World Oral Health Day: Causes and Symptoms of Dental Diseases and Tips to Protect Dental Health

• Almost all adults have at least one dental cavity, while this figure is in about 60-90 percent of school-aged children.
• Severe gum disease affects between 15% and 20% of adults aged 35 to 44.
• About 30% of people from the 65-74 age group don’t have any natural teeth.
• 1-10 cases of oral cancer occur in every 1000 people.

Our teeth may go bad if we don’t properly care for them. However, we can avoid most dental problems by practicing good oral hygiene. However, we will almost certainly have at least one dental problem in our lives.

Cavities

The tooth areas permanently damaged have holes in them, called cavities. Cavities are a fairly common occurrence and are called the caries of tooth decay. When bacteria, food, and acid combine to form plaque on your teeth, the acid begins to erode the enamel, which can cause permanent damage over time.

Periodontal disease (gingivitis)

Gingivitis, or gum disease, refers to the inflammation of the gums. Usual causes include plaque buildup on your teeth due to poor brushing and flossing habits, consequently causing your gums to swell and bleed.

Periodontitis

Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, a more severe infection. Periodontitis can spread to your jaw and bones, thereby causing an inflammatory response all over the body.

Cracked or broken teeth

An injury to the mouth, chewing hard foods, or nighttime teeth grinding can cause a tooth to crack or break. A cracked tooth can be excruciatingly painful and must be consulted with a dentist as soon as possible.

Sensitive Teeth

A very common occurrence, sensitive teeth mean experiencing pain or discomfort after consuming cold or hot foods or beverages. Dentin hypersensitivity is another term for tooth sensitivity that can happen temporarily after a root canal, or a filling procedure is completed. Worn-down fillings, receding gums, gum disease, can also lead to sensitive teeth. Some people are born with sensitive teeth due to thin enamel. This natural tooth sensitivity can be corrected with a change in your daily oral hygiene routine. A good idea is to use specially designed toothpaste and mouthwash brands for sensitive teeth.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancers include cancer of the floor of the mouth, gums, cheek, tongue, and the lips.

A dentist is usually the first person to notice signs of oral cancer. The leading cause includes tobacco use which includes smoking and chewing tobacco.

• Pregnancy and childbirth complications– Dental pain and injuries among expectant mothers can cause premature birth and low birth weight in children when they are born.
• Pneumonia- The tooth infection bacteria may seep its way into the lungs and cause respiratory diseases.
• Diabetes- Diabetes may increase the frequency and severity of gum disease, weakening the body’s resistance to infection putting your gums at risk.
• Endocarditis- It is the infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves. Endocarditis usually happens when bacteria or germs from another part of your body spread through your bloodstream and attach to different heart parts.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD)- Some research suggests that inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria can lead to heart disease, clogged arteries, and, more seriously, a stroke.
• HIV/AIDS- Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common with HIV AIDS patients.

• Practice good oral hygiene daily to protect your oral health; this includes brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Mouthwash is an excellent way to remove food particles that stay inside the mouth and teeth after brushing and flossing.
• Consume a healthy diet and limit your intake of foods and beverages laden with sugar and sticky substances like flour.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are worn or splayed.
• Stop smoking and avoid tobacco use.