Oral health refers to the health of our teeth, gums and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, talk and chew. Some of the most common diseases affecting our oral health include tooth decay (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease and oral cancer. The good news is that you can prevent the most common oral diseases in your own home. These diseases include tooth decay, gum disease, oral infectious diseases, and oral cancer.
Although they are not a disease in and of themselves, oral injuries can be prevented, since most of them are the result of unsafe conditions, accidents and the social illness of violence. Candidal infections, oral hairy leukoplakia, mouth ulcers and Kaposi's sarcoma are some of the most common oral manifestations of HIV and AIDS. It should be noted that Kaposi sarcomas were never detected in the Asian populations studied in India, Singapore and Thailand, but in studies from South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe (Arendorf et al., 1998; Hodgson, 1997; Holmes and Stephan, 2002; Lim et al., 2001; Nittayananta and Chungpanich, 1997; Ranganathan. and others (2000).
The presence of oral thrush and hairy leukoplakia, alone or at the same time in an apparently healthy person, could be an early indicator that undetected HIV infection is progressing to AIDS. These signs can be used as indicators during clinical examinations in developing countries, where technology for laboratory testing is not available or too expensive (Greenspan and Greenspan, 2002; Holmes and Stephan, 200). We all want healthy teeth and gums for a winning smile, fresh breath and an increase in our level of confidence. But did you know that about half of adults have or have had halitosis (also known as bad breath)? It is one of the most common dental problems and also one of the most treatable.
Tooth decay is also known as tooth decay or tooth decay. It is the most common dental problem that dentists see in patients. Practically everyone, at some point in their life, has experienced tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria form a film, called plaque, on the surface of the teeth.
Bacteria produce acids from sugars in food. Acids permanently corrode and damage the enamel or outer layer of the tooth. Then, the acids begin to act on the softer layer of dentin under the enamel.
Dental care
begins with evaluating the extent of tooth decay and recommending a course of action.This may include fillings, crowns, or a root canal. The option chosen may be extraction followed by dental implants or dental prostheses. You can help prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing regularly (twice a day). In addition, have regular checkups with your dentist to scrape plaque off your teeth.
Gingivitis is the early and mild form of periodontal or gum disease. It is a bacterial infection caused by a buildup of plaque. Common symptoms are red, swollen gums that bleed easily. You may also experience bad breath and sensitive teeth that hurt when you chew.
Skipping brushing and poor brushing techniques may contribute to gum disease. So can crooked teeth, which are difficult to brush properly. Other risk factors include tobacco use, pregnancy and diabetes. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.
This occurs when the gum bags become infected. This can cause damage to the bone and the tissue that supports the teeth, since the teeth also become infected. Dental care for periodontitis includes topical antibiotics to treat the infection or a referral to a periodontist, a specialist in gum disease. Because the causes of bad breath vary widely, your dentist will perform a full evaluation and prescribe the course of action that best suits your case.
You can also have sensitive teeth because the enamel layer on your teeth is naturally thin. There are types of toothpaste and mouthwashes specifically designed for use with sensitive teeth. Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment, a crown, a gum graft, or a root canal. The treatment chosen depends on the severity of your case.
Gum shrinkage can also be genetic, meaning the condition is inherited. Dental care for receding gums includes a thorough cleaning of the teeth by a dental professional. They may also show you the proper brushing techniques. Severe cases may need to be treated with a gum graft or other form of surgery.
The base or root of the tooth can become infected and inflamed with bacteria. In most cases, this occurs because of tooth decay, cracks, or fractures. Root infection can cause damage to the tissues and nerves of the tooth and, eventually, to the development of abscesses. A chronic throbbing toothache (long-lasting and persistent) is a sure sign of a root infection.
Both chewing and biting will be painful, and the part of the mouth where the infection is found will be very sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages. In some cases, the area of the face around the infection also swells. A root infection is treated with root canal treatment. And while many of us shudder with fear at the idea of having root canals, the procedure is actually very safe with minimal pain, since dentists use anesthesia while performing root canals.
Oral conditions are often considered separate from other chronic conditions, but they are actually interrelated. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the association between some systemic diseases and oral diseases, especially periodontal diseases. Paying attention to your oral care and knowing what may result from inadequate oral care can positively affect your overall well-being. Certain chronic conditions increase the risk of periodontal disease, such as diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor oral hygiene and heredity.
Oral disease is also associated with risky behaviors, such as smoking and consumption of sugary foods and beverages. The most common form of oral precancerous lesion, leukoplakia, appears as a white spot that cannot be rubbed off, usually on the oral mucosa, the lateral edges of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. It's also an early sign of periodontal disease (PD), a serious oral condition that permanently damages the gums and jaw. The WHO Global Oral Health Programme recommends the common risk factors approach (Petersen 200), which involves the development of comprehensive health promotion and disease prevention activities, including health education, community empowerment and legislative policy development.
Some oral diseases can be prevented by practicing good daily oral hygiene, scheduling regular dental exams and avoiding certain behaviors. However, if you're experiencing the early stages of an oral herpes outbreak, taking antiviral medications can prevent cold sores from fully developing. It is often observed that these main risk factors for major chronic diseases are grouped together in the same people. Oral human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted disease, can cause cancers in the back of the throat, called “oropharyngeal cancers.”.
Oral cancer most commonly affects the tongue, tonsils, gums, and oropharynx (a section of the throat located at the back of the mouth). If adults didn't get the virus as children, adults who didn't have HSV-1 before could get oral herpes through direct contact with children or adults who have an outbreak. Community-based participatory research is another approach that can be used to improve oral health studies (O'Fallon and Dearry, 200). .
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