3 Diseases Caused by Tooth Decay

Guntal.com - Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a common health problem that affects millions of people around the world. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth. 

This can lead to holes or cavities in the teeth, which can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss. Tooth decay can also affect the gums, bones, and other tissues that support the teeth, leading to serious diseases such as periodontal disease and oral cancer. In this article, we will discuss some of the main diseases caused by tooth decay and how to prevent them.

Cavities

Cavities are the most common result of tooth decay. They are small holes or openings in the teeth that expose the inner layer of the tooth, called the dentin, and the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels. 

Cavities can cause symptoms such as toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, bad breath, and discoloration of the teeth. If left untreated, cavities can lead to complications such as abscesses, which are pus-filled infections in the tooth or gum, and tooth loss, which can affect the appearance, speech, and chewing ability of the person.

Cavities are caused by several factors, such as poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks, dry mouth, and genetic factors. 

To prevent cavities, it is important to brush the teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, use mouthwash, visit the dentist regularly, and limit the intake of sugary or acidic foods and drinks.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease can range from mild inflammation, called gingivitis, to severe infection and destruction, called periodontitis.

Periodontal disease can cause symptoms such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and changes in the bite. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to complications such as tooth loss, bone loss, and increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Periodontal disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth and gums. Plaque can harden into tartar, a hard substance that can only be removed by a dentist. 

The bacteria in plaque and tartar can irritate and infect the gums, causing them to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets can harbor more bacteria and deepen over time, leading to the destruction of the gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth.

To prevent periodontal disease, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene, as mentioned above, and to visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning. The dentist can also provide treatments such as scaling and root planing, which remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots, and antibiotics, which kill the bacteria that cause infection. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the damaged gums and bone.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the lips, mouth, or upper throat. Oral cancer can affect any part of the oral cavity, such as the tongue, cheeks, palate, floor of the mouth, or gums. 

Oral cancer can cause symptoms such as a persistent sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal, a lump or growth in the mouth or neck, difficulty or pain in swallowing, speaking, or chewing, numbness or bleeding in the mouth or lips, and changes in the voice. 

If detected early, oral cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. However, if diagnosed late, oral cancer can be fatal.

Oral cancer is mainly caused by tobacco and alcohol use, which can damage the DNA of the cells in the mouth and make them grow abnormally. 

Other risk factors include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can cause certain types of oral cancer, especially in the tonsils and the base of the tongue, sun exposure on the lower lip, which can cause skin cancer, and chewing paan, a mixture of betel leaf, areca nut, and tobacco, which is popular in some Asian countries and can cause oral cancer and other diseases.

To prevent oral cancer, it is advisable to avoid or quit tobacco and alcohol use, get vaccinated against HPV, protect the lower lip from sun exposure with sunscreen or lip balm, and avoid chewing paan. 

It is also important to examine the mouth regularly for any signs of abnormality and to visit the dentist or doctor if any symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

Conclusion

Tooth decay is a serious health problem that can cause various diseases, such as cavities, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. These diseases can affect the quality of life and the overall health of the person. 

Therefore, it is vital to take care of the oral health and to seek professional help when needed. By following the prevention tips and the treatment options mentioned in this article, one can reduce the risk of tooth decay and its complications and enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile.