5 Common Dental Diseases: How would you save your teeth?
Smiles are wonderlands, the shortest distance between two people, a simple curve that sets everything straight. One smile costs nothing, but gives so much, it steals a moment that rewards memories for a lifetime.
Why is a smile so important?
A quote by John Ray says, "Beauty is power; a smile is its sword." For some, it can be bread and butter. But, for others, it's an intelligible way of self-expression.
If not for smiles, what would they be?
You might wonder, in a moment of reflection, how do they smile so confidently? What is it about a smile that makes the conversation flow? Or why do they appear so optimistic? In short, “How do they get such perfect smiles?”
The answer is: they decided to improve their oral health and hygiene.
Even though it may seem unlikely to some, you are never truly dressed without a smile. Very few have the luxury of owning that killer smile with a confident set of teeth.
An unattractive smile is not necessarily a 'dental issue,' but is often one of the reasons why people search for the perfect dentist.
As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), most dental diseases, across all age groups, are the results of the carelessness of oral health and hygiene. Let us first start with this question:
What Causes Dental Disease?
Millions of bacteria reside in our mouths, making it a home for them to grow and dwell upon. Out of which some are necessary and beneficial and others are needless and harmful.
The only cause behind numerous oral diseases is uncalled redundant bacteria that wander all over the mouth and affect particular areas.
To save your teeth so that you can smile flawlessly in front of everyone, we want you to be aware of these 5 common dental diseases, along with their symptoms & prevention.
1. Tooth Decay & Cavities
Over 60 to 90% of children are facing not less than anyone dental cavity issue and quietly a cent per cent (100%) of the adult population have one or more dental cavity and tooth decay issues.
When we don't brush our teeth properly, we ingest acidic drinks and consume sugary foods, leading to tooth decay and cavities.
Symptoms Of Tooth Decay & Cavity:
● Sensitivity.
● Localized pain around affected teeth.
● Difficulty chewing food.
● Swollen gums.
● Brown or grey spots on the tooth surface.
Prevention Of Tooth Decay & Cavity:
● Root canal.
● Drilling or scraping away the bacteria.
● Filling amalgam material into teeth.
● Tooth extraction (if necessary).
2. Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is one of the common types of harmful candida fungus that cause oral infections in the mouth. It is a milky white bruise over the tooth surface that is easily noticeable. Moreover, it mainly interests kids having lower immunity strength and preys tonsils and larynx.
Symptoms Of Oral Thrush:
● Cracks and irritation.
● Lost sense of taste.
● Spotting of white sores.
● Appetite reduction.
● Eating food causes a burning sensation.
Prevention Of Oral Thrush:
● Developing oral hygiene habits.
● Antibiotics supplements.
● Frequent brushing.
● Daily flossing (at least once).
3. Periodontal Disease
It is a result of unmaintained or neglected regular flossing. That's why it is also called gum disease. When you neglect flossing your teeth, a layer of bacterial cells buildup on a plaque over time which later results in diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease:
● Swollen gums.
● Regular mouth sores.
● Tenderness and swollen gums.
● Lengthened space between teeth.
● Bleeding gums (usually after flossing & brushing).
Prevention Of Periodontal Disease:
● Cleaning teeth profoundly.
● Regular deep teeth cleaning.
● Visiting a dentist for regular check-ups.
4. Oral Cancer
Excessive consumption of tobacco or the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the significant cause of increasing diseases like oral cancer. The first sign of it is- red or white-coloured surfaces of the mouth along with tingling sore. It targets multiple sections of the mouth, namely cheeks, throat, lips, and tongue.
Symptoms Of Oral Cancer:
● Severe bleeding.
● Inability to swallow.
● Visible white or red ulcers that won’t go.
● Swollen lymph nodes.
Prevention Of Oral Cancer:
● Oral cancer screening (for detection).
● Continuous dental check-ups.
● Probing in affected areas of the mouth.
● Chemotherapy.
● Radiation therapy (as required).
5. Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Tartar coding and plaque on the surface of teeth leads to the problem of bad breath. In some cases, it can also be the side-effect of periodontitis or gingivitis.
If you have a habit of poor dental hygiene, or if you smoke regularly, you may develop such an infectious chronic condition.
Symptoms Of Halitosis:
● Dryness of mouth.
● Metallic taste.
● Foul breath.
● Mucousy (or thick) saliva.
Prevention Of Halitosis:
● Following a strict routine of oral hygiene.
● Stay Hydrated.
● Using antiseptic mouthwash.
● Brushing after eating anything.
● Flossing every day.
Conclusively, taking simple steps to reclaim the lost hopefulness of your teeth can work as a supernatural power because our teeth are to be treasured. If neglected, they will also wear out and tear, just as every other body part does.
Dr Neethu Rakesh is an aesthetic dentist and has expertise in correcting dental problems that's affecting one's smile.