Dental diseases of the teeth are a group of pathologies that affect the enamel, gums, oral cavity, as well as the jaw and chewing muscles. Dentists call them harmless to humans, since the mortality rate is negligible. However, it is these disorders that determine the patient’s overall well-being: they affect self-esteem and an internal sense of comfort.
Experts recommend not to let the situation get worse and to closely monitor the condition of your teeth. Due attention allows you to avoid serious complications, as well as promptly identify defects that need correction.
In this article we examine in detail the most common problems, as well as methods of treating them.
Basic terms in dentistry: names and causes of inflammatory diseases of the teeth and oral cavity
It plays a vital function in the digestion process: it is responsible for grinding food and influencing its subsequent breakdown by enzymes. In addition, there is a huge number of microorganisms that create natural microflora, but are considered opportunistic. This nuance determines the fact that any dental disorders progress extremely quickly.
Among the key factors in the occurrence of dental diseases are:
- poor hygiene;
- mechanical injuries and damage;
- chronic illnesses;
- metabolic disorders and abnormalities;
- the presence of thermal irritants in the body;
- bad environment;
- hereditary predisposition.
The branch of medicine that studies the emergence and development of pathologies is called etiology. It is partially correlated with diagnostic procedures, as it helps in determining pathogenesis.
The most common oral diseases
Catarrhal stomatitis
Diagnosed in adults and children in most cases. Its development can be provoked by: insufficient hygiene, plaque and gum disease, oral dysbiosis, any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, colitis, duodenitis) and damage to the body by helminths.
It will be difficult for a person far from medicine to distinguish one disease from another. The symptoms of most of them are almost the same.
Symptoms of catarrhal stomatitis:
- Swelling of the oral mucosa;
- Whitish or yellowish coating;
- Increased sensitivity and soreness of tissues;
- Increased salivation;
- Bleeding gums;
- Bad breath.
Ulcerative stomatitis
A fairly serious disease of the oral mucosa. It can develop independently or as a complication after catarrhal stomatitis. Often this disease is diagnosed in people suffering from stomach ulcers or an acquired form of enteritis. In addition, the appearance of ulcerative stomatitis can be provoked by infectious, cardiovascular diseases, blood diseases and intestinal infections. Ulcerative stomatitis is active not only in the upper layer of the oral mucosa, but also spreads throughout its entire thickness. The symptoms are initially similar to catarrhal stomatitis, but then they intensify and are complemented by others.
Symptoms of ulcerative stomatitis:
- Increase in body temperature to 37.5 degrees;
- The appearance of ulcers on the inside of the cheek;
- Impotence;
- Headache;
- Painful enlargement of lymph nodes.
Aphthous stomatitis
It mainly develops due to weakened immunity, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and allergies. In addition, viral infections or rheumatism can trigger the occurrence of aphthous stomatitis. It is worth noting that the exact causes of this disease are unknown to medicine.
Symptoms of aphthous stomatitis:
- The appearance of small red round ulcers on the oral mucosa. Over time, the center of the ulcer becomes grayish-yellow;
- General malaise;
- Temperature increase;
- Weakness.
Glossitis
Otherwise, a tumor (inflammation) of the tongue. Can be primary or secondary. It is often a companion to stomatitis of any form. The disease is dangerous because it can be complicated by abscessation of the tongue and the development of phlegmon of the neck. The chronic form of glossitis leads to the development of papillomatous, warty and other growths on the tongue. There are different types of this disease, which are similar in their main symptoms:
- Pain and swelling of the tongue;
- Red spots on the surface of the tongue;
- Redness of the pharynx, tonsils;
- Rash and sores.
Leukoplakia
Chronic disease of the oral mucosa. It hardly bothers the patient and has a blurred clinical picture. The causes of leukoplakia are traumatic in nature. It mainly affects older men. It is located on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, in the corners of the mouth and on the lateral surfaces of the tongue. The occurrence of this disease is provoked by mechanical damage to the mucous membrane: burns from too hot or spicy food, friction with the tops of broken teeth. The seriousness of leukoplakia is that it can degenerate into cancer, so the patient needs to consult an oncologist.
Symptoms of leukoplakia:
- Pathological keratinization of the epithelium;
- Growths are white or gray;
- Mild itching and burning.
