion can take place when acidic substances wear away the enamel of one’s teeth. This results in the loss of dental tissue and is a very common condition due to the widespread consumption of soft drinks within the United States. Dental plaques can also cause damage and are masses of bacteria that form on the surface on a tooth when carbohydrates are regularly left on one’s teeth. As plaque builds up, it can erode the teeth. When that plaque hardens, it turns into a hard tartar called a calculus that can cause periodontal disease and must be removed during dental cleanings.

All of these conditions can lead to increased tooth sensitivity. This refers to pain or discomfort after exposure to extreme temperatures, sweets, and other acidic substances. This can be caused by a wide variety of different conditions, including grinding teeth, tooth decay, gum recession, improper brushing, and more. Therefore, it is important to take proper care of teeth to prevent chronic conditions and promote strong oral health.

Source:

Hill, A. (2020, January 6). Types of Common Oral Diseases. NewMouth. https://www.newmouth.com/oral-health/conditions/

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board