Oral Health
Oral health generally refers to the health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that enable us to smile, speak and chew. Tooth decay, periodontal gum diseases, and oral cancer are some of the most common diseases that affect our oral health.
Oral conditions are most often considered separate from other chronic conditions, but the truth is that they are interrelated. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are most frequently associated with poor oral health. Oral disease is also linked with dangerous behaviors such as using tobacco and consuming sugary foods and beverages. Public Welfare health policies such as community water fluoridation and school sealant programs are safe and effective mediations that have proven to be successful in preventing cavities.
What are some causes of dental and oral diseases?
A person’s oral cavity accumulates all sorts of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The fact is some of them belong there, making up the normal flora of your mouth, and are generally harmless in small quantities. But a diet rich in sugar content creates conditions in which the acid-producing bacteria can flourish. This acid attacks the tooth’s enamel resulting in dental cavities.
The bacteria near the gumline flourish in a sticky matrix called plaque. This build-up of the plaque hardens and travels down the length of your tooth if it isn’t removed regularly by brushing and flossing. This can also cause inflammation of the gums and lead to a condition known as gingivitis. The increased inflammation causes your gums to begin to recede away from your teeth. This process will further create pockets in which pus may start accumulating in due course of time. This more advanced phase of gum disease is called periodontitis.
What are some types of dental and oral diseases?
- Cavities:They are also known as caries or tooth decay, and they are relatively common among children and adults. The cavities are sections of the tooth that have been permanently damaged and may even have holes in them. They occur when bacteria, food, and the acid form a sticky layer on your teeth and result in plaque. This plaque can make the acid on your teeth eat away at the enamel and then the underlying dentin or connective tissue. Over some time, this can cause permanent damage to the teeth.
- Gum disease:It is also called gingivitis, is caused due to the inflammation of the gums. It is typically the result of plaque building up on your teeth due to inadequate brushing and flossing habits. The gums will swell and bleed when you brush or floss due to gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis, a more severe infection.
- Periodontitis: As periodontitis advances, the infection can spread to your jaw and bones. It can also result in an inflammatory response throughout the body.
- Cracked or broken teeth: They can be caused by an injury to the mouth, chewing hard foods, or grinding the teeth at night. A cracked tooth can be very painful.
- Oral Cancer:A dentist is usually the first person to detect oral cancer. The most crucial risk factor for oral cancer is the abuse of tobacco, such as smoking and chewing tobacco,
Call us at Myers or schedule an online appointment to know more about Oral Health