Atrophic candidiasis
The disease affects newborn children, men who smoke, women of childbearing age and the elderly. As a rule, this pathology manifests itself in an acute form. The disease is difficult for patients to tolerate and significantly reduces the quality of life. A person experiences discomfort while eating, and is bothered by a burning sensation and itching.
Symptoms of atrophic candidiasis:
- Dryness and redness of the mucous membrane;
- Whitish coating in the folds of the mouth.
Lichen
This disease can affect not only the skin, but also the oral mucosa. The acute form lasts within a month, and the moderate-acute form lasts up to six months. In cases where lichen lasts for a long time, we are talking about a chronic form of the disease. In older people, oral lichen manifests itself in the form of erosions and numerous ulcers. In addition, rashes in the form of blisters may appear on the reddened mucous membrane. This disease mainly affects people who have a history of diabetes, weakened immunity, and various diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, there is a hereditary predisposition.
Symptoms of oral lichen:
- Plaques on the surface of the mucosa;
- Discomfort while eating;
- Itching and burning.
Dysbacteriosis
Most often, long-term antibiotic therapy leads to the formation of this pathology, which disrupts the healthy balance of microflora. If dysbiosis is not treated, it will spread further, disrupting the proper functions of the organs, completely affecting the tongue, tonsils and vocal cords. Most patients develop periodontal disease, which can lead to loosening and tooth loss.
Symptoms of dysbiosis of the oral mucosa:
- Unpleasant odor;
- Bleeding cracks in the corners of the mouth;
- Heavy plaque.
Cheilitis
The disease manifests itself not only from the inside, but also from the outside. The reasons lie in changes in hormonal balance, allergies, lack of vitamins, and the effect of fungal flora on the mucous membrane.
Symptoms of cheilitis:
- Inflammation of the lip border;
- Ulcers on the oral mucosa.
Classification: types of main dental diseases of the teeth
Conventionally, all violations can be divided into two broad categories - those associated with damage to the enamel, and those caused by processes occurring in periodontal tissues. There is another classification principle - based on “carious” affiliation:
- with existing caries lesions;
- non-carious deviations.
The second option is considered the simplest and most convenient to treat if the problem is detected at an early stage. In addition, it is easier for patients to comply with prescriptions, which simplifies the process of rehabilitation measures.
Note that congenital and hereditary pathologies stand apart. They are formed in the womb and are very difficult to correct.
How does oral hygiene change with age?
Age is not kind to teeth. Just like the musculoskeletal system, teeth and gums wear and change with age. Diseases, one-sided nutrition and medications, unfortunately, leave their mark: they lead to dry mouth and reduce salivation. And the latter is very important due to its antibacterial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause caries and periodontal disease. In addition, saliva regulates the acid-base balance in the mouth and helps reduce the effects of acids responsible for disrupting the mineralization of tooth enamel and the occurrence of caries.
Developmental and eruption disorders
What are the different dangerous dental diseases? Perhaps the most serious problems are caused by congenital or hereditary causes. In these cases, the exacerbation does not begin due to pathogenic bacteria, pathogens or other factors. Such pathologies, as a rule, play a symptomatic role. They signal about malfunctions occurring in the body and force you to take immediate action.
Edentia
A pathological process accompanied by the loss of individual units or complete rows. In extremely severe stages, complete tooth loss occurs. The disease begins to develop during intrauterine development. The main factor is poor heredity or serious illnesses suffered by the mother while carrying the fetus. Due to jaw overload, even healthy teeth can become loose.
Superset
A disease in which excess elements appear in the oral cavity, which have an extremely negative effect on the state of the bite, and provokes additional speech and chewing problems. Dentists recommend removing such units, and the sooner the better.
Fusion and Merger
A rather rare deviation, expressed in the connection of tooth buds with dental cement. The main processes unfold during the formation of elements. Only 1% of people are prone to this disease. As a rule, the disease is diagnosed as part of a temporary dentition. In adulthood, pain is approximately 5-6 times less, so patients often do not suspect the presence of a problem until a visit to the dentist.
Spear-shaped teeth
A disease that affects crowns. It is considered infrequent - it occurs in one case in a thousand. It causes both aesthetic, psychological and physiological inconvenience. Usually it is a consequence of chronic injury to the inner surface of the cheeks, lips, and tongue. In some patients it is accompanied by hypoplasia.
