6 Common Tooth Diseases

Everyone in the world has suffered from one or more tooth diseases at least once in their lifetime or they know someone who has had such ailments. Tooth diseases have become more common in recent years thanks to poor dietary practices as well as a lack of proper oral hygiene. Fortunately, many of the common tooth diseases in the world today can easily be prevented and most are curable.

6 common tooth diseases

1. Dental caries

Dental caries are still one of the most common tooth diseases and it is one of the primary results of tooth decay. Also known as cavities, caries are the leading cause of tooth loss in children below twelve. The ailment is caused by a bacterial agent known as Streptococcus mutans. The symptoms of dental caries are often unnoticeable to the patient until the latter stages when holes begin to develop on the person's teeth. Dental caries can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene habits like regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist.

2. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the medical term for the early stages of gum disease. The ailment is caused by a wide variety of bacteria. The bacteria settle in the crevices located below the gumline and begin to produce toxins that affect the integrity of the gum. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are swelling, inflammation and bleeding gums. If gingivitis is not treated early enough, it often leads to periodontal disease.

3. Periodontal disease

Eight out of every ten adults in the modern world have periodontal disease, which makes it a very common dental ailment. The disease is a result of the spread of gingivitis below the gumline until the infection reaches the jawbone. Apart from contributing to the loss of teeth in adults, this tooth disease is especially harmful because it can worsen preexisting ailments in the lungs and chest.

4. Hand, foot and mouth disease

This tooth disease is attributed to a viral agent known as Coxsackie A16. Hand, foot and mouth disease is highly prevalent among toddlers and children of school going age. The disease often starts with a fever and a sore throat. After this, blisters begin to appear at the back of the mouth, inside the cheeks, and on the tongue.

5. Herpangina

Herpangina and hand, foot and mouth diseases are two conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. Herpangina is most common among toddlers and children between the ages of three and ten. Symptoms of this ailment include fever, sore throat, and blisters at the back of the mouth which rupture to form painful ulcers. Herpangina infections often last about five days.

6. Oral herpes

Herpes is a common tooth disease and is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. With proper care, it is possible for a person to live with the herpes simplex virus in a dormant state and not experience any complications. Common symptoms include flu blisters and ulcers on the tongue and gums.

Proper oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing twice a day, as well as regular visits to the dentist, can prevent many of the common tooth diseases that appear above. Dentists can also help to treat and manage them.

Consult one of our dentists if you think that you have any of these tooth diseases.

What are you waiting for?

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Stunning Smiles of Lake Forest, request an appointment in our Lake Forest dental office here: https://stunningsmilesoflakeforest.com. Or call us at (949) 258-7433.