Oral diseases

• What does oral health refer to?


  Oral health refers to the overall health of the mouth, including teeth, gums, and oral-facial system.
• Why is oral health considered an essential component of overall health?


  Because it impacts the ability to smile, speak, and chew, contributing to overall well-being.
• What are oral diseases?


  Oral diseases are conditions that affect any part of the mouth or oral cavity.
• How can oral diseases impact a person's life?


  They can impact a person's ability to eat, speak, or perform daily activities.
• What is dental caries?


  Dental caries is tooth decay caused by bacteria that produce acid, eroding tooth enamel.
• What are the key points regarding oral health and diseases?


  • Oral health is integral to general health.
  • Oral diseases can affect various parts of the mouth.
  • They can have a significant impact on quality of life.
• What is oral cancer?


  Oral cancer refers to malignant growths in any part of the mouth or throat.
• What is periodontal disease?


  Periodontal disease includes infections of the structures around the teeth, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
• What are oral infections?


  Oral infections include conditions such as herpes simplex virus infections or candidiasis (thrush).
• What is tooth sensitivity?

  Tooth sensitivity is pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to certain stimuli.
• What are temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders?


  TMJ disorders affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
• What are common types of oral diseases?

  1. Dental caries (tooth decay)
  2. Periodontal disease
  3. Oral cancer
  4. Oral infections
  5. Tooth sensitivity
  6. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• What are some causes and risk factors for oral diseases?


  Causes include poor oral hygiene, diet, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, genetics, age, certain medications, systemic diseases, hormonal changes, and stress.
• If someone has a diet high in sugar and smokes regularly, which oral diseases are they at risk for?

  They are at increased risk for dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer.
• What are the prevention and oral hygiene practices for oral diseases?


  1. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste
  2. Daily flossing
  3. Healthy diet
  4. Regular dental check-ups
  5. Fluoride use
  6. Avoiding tobacco
  7. Limiting alcohol
  8. Using mouthwash
  9. Replacing toothbrush

  10. Drinking water
• What combination of practices is most effective for preventing oral diseases?


  Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and having regular dental check-ups.
• What are common treatment options for oral diseases?

  Treatment options include dental fillings, root canal therapy, scaling and root planing, antibiotics, oral surgery, orthodontic treatment, dental implants or dentures, fluoride treatments, antifungal medications, and pain management.
• What is the initial treatment for moderate periodontal disease?


  Scaling and root planing is the standard initial treatment for moderate periodontal disease.
• What are the treatment options for dental caries?


  • Dental fillings
  • Root canal therapy
  • Fluoride treatments
• What are the treatment options for periodontal disease?


  • Scaling and root planing
  • Antibiotics
  • Oral surgery (for severe cases)
• What are the treatment options for oral infections?

  • Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
  • Antifungal medications (for oral thrush)
• What are the treatment options for TMJ disorders?


  • Pain management
  • Orthodontic treatment (if misalignment is an issue)
• What is gingivitis?

  Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease characterized by inflammation of the gums.
• What are the key characteristics of gingivitis?


  It is a common and mild form of periodontal disease causing redness, swelling, and irritation of the gums.
• How can gingivitis be treated?

  Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene.
• What can happen if gingivitis is left untreated?


  If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum disease known as periodontitis.
• What are typical symptoms of gingivitis?


  Typical symptoms include redness, swelling, and irritation of the gums.
• What is the primary cause of gingivitis?

  Gingivitis is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene leading to plaque buildup.
• What is plaque?


  Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
• What happens when plaque is not removed regularly?


  When plaque isn't removed, it can irritate the gums and lead to gingivitis.
• What are some factors that can contribute to gingivitis?


  Factors include hormonal changes, certain medications, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic diseases.
• What is dental calculus?


  Dental calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened form of dental plaque.
• How does dental calculus form?


  Dental calculus forms when plaque is not regularly removed and becomes calcified or mineralized.
• What color is dental calculus typically?


  Dental calculus is typically yellow or brown in color.
• Where can dental calculus form?


  Dental calculus can form both above and below the gum line.
• How can dental calculus be removed?


  Dental calculus cannot be removed by regular brushing or flossing alone; it requires professional cleaning.
• What is the relationship between gingivitis and dental calculus?


  Gingivitis and dental calculus are closely related; calculus promotes gingivitis and vice versa.
• How does calculus promote gingivitis?


  The rough surface of calculus allows more plaque to accumulate and acts as an irritant to gum tissue.
• What is a cyclical relationship in the context of gingivitis and dental calculus?


  The presence of one often leads to the other, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of gum disease.
• What are some prevention methods for gingivitis and dental calculus?


  Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and lifestyle changes are key prevention methods.