Impacted teeth
An ailment in which the teeth are unable to fully erupt. As medical practice shows, the problem begins to bother people due to the gums being blocked by bone layers. Another reason is premature loss of elements.
Dystopian teeth
A disease in which the incorrect location of units is recorded. The displacement occurs as a result of deviations of the alveolar ridges from the norm. It causes psychological discomfort, disrupts the beauty of a smile, and interferes with the correct functioning of the masticatory muscles.
Macrodentia and microdentia
Congenital hereditary anomalies that determine the specifics of development. Manifested in improper formation and scaling of teeth. They have a negative impact on the bite and the aesthetics of the smile. They are also extremely rare - in every 20 people (in the context of not a single state, but the whole world).
Periodontal disease
Dental periodontal disease is a serious disease in which the last stage of gum inflammation occurs. This is often the cause of the development of infectious diseases, gastritis, stomach ulcers or cirrhosis of the liver. Even more often, the patient’s teeth simply fall out, and he cannot lead his usual lifestyle or eat his favorite food.
How to recognize periodontal disease
The signs of this dental disease are unclear and blurred. The patient is most often concerned about:
- exposure of the necks of the teeth;
- presence of tartar;
- burning gums;
- discomfort when eating.
There are 3 stages of periodontal disease:
- Easy. The patient has no complaints; very rarely there is a reaction to cold or hot food. The presence of periodontal disease can be determined during a dental examination. The mild stage of the disease is best treated.
- Average. The roots of the teeth are exposed by an average of 4-6 mm. The patient begins to experience a burning sensation in the mouth, and there is an acute reaction to eating hot, cold or sour foods.
- Heavy. The roots of the teeth are exposed by 8-10 mm. Chewing food causes severe pain.
Treatment methods
Diagnostics
Before starting treatment for periodontal disease, the dentist conducts an initial examination, during which he determines the extent of damage to the teeth and gums: which teeth can be restored and which will have to be removed. This is necessary in order to draw up an algorithm for further actions. The patient is then sent to the diagnostic room to take targeted and panoramic X-rays. Using them, the periodontist determines the depth of the pockets and the condition of the bone tissue.
Removing plaque and tartar
Inflammation of the gums, which is always observed with periodontal disease, mainly occurs due to soft plaque, subgingival and supragingival calculus. The main reason for their appearance is poor oral hygiene. Therefore, the specialist’s task is not only to treat the disease, but also to teach the patient proper hygiene.
General and local therapy
To increase immunity, the patient is prescribed a complex of vitamins and anti-inflammatory drugs. If the inflammation is minor, the dentist will prescribe a course of local therapy, which can be done independently at home.
Splinting teeth
An increase in tooth mobility indicates that the jawbone and soft tissue around them have begun to rapidly deteriorate. To prevent the teeth from changing position and falling out (for example, they may fan out), they are held together with fiberglass tape and filling material. This is also necessary before surgical treatment.
Surgical operations
If periodontal pockets reach 5-10 mm, it is impossible to prevent the progression of the disease without surgical intervention. First, the pockets are cleaned of granulations and food deposits. This procedure is called curettage. It comes in two types - open and closed.
Closed is carried out with special instruments, curettes. It is carried out only for periodontal disease at the initial stage (pockets reach 3 mm), when there is slight inflammation of the gums.
Open curettage is necessary in advanced stages of periodontal disease. With its help, all granulations and food deposits are completely removed. This operation is more difficult to perform. To completely clean out the pockets, incisions are made in the gum. Flaps of the mucous membrane are peeled away from the bone and the root surface is cleaned with curettes and an ultrasonic scaler. To restore bone tissue, the periodontist implants synthetic bone.
Next, the patient undergoes flap surgery to prevent receding gums. The doctor removes a 1.5 mm marginal strip of gum, since after prolonged inflammation the gum changes in such a way that it can no longer adhere normally to the tooth. After this, the mucous membrane flaps are pulled to the neck of the tooth.
Timely diagnosis and choosing the right treatment will help stop periodontal disease and maintain healthy teeth!
Diseases associated with enamel
What are the possible dental problems due to enamel damage? In the vast majority of cases, they are associated with violations of the structure and integrity of the rows. Usually they are a consequence of internal failures in the body. They are eliminated only at the moment when the factor that provoked their exacerbation disappears.
