Dental Ailments
May 16, 2009
Some common dental problems faced by many people are bad breath (halitosis), cavities (caries), abscess, gum disease (or gingivitis), white patches (leukoplakia), oral cancer etc.
Bad breath (halitosis) is a noticeable odor from the mouth, which is very annoying. It is caused due to growth of bacteria and other germs under the tongue and between the teeth. It is usually due to improper oral hygiene. It may also occur due to gum disease, chewing tobacco, dieting, some underlying health problem, some medication, smoking or dry mouth.
Cavities in the tooth are called dental caries in which germs damage the tooth structure (enamel, dentin and cementum). These occur when the germs multiply in the cavity of the mouth. For its prevention, proper oral hygiene should be maintained and sweetened drinks should be avoided.
Dental abscess is an infection of the mouth or jaw, which begins as a tooth infection. Tooth abscess is an infection in the pulp cavity of the tooth and is a complication of tooth decay. When the pulp gets infected, the abscess occurs causing throbbing pain at the site.
Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontal disease) is inflammation of the gums around the teeth, caused mainly due to lack of oral hygiene. Other causes include vitamin deficiency, side effect of certain drugs or gum injury. Being a painless condition, it is not easily detectable. The symptoms include swollen, red/blue, shiny gums that bleed easily and itch.
Leukoplakia is a condition where white leathery patches (single or multiple) develop on the tongue and inner surface of the cheeks. Female genitals may also be included, though rarely. It is a pre-malignant disease (if left untreated). This may occur due to smoking, tobacco chewing, alcohol consumption or when there is constant irritation due to some dentures (ill-fitted).
Oral cancer is a malignant growth in the cavity of the mouth, which is more prevalent in men than in women. The chances of developing mouth cancer are high in smokers, tobacco chewers, alcohol consumers and in people with ill-fitted dentures. Exposure to sunlight may also increase the risk of lip cancer.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Most dental ailments can be prevented if good oral hygiene is maintained. One must brush the teeth twice daily with soft-bristled toothbrush using fluoride toothpaste, rinse the mouth after every meal, clean the tongue daily, avoid smoking or tobacco chewing and last but not the least go for regular dental checkups!
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