Be it an adult or a child; dental diseases can occur in any person. Dental diseases cause severe pain that prevents chewing, swallowing, and biting, which are everyday tasks. Most people tend to assume these diseases by taking chemist prescriptions rather than seeking medical treatment from a professional. If not diagnosed early, most of these diseases may later cause more severe complications. Below are some of the dental diseases.
Tooth/Root infection
Root infection is caused by the accumulation of pus at the bottom of the root caused by bacterial infection. The bacteria get in through a tooth crack and travel down to the root, causing swelling and inflammation.
Signs and symptoms
- Swollen tissue near the tooth root
- Greenish yellowish pus discharge
- Bad smell
- Severe headache
- Fever
If root infection is not treated early, it may spread to the rest of the body, causing other complications.
Oral cancer
It is a growth caused by uncontrolled cell division that occurs either on the lips, tongue, or the floor of the mouth. There is no known cure for oral cancer, but treatment can help manage the disease. It mainly occurs in the age of 50 and above, and its diagnosis requires lab testing or imaging.
Signs and symptoms
- Ear pain and whitish or reddish lumps in the mouth
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Persistent mouth pain
- Swelling and thickening of the cheek
- Chronic sore throat
Men over the age of 50 and above face twice the risk of getting oral cancer as women. If left untreated for a long time, it may lead to bleeding, severe pain, and a higher risk of infection due to low blood levels during treatment.
Enamel degradation
The enamel is the strong outer covering of the tooth that prevents decay. Enamel degradation occurs in both primary and permanent teeth. In children, it is mainly caused by maternal smoking, vitamin D deficiency, birth infections like measles, and preterm birth. Some chemicals like antibiotic tetracycline can also cause enamel degradation.
Signs and symptoms
- Sensitivity
- Rough tooth surface
Once eroded, the enamel cannot grow back, leaving prevention as the best cure by taking care of our teeth and conducting regular dental checkups.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay occurs when the tooth decaying bacteria in the mouth forms an acid that attacks the enamel forming small holes called cavities. If not treated on time, it causes pain, infection, and even teeth loss. Prolonged tooth decay leads to root infection.
Signs and symptoms
- Dark spots or discoloration on teeth surfaces
- Sensitivity to hot and cold items
- Holes or cavities on teeth
- Bad breathing and bad taste in the mouth
We should take good care of our dental health as our teeth define our smile, and good dental hygiene also increases our self-esteem. We should avoid excuses like there is no dentist near me when advised to conduct regular dental checkups. Ensure you keep up with your dentist appointments and checkups for healthy and strong teeth. Dentists also recommend brushing our teeth twice a day to remove the tooth decaying bacteria.