Fluorosis
A chronic disease that develops during eruption. Accompanied by structural damage, darkening, and loss of dentin. The reason is excess fluoride, which is explained by long-term use of fluoridated water, medications, etc.
Cracks
Deviation, usually localized on the anterior chewing row. It looks like vertically or horizontally located defects of a non-carious nature. Appears due to sudden temperature changes, aggressive chemical exposure, or due to injury.
Turner teeth
An advanced form of local manifestations of hypoplasia. It is fixed long before the first eruptions and has nothing to do with carious lesions. Externally it looks like an enamel layer. Sometimes accompanied by excessive sensitivity.
Hypoplasia
Pathological phenomena of a congenital nature, which is characterized by a complete or partial absence of enamel. If we talk about the external picture, then it is worth noting depigmented or white spots, rather large grooves based on the surface, as well as small depressions. Caused by incorrect structure of hard dental tissues. If left untreated, it is complemented by acute forms of caries.
Wedge-shaped defect
Disadvantages expressed in wedge-shaped cavities in the cervical region of the units. This occurs due to the fact that certain areas of the enamel disappear, resulting in wedge holes. The problem can be registered on any element, but more often on fours and fives.
Other dental diseases: list of dental diseases with photos
Next, we propose to analyze ailments that may appear as a result of teething or age-related changes.
Grinding
A pathology in which there is a rapid decrease in hard tissue. Provokes thinning of enamel and damage to dentin. It can affect both individual units and full-fledged rows.
Erosion
A process in which a violation of enamel integrity is recorded. Some areas are damaged symmetrically. Main signs: changes in pigment, various cosmetic defects, painful reaction to cold or spicy food.
Pathological resorption
Loss of root tissue caused by chronic diseases, advanced periodontal disease or progressive pulp disease. It can be one-sided or combined. In the absence of rehabilitation and therapeutic therapy, tooth loss occurs.
Deposits and build-ups
They are mineralized residues that form above or below the gums. The main material for formation is food particles, the results of the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as components of saliva. They trigger processes that provoke periodontitis.
List of neurotic dental diseases
Stressful periods have a particularly detrimental effect on the state of the body. In addition, as practice shows, the quality of oral hygiene deteriorates sharply. A person simply forgets about cleaning or does not do it thoroughly enough, which increases the risk of developing caries. The parallel use of sedative medications disrupts the production of saliva and causes a feeling of dryness.
Gradually, all this is reflected in psychosomatics - muscle spasms and pain are detected. The most common occurrence is excessive clenching of the jaw.
Bruxism
A disorder characterized by uncontrollable grinding of teeth caused by emotional stress. As a rule, it makes itself felt during sleep. The causes of its appearance include stress, prolonged depression, and malfunctions of the masticatory apparatus.
Grinding
This is not so much a full-fledged disorder as a symptom. Occurs when muscle spasms occur when the patient clenches his jaw tightly. In the vast majority of cases, the person does not even know there is a problem. It is detected during routine dental examinations.
Recommendations for maintaining oral and dental health in old age
In order to preserve your teeth and prevent, as far as possible, oral diseases, it is important to take care of your oral and dental health.
Oral hygiene – brushing teeth and using devices to clean the space between teeth is important even in old age. It is necessary to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride. If you have limited mobility, you can use an electric toothbrush.
Caring for Dentures – Bacteria are found on dentures just like they are on teeth. Dentures should be cleaned every day and removed from the mouth at night. To keep dentures clean, you need to clean them with a special brush. If your denture is not in your mouth, soak it in a denture disinfectant solution.
Quitting Smoking – In addition to causing other types of health damage, smoking can make gum problems worse. It has a negative impact on recovery after dental procedures and on the placement of implants. In addition, smoking increases the risk of oral cancer.
Alcohol use – In addition to causing other types of health harm, drinking alcohol increases the risk of oral cancer.
Healthy diet – a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits is a protective factor against oral cancer.
Monitoring and Prevention – If you experience a sore in your mouth that does not go away within two weeks, have it checked by your dentist. Oral cancer does not cause pain in the early stages, so it is important to have routine checkups with your dentist even if there are no changes in your mouth.
Treating Dry Mouth – In some cases where dry mouth is caused by medication, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative medication to resolve the problem. To reduce dry mouth, it is recommended to drink plenty throughout the day. You can use chewing gum or sugar-free candy, or, in certain cases, even saliva substitutes.
