Tooth pathology

Tooth pathology (or tooth diseases, tooth disorders or dental pathology), is any condition of the teeth that can be congenital or acquired. Sometimes a congenital tooth diseases are called tooth abnormalities. These are among the most common diseases in humans ^[1] The prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of these diseases are the base to the dentistry profession, in which are dentists and dental hygienists, and its sub-specialties, such as oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and endodontics.

Examples

Congenital

• Anodontia

Acquired

Cavity

• Dental caries-- Dental caries are known as a cavity or tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth use foods that contain sugar or starch to produce acids which eat away at the tooth’s structure causing destruction to the enamel of the teeth. Meanwhile, the minerals in saliva (calcium and phosphate) together with fluoride are repairing the enamel.^[2] Dental caries are a chronic disease that can be prevented and show strongly in 6 to 11 year old children and 12 to 19 year old adolescents. 9 out of 10 adults are affected with some type of tooth decay. Prevention includes good oral hygiene that consists of brushing twice daily, flossing, eating nutritious meals and limiting snacking, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis. Fluoride treatments benefit the teeth by strengthening while sealants help chewing surfaces to not decay.^[3] Severe cases can lead to tooth extraction and dentures.
• Dental abscess-- A dental abscess is a collection of pus that accumulates in teeth or gums as a result of bacterial infection giving rise to a severe throbbing pain at the site of the abscess. It is caused by consuming sugary or starchy food and poor dental hygiene and is treated by a dentist draining the pus and possibly removing an infected tooth.^[4]

References

See also

• Oral medicine
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology
• Tongue disease

External links

• "10 dental myths exploded". NHS Choices. Retrieved 2013-12-30. 
• "Oral Health". National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Retrieved 2013-12-30.