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10 Oral Health Conditions & Diseases to Watch For

by Tess D. Content Strategist

When you have pain, discoloration, or anything unusual with your teeth, it’s often best to schedule a dentist appointment soon. Any discomfort or irregularities in your teeth could indicate a more serious underlying condition. As with any other medical condition, it’s always best to catch it early. But in dentistry, early detection can often mean the difference between a filling and a root canal!

 

Here are 10 health conditions and diseases affecting teeth and gums that you and your dentist should keep an eye on.


10. Gingivitis

 Gingivitis is one of the most common types of oral health conditions, usually caused by plaque buildup which can be related to your brushing and flossing habits. The cause is ultimately bacterial growth around the teeth and gum line.

 

Some individuals with gingivitis may not be aware of it immediately. However, if you notice your gums have become sensitive or even bleed when brushing, it may be time to head to the dentist for a proper cleaning.

 

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Early treatment is important in order to prevent  further breakdown of the teeth as loss of teeth can occur if gingivitis is simply ignored and left to advance.

 

Thankfully, gingivitis is a treatable problem that can and should be solved before it results in any further progression of gum disease.

 

9.  Periodontal Disease

 

Periodontal Disease, or Gum Disease as it is commonly called, includes Gingivitis as well as the more advanced stages referred to as “periodontitis”.

 

If you fail to notice Gingivitis or did not receive proper treatment in the early stages, it may still be possible to save your teeth from further damage. However, it’s less likely. Still, if you have advanced into the second or third stages of periodontitis, your next step is to reach out to your dentist and possibly to your family physician to learn more about what you can do. Although the tooth damage may not be reversible, an experienced dentist can help to avoid any further damage to your teeth or overall health.

 

What damage can periodontitis cause?

 

The complications of periodontitis start with the oral cavity but may cause even more significant health problems. Gum disease can lead to a greater risk of heart disease. According to Harvard Medical School, periodontitis disease is the primary cause of tooth loss among senior citizens. Having witnessed the side effects of old age, we can all attest that it makes it hard for people to keep up with their hygiene, thus, in this case it would be advisable to make sure older adults have someone closer to make sure that they pay attention to their oral health, perhaps a live in caregiver.

 

Furthermore, a person with an earlier stage of periodontitis will want to schedule a cleaning and learn prevention methods for the future.

 

8. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

 

Although Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is more common in young children, the disease can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms include painful blisters in the mouth as well as a rash on the hands and feet.

 

This disease is caused by one of a handful of viruses that fall under the Enterovirus family. The virus can be transmitted through close human contact, respiratory droplets, or contact with surfaces. In most cases, the rash and any other symptoms will pass on their own. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and to see your doctor if symptoms do not lessen or improve within ten days, according to the CDC.

 

7. Cracked or Broken Tooth

 

Cracked or chipped teeth can lead to larger problems with your oral health. Often, there might be cracks in the tooth structure that can worsen over time. These cracks give bacteria a place to grow and multiply. If the cracks extend inside the tooth pulp or down into the roots, they can also grow to become extremely painful. We highly recommend you see a dentist immediately after any tooth damage to determine that there are no cracks in the structure of your teeth.

 

If a tooth has cracked or broken, expect the area to become more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities with less enamel between the inside and outside of the tooth.

 

Another issue you may encounter could be in your bite and tooth alignment. A crack or chip could affect how the teeth “mesh” together and contact one another. This could make it more difficult to chew food, or even create discomfort if the pressure of your bite has readjusted to other teeth.

 

6. Receding Gums

 

Receding gums can have a variety of causes, one being the advanced stages of gum disease. This can be a serious dental health issue, and we recommend a consultation with a dentist immediately if you notice it.

 

Receding gums can make teeth sensitive to the touch, sweets, or hot and cold temperatures. The teeth might also become loose and in danger of falling out. To correct receding gums, a dentist will typically recommend a more thorough dental hygiene plan. They may also be able to provide procedures that can re-shape the gums.

 

5. Root Infection

 

A root infection may not be immediately visible to the eye. However, if you have noticed a discolored tooth, especially if the tooth is a grayish color, you may have a root infection as a result of another type of tooth trauma.

 

If not treated immediately, an infection will likely cause the next item on our list, an abscessed tooth.

 

4. Abscessed Tooth

 

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus in or near the tooth caused by an infection. It is often highly painful, and can even cause a fever. We recommend scheduling an emergency dentist visit if you suspect a root infection or an abscess.

 

Treatments for an abscessed or infected tooth can include antibiotics, draining of the abscess, a root canal, or even extraction of the tooth.

 

3. Mouth Ulcers

 

Another condition that could be caused by a number of problems is ulcers in the mouth. If you’ve noticed pain in your mouth, especially near your cheeks or gums, as these can be the most painful places for ulcers, it might be time to see your dentist for help.

 

 

2. Oral Cancer

 

Cancer is a scary word, though thankfully oral cancers generally have a high survival rate of 61%, according to the latest CDC information. Still, all forms of cancer should of course be taken seriously. In addition to regular screenings for common types such as breast or prostate cancer, it’s important to have your mouth checked for oral cancer.

 

Dentists will often perform oral cancer screenings during your regular checkups. That’s another reason why it’s important to see your dentist once every six months.

 

1. Cavities

 

Dental cavities also known as dental caries, are among the most common diseases in the entire world. According to the CDC, more than 80% of US adults will have at least one dental cavity by age 35. Moreover, 96% of adults over the age of 65 have had at least 1 cavity, and 1 in 5 are dealing with untreated tooth decay.

 

Cavities are a form of tooth decay where the bacteria inside your mouth begins to eat a hole into the surface of your tooth. Cavities can take anywhere from six months to five years to form. Once a cavity has begun the best treatment is to drill out the affected area of the tooth and seal it off with a dental filling.

 

If left untreated, dental cavities will deepen. If they reach the inside pulp of the tooth, they can become highly painful. At that point, you may need a root canal or even a tooth extraction to remedy them.

 

Cavities are easily controlled and prevented with regular teeth brushing and flossing to keep enamel-eating bacteria from sticking on too long, as well as regular check-ups at the dentist. And it is essential to also teach kids about the importance of their oral health from a young age.

 


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About Tess D. Freshman   Content Strategist

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Joined APSense since, June 3rd, 2021, From Los Angeles, United States.

Created on Aug 25th 2022 21:04. Viewed 220 times.

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