COMMON ORAL CONDITIONS

Tooth decay

What causes it?

Dental decay, also known as ‘dental caries', is caused by plaque. Every time you have food or drink containing sugars and starches, they react with the bacteria in plaque and produce acids. This attacks the tooth enamel, softening and dissolving it. This process is known as demineralisation.

Over time, the constant acid attack may form a hole or cavity. Any part of the tooth can be at risk, but the biting surfaces of the teeth and the surfaces between the teeth are most likely to decay, as food and plaque can become stuck.

While there are no symptoms in the early stages of dental decay, your dentist may detect a cavity when they examine or x-ray your teeth.When the cavity reaches the dentine your tooth may become sensitive, particularly when you have sweet foods and drinks, and acidic or hot foods.

As the decay reaches the dental pulp you may suffer from toothache. If the decay becomes deeper, the pain may last longer and you may need to take painkillers. In this case you must visit your dentist straight away as you may develop a dental abscess if the tooth is not treated.

What are the symptoms?

What treatment will I need?

Small cavities are much easier to treat than advanced decay, as the application of a fluoride varnish onto the area can help limit more decay and ‘remineralise' the tooth.

If this isn’t sufficient, the decay will have to be removed and the tooth repaired with a filling.

If the nerve in the middle of the tooth is damaged, the dentist will need to carry out root canal treatment by removing the nerve and then repairing the tooth with a filling or crown.

If the tooth is decayed beyond repair, it may have to be removed.

If teeth are lost, it may be necessary to fill the gaps with bridges, dentures or implants.

Bleeding gums

If your gums are bleeding it could be a sign that you might develop, or already have, gum disease.

Redness, bleeding, and sore, swollen or painful gums are all symptoms of gingivitis, a form of gum disease that causes the inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue. Its most common cause is the build up of plaque.

It is important to take immediate action as, without proper removal, the plaque hardens and becomes tartar, which in turn worsens gingivitis and can lead to receding gums or even damage the jaw bones.

If untreated, it can also lead to tooth loss and periodontitis. The most severe form of gum infection is the acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (trench mouth).

You can reverse gingivitis by thoroughly removing plaque daily and with regular professional cleaning.

Did you know?

If plaque is not removed daily, it can cause a number of conditions, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

What causes bad breath?

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is an uncomfortable condition that affects a significant amount of people worldwide. While it can be caused by many different factors, 85-90% of cases originate from the mouth.

Some of the most common causes are:

Accumulation of food debris

Tooth decay

Gum disease

Dryness of mouth (Xerostomia)

Smoking

Severe dieting

Extra-oral sources, such as infections of respiratorytract, diabetes and kidney dysfunction