Category Archives: Dental Problems/Conditions
Gum diseases – Causes and Preventive measures
If I ask ‘how many of you take care of your teeth’, then most of you readily answer with positive replies but what about gums? Do you really care to look after your gums? Good oral hygiene is not only about cleanliness and good hygiene of teeth but it also includes good hygiene of gums, tongue, palate and inner aspects of lips and cheeks. When you become careless in oral cleanliness then problems like gum diseases arise.
So What is Gum Disease and its causes?
Gum disease (Periodontal disease) is caused mainly by bacteria from present in ‘plaque associated with gums’. These bacteria in plaque produces acids and other toxins which destroy bones and tissues surrounding and supporting teeth.
There are numerous other factors causing gum diseases such as
- Hereditary and genetic factors
- Tobacco and Gutka chewing
- Ciggarette smoking
- Excessive masticatory (chewing) forces on teeth
- Certain medictions
- Some conditions like Pregnancy and Puberty.
- Certain diseases.
There are two types of gum diseases gingivitis and periodontitis (pyorrhea).
Gum disease start with ‘redness’ and ‘inflammation’ of gums (gingiva) which is known as gingivitis. ‘Bleeding through gums’ while brushing can be observed mainly in moderate to severe gingivitis. In severe cases gums become swelled and inflammed. Gingivitis is reversible condition which can be preventable and curable.
In advance stages, gingivitis convert into periodontitis (pyorrhea) which further involves periodontal tissues and alveolar bone supporting tooth. Due to loss of periodontal structure teeth become loose and roots of the teeth can be seen. Periodontitis is irreversible condition and major reason of loss of teeth in adults. So it is better to take preventive measures to avoid it. Though in old age periodontitis is almost unavoidable but we need to take preventive measures to avoid periodontitis in early ages.
Preventive Measures -
Though type of gum diseases caused due to hereditary and genetic factors, old age etc are almost unavoidable but taking some preventive measure we can prevent almost all other gum diseases.
Those preventive measure includes -
- Regular brushing and flossing of teeth to remove plaque from teeth which helps to minimise chances of gum disease to occur.
- If tartar (calculus) is present in teeth then the only way to remove it is to visit your dentist office and get teeth cleaned professionally by dentist.
- Regular dental check up is very essential.
Treatment of gum diseases may include oral prophylaxis, medication such as oral rinses and medicated gels or may require periodontal surgery in advance stages.
So keep Gums healthy and Stay away from gum diseases..
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What is tooth decay (Cavities in teeth)
First thing that comes in mind while thinking about dental care (oral care) is tooth decay or say cavities in teeth.
Do you know, tooth decay is the second most prevalent disease in united states after common cold.
So what actually tooth decay is?
Tooth decay is the process of destruction and demineralization of tooth by acids produced by bacteria which are present in food debris or tartar accumulated on tooth surface.
In scientific language cavities in teeth are known as ‘Dental Caries’.
Before going to process of tooth decay we need to know about tooth anatomy. Tooth can be divided into two parts, the upper white portion which we is visible in mouth is ‘Crown’ portion of tooth and the portion which is covered by gums (gingiva) and present in alveolar bone (bone supporting tooth) is known as ‘Root’.
Crown is composed of tooth enamel, dentin and pulp.
Enamel is the outermost covering which is the hardest substance in our body. It gives whiteness and translucency to our teeth and also protect tooth from constant wear and tear of teeth while chewing, brushing etc.
Tooth Pulp is innermost structure in tooth which is made up of blood vessels and nerves which provide nutrition and senses to our tooth, whereas dentin is present in between enamel and pulp.
Dental Caries (tooth decay) is bacterial process. Not all bacteria present in oral flora are pathogenic . There are specific bacteria which cause tooth decay. Pathogenic Bacteria present in food debris, plaque accumulated on tooth surface uses sugars from foods and drinks along with saliva to thrive and multiply. They also require nutrition present in tooth pulp and start destruction of organic matter and demineralisation of inorganic matter (calcium, phosphate etc) present in enamel and dentin of tooth with the help of acids produced by them. With this process of slow and continual destruction of tooth structure bacteria slowly advance towards pulp. This process of destruction of tooth by bacteria forms cavity in tooth, we call it as tooth decay.
Clinically tooth decay can be observed as black spot or cavity in tooth. The process of decay start with opaque patch or black pin-point spot on tooth surface and if ignored and treatment not taken, it may end up with gross decay of tooth structure. Tooth pulp contains nerves for sensory functions so when tooth decay involves pulp one may experience very severe pain. Tooth decay may be associated with abscess and swelling of area involved which might be due to pulpal infection and collection of pus.
In this way process of decay start and proceed. There are some methods and good habits following which we can prevent tooth decay. In next article we will see ‘How to prevent tooth decay’
Common Oral and Dental Health Problems (Part 2)
In first part of ‘common oral and dental health problems’ we have discussed about some common oral (dental) health problems such as Bad breath (Halitosis), gum disease, cavites in tooth (tooth decay) and Sensitivity in teeth. Next coming some more oral (dental) health related common complains and problems.
5. Toothache (tooth pain and Fractured teeth -
Toothache is pain in tooth which may be due to various reasons like tooth decay, tooth sensitivity or fractured teeth etc.
You can consult your dentist and know about underlying cause. Most of the times radiographs (Xray) of tooth/teeth is necessary to detect the cause of tooth pain.
6. Oral sores (oral ulcers) -
Oral sores/ulcers commonly known as mouth ulcers are sometimes painful and bothersome which cause discomfort.
Most common among them are oral apthous ulcer (Canker Sores). Some other types are blisters, cold sores, thrush etc.
There are many reasons for occurence of canker sores such as stress, local trauma, nutritional deficiency etc. Their treatment depend upon underlying cause and severity. However minor apthous ulcers (canker sores) can be treated by warm saline gargles, application of medicaments as prescribed by dentist.
7. Unesthetic appearance -
Some patient complains about unesthetic or unattractive appearance of teeth such as irregular teeth, forwardly placed teeth, spacing in teeth, discolored or yellowish teeth. Unesthetic appearance results in unattractive smile which in turn may lower a persons self-esteem.
Luckily, due to advancement in dentistry and dental treatment anyone can have beautiful smile with the help of Cosmetic Dental Treatment. Cosmetic Dental Treatment include straightening of irregular teeth, bleaching of teeth, dental veneers etc.
8. Tooth Attrition and Tooth erosion -
Attrition of tooth is the loss of tooth structure by mechanical forces from opposing teeth, it occure due to constant wear and tear of teeth whereas tooth erosion is loss of tooth structure caused by acids attacking the tooth enamel.
The most common cause of attrition is Bruxism, characteristic feature of attrition of tooth is developement of facet, facets are characterised by flat surface with circumscribed and well defined border.
Tooth Erosion can cause mild dental problem from tooth discoloration and sensitivity to more severe dental problems like indentation of teeth or cracked teeth.
So these are some Oral (Dental) health related problems apart from these there are so many problems, condition and diseases such as dental fluorosis, oral cancer etc which we will see in next articles.
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