Prevention and treatment of fungal diseases - daily measures to maintain oral hygiene and dentures are very helpful in preventing fungal diseases. If you have a fungal infection in your mouth, you should check with your dentist. Treatment for fungal infection can be local or systemic.
Periodic dental checkups – It is recommended to have routine checkups at least once a year with your dentist. It is important to inform your dentist of any changes in your health, including changes in medications, as these changes can have a decisive impact on your dental treatment.
The main dental diseases in humans: what they are and how to treat them
Modern medical practice, implemented in the Dentika dental clinic, actively uses innovative methods of diagnosis and treatment. Almost any disease can be eliminated provided that you seek help in a timely manner, as well as follow all doctor’s prescriptions and prescriptions. Among the measures used by dentists are:
- filling;
- surgical intervention;
- prosthetics;
- implantation;
- aesthetic correction.
In addition, professional hygiene methods are used: bleaching, restoration, etc.
Diagnosis of diseases of the oral mucosa
Modern medicine has a wide range of diagnostic tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
Only a doctor can give the correct classification of the disease. For this purpose, he can use the following methods:
- Mucosal smear for microscopic examination;
- Conducting allergy tests;
- Analysis for viral infections (herpes, tonsillitis);
- General examination to identify the primary disease.
Prevention
Above, we examined in detail what dental diseases are called and what are the main reasons for their occurrence. Now let's talk about preventive measures to avoid serious problems and pathologies.
If you experience any strange sensations in your mouth, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your dentist immediately. He will conduct an initial examination and draw up an individual treatment program. However, in some cases it is possible not to resort to aggressive measures of influence and limit oneself to supportive manipulations.
So, what needs to be done to prevent the development of diseases?
- Do not ignore the symptoms that appear - go to the doctor immediately.
- Do not let the disease worsen, follow all dental recommendations and prescriptions.
- Get professional examinations every six months.
- Maintain hygiene at home, use only high-quality products.
- Don’t forget about professional hygiene - ultrasonic cleaning should be done once every six months to a year.
In addition, it is important to adhere to the principles of proper nutrition and give up bad habits.
Stomatitis
This is a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the oral mucosa with hyperemia, swelling, and an increase in the amount of mucus in the oral cavity.
Depending on the severity and depth of the lesion, even ulcers or foci of necrosis may form in the oral cavity, sharply disrupting the general condition - fever, weakness, anxiety, refusal to eat. There are many causes of the disease: mechanical, chemical, thermal, bacterial factors. Often the cause of the disease in infancy is contaminated nipples, toys and other objects that fall into the child’s mouth. Stomatitis often develops as a result of infectious diseases (measles, scarlet fever, influenza, whooping cough, etc.). The mucous membrane of the oral cavity acquires a bright red color, becomes swollen, and tooth marks are visible on the mucous membrane of the cheeks and tongue. Saliva becomes viscous and viscous. The mucous membrane is covered with a whitish coating. The tongue is dry, swollen, often with a brown tint, chewing is painful. The duration of the disease is from 1 to 3 weeks, the prognosis is favorable.
A general preventive rule for children and adults is to maintain good oral hygiene.
Let's sum it up
Dentistry studies the etiology, symptoms, and treatment features of the most common dental diseases. There are a huge number of reasons that provoke oral problems. Some of them are easily eliminated, others are subject to only partial correction. However, for both cases the rule is true: the sooner you start working on dental treatment, the higher the likelihood of a favorable outcome. That is why it is important not to let things take their course and undergo regular medical examinations.
Healthy teeth, photos of patients. Photo of healthy teeth
We often see the dazzling smiles of celebrities in photographs in glossy magazines. And many people believe that this is what healthy teeth look like. Photos in such press, however, do not always reflect the truth.
After all, photographs in magazines can be processed in special programs, and in order to recognize the signs of an impending problem in time or simply make sure that you have healthy teeth, it is advisable to look at the photos provided by a specialist.
On dental websites, almost any material about the prevention of oral diseases is accompanied by at least one photo of healthy teeth. At the same time, photos are often presented from different angles, including their inner surface. Photos of healthy teeth can also be viewed in the clinic, in special catalogs. Therefore, today it is not difficult to see how strong and white teeth look in the photo.
