Taking care of your teeth and gums is important for your general health. Poor oral hygiene can result in many dental issues, such as dental cavities and gum diseases. Many people with the disorder also develop secondary illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. As per the World Health Organization (WHO) data:
- Between 60 to 90 percent of school children have at least one dental cavity
- Between 15 to 20 percent of adults between the ages 35 to 44 have severe gum diseases, and
- Nearly 100% of adults have at least one dental cavity.
- Causes of dental and oral diseases
Oral cavities provide a safe breeding place for bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Consuming sugary foods on a regular basis fosters the growth of bacteria that produce acid. Plaque is a mat of bacteria that forms close to the gum line and is sticky. The plaque will keep on building up if it is not regularly removed by brushing and flossing. As the plaque hardens and travels down the tooth, it irritates the gums. This condition is known as gingivitis. When inflammatory levels rise, gums can loosen teeth. A pocket is created in which pus will collect eventually.
Tooth problems can occur due to many reasons, such as:
- Tobacco consumption
- Frequently consuming sugary food and drinks
- Poor brushing habits
- Diabetes
- Family history of tooth diseases
- Symptoms of tooth disease
If you experience any of the below symptoms, you should seek an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
- Pain or toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold water and beverages
- Bleeding or swollen gums after brushing or flossing
- Ulcers, sores, or tender areas in the mouth that do not heal easily
- Pain with chewing or biting
- Loose teeth
- Receding gum
Tooth and gum diseases
If you do not take proper care of your teeth, you may suffer from many diseases, such as:
Cavities: Also known as tooth decay, the areas in your tooth may get holes. Tooth acid eats away at the tooth’s enamel, dentin, and connective tissue, causing the disease.
Gingivitis: The disease will make your gums to swell and bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, an even more severe form of gum disease.
Sensitive teeth: Temporary dentin hypersensitivity is a common side effect of dental procedures such root canals, fillings, gum disease, and broken teeth.
Cracked or broken tooth: The condition occurs due to an injury to the mouth, chewing hard food, or grinding the teeth at night.
Proper oral hygiene habits of brushing, flossing and limiting sugar intake can help in avoiding costly dental procedures and long-term health issues. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, avoiding the consumption of tobacco products, and drinking fluoridated water can help in keeping your teeth healthy.
Treatment for tooth diseases
Cleaning
Having your teeth cleaned by a professional will eliminate tartar and plaque that you might have missed when brushing and flossing.
Fluoride treatment
Tooth enamel is strengthened and made more resistant to acid and bacteria by fluoride.
Root canal
You may need a root canal if tooth decay reaches the nerve. The dentist will extract the nerve and then fill the hole with a biocompatible substance.
Filling and crowns
A filling is used to repair a cavity, crack or hole in the tooth. A crown will be placed by your dentist if the tooth is broken due to an injury.