Dental diseases are widespread, and chances you might have one right now. However, with diseases come its symptoms. Hence, if you can detect one or two of these symptoms, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. Here is a collection of the five most common types of dental diseases you should keep an eye out for.
1) Cavities:
Cavities, caused by enamel breakdown, affect a majority of children and adults. However, for most of us, cavities don’t pose a severe issue.The bacteria found in the plaque release lactic acid and the acid erodes the enamel.
In some cases, cavities become a dangerous problem due to a lack of awareness or proper oral hygiene. Hence, if left untreated, the infection makes its way through the enamel and reaches the pulp. When the infection spreads to the pulp, the patient experiences severe toothache.
Often, cavities are accompanied by spontaneous toothaches, high sensitivity to hot and cold, visible holes on teeth, and bite pain. If such symptoms ever occur to you, it is best to visit a dentist before the disease becomes more critical.
2) Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissues. The infected gum area becomes swollen and redder than usual. The swollen gums bleed easily when slightly irritated, for example, during brushing.
The plaque build-up on the teeth should be appropriately removed through brushing. However, if plaque is allowed to build up, it hardens into tartar. Thus, eliminating tartar is tough and often removed through professional cleaning. Tartar settles near the gum line and irritates the gum, which causes gingivitis.
However, gingivitis is easily preventable if you brush regularly; that is, brush at least two times a day.
3) Periodontitis:
Periodontitis is an extension of gingivitis. When the tartar is allowed to build-up, the tartar then extends into the structures below the gum. The gums start to recede, and small empty pockets form. Tartar now readily fills these pockets, so more tartar leads to an increase in the infection’s intensity. Eventually, gum recedes further; hence, the anchor of teeth loosens. If left untreated, the anchorage further eases. Which inevitably leads to tooth loss.
4) Canker Sores:
These sores are small white lesions that occur under the tongue, on the insides of the cheek or lips, or on the soft palate. There are no defined causes of canker sores. Symptoms include slight stingy sensation and difficulty in chewing. These sores are healed through the body’s immune response within a week. However, if sores has an abnormally large size or persists for more than a week, it is best to visit a dentist.
5) Oral Cancer:
The name “cancer” is quite frightening. However, do you know what is scarier? The statistics about oral cancer. It is the sixth common cancer in the world . The use of tobacco and excessive alcohol increases the risk of developing cancer.
The symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Sores.
- Lumps.
- Rough patches in the mouth.
- Difficulty in biting and moving the jaw.
However, oral cancer is treatable when diagnosed early.
Conclusion:
For most diseases, an early diagnosis prevents you from harm. Plus, any visible symptoms should not be ignored. To protect you against such diseases, we are always available. To schedule a checkup, you can call us on 281-934-1010.