COMMON DENTAL DISEASES

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The most common dental diseases that affect human beings are tooth decay (dental caries), periodontal 
diseases ( diseases of the gums ), malocclusion and oral cancer.

DENTAL DECAY/ DENTAL CARIES

Tooth decay is the major cause of tooth loss in children. It is caused by bacteria. There is a continuous interaction between bacteria and food particles in the mouth, due to which, a thin and sticky layer of harmful bacteria forms on the teeth. This is Know as plaque.

There are three elements that are required for the causation of the tooth decay (dental caries). They are plaque, food containing sugars and susceptible tooth surfaces. Sticky dental plaque is the primary cause of tooth decay and gum diseases which is composed of millions of bacteria. Plaque accumulates on the tooth as well as around the gum margins. When sugar is present in our food, the bacteria that are present in plaque produce acids which attack the though enamel.

After such repeated attacks, the weak portion of enamel may break down forming a cavity. This is the beginning of dental decay (look at fig.1 ). Its progress is slow in the enamel layer but once the cavity passes from the enamel to dentine, the decay process is fast (look at fig.2.). This fast progress involves the pulp and nerves (look at the fig.3.3).At this stage, it causes intense pain and later on this may cause infection and an abscess at the apex of the root. At this stage the tooth will need root canal treatment. Failing this, the tooth may require extraction.

PERIODONTAL DISEASES/ GUM DISEASES

The disease that affects the tissues encircling the roots of the teeth is named as periodontal disease of the gums. Again plaque is the main cause of the periodontal disease.


Healthy Gums
Initial Disease
Progressed Disease
Advanced Disease

DISEASED TEETH GUM

Plaque around margins. When plaque is not removed daily, it hardens into deposits called calculus (tartar) that collects under the collects under the gum line. The calculus removal by brushing is more difficult than plaque. Only professional cleaning by a dentist can accomplish its removal. If further neglected, plaque and calculus to irritate the gums, making them red, swollen and prone to bleeding . This condition is known as gingivitis. If neglected or untreated, gingivitis lead to later stage of disease, known as periodontitis.

In periodontitis, there will be formation of periodontal pockets between teeth and gums. These pockets are filled with bacteria and pus, If periodontitis is not treated , the bone supporting the tooth is destroyed. The teeth begin to loosen, eventually they fall off or must be extracted. So , to prevent gum diseases, brush your teeth at least twice daily and get your teeth cleaned by your dentist once a year.

MALOCCLUSION

Malocclusion is a condition in which teeth are crowded, have irregular alignment in the dental arch or overlapping or there may be gaps between the teeth. Malocclusion can occur at any age but it becomes particularly noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12 years, when permanent teeth erupt. There are numerous causes for irregular and crowding of teeth in the mouth. They are :-

1. Heredity
2. Small jaws for the teeth to accommodate
3.Thumb sucking
4.Nail biting
5.Lip biting
6.Mouth breathing 
7. Tongue thrust swallowing habits
8.Injury and accidents
9.Early loss of primary teeth etc.

Whatever the cause, the teeth that are crowded or out of position may be more difficult to clean. As a result , teeth are more susceptible to decay and gums more likely to become inflamed.

General dentists and orthodontists could prevent malocclusion by giving habit-breaking appliances. Some preventive orthodontic treatment starts as early as at the age of 4 to 5 years.

ORAL CANCER

Oral cancer is the disease that starts with uncontrolled growth of cells in the mouth, which causes disfigurement of the face, debility of the body and eventually death of the affected person.

Oral Cancer is the most common caner in India; hence oral cancer is called Indian caner. The cause of oral cancer are mainly bad oral habits such as chewing of tobacco, gutka and smoking beedi/ cigarette.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF CANCER

Oral Cancer is a preventable cancer, since the main cause is the tobacco habit. Prevention of oral cancer can be achieved primarily by stopping the habit of tobacco consumption and also by early detection and prompt treatment. This is achieved by health education in schools and also bringing awareness of the community about the oral cancer.

TIPS FOR GOOD ORAL HEALTH

It is not difficult to maintain a healthy smile. Here are a few tips for good oral health :

1.Visit your dentist regularly starting from your first birthday.
2.Reduce the frequency of intake of sweets during the day.
3.Brush your teeth twice a daily, once in the morning and once before going to bed in the night.

Maintaining good oral health is ultimately your responsibility. By practicing daily oral hygiene at home, eating good nutrients and maintaining good regular dental visits ,you will ensure that your mouth stays healthy.

A bright healthy smile will make you look good all through your life. Remember your teeth are made for a lifetime. Only you can........save your teeth.

EXERCISE

1.Name some common dental diseases.
2.What are three elements that causes tooth decay?
3.What diseases affect the gums? What is tartar?
4.What will happened if you don't look after your gums?
5.What are the causes for irregular arrangement of teeth?
6.What is oral cancer? Name its causes.

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