Tooth pathology

Tooth pathology is any condition of the teeth that can be congenital or acquired. Sometimes a congenital tooth disease is called a tooth abnormality. 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. Tooth pathology is usually separated from other types of dental issues, including enamel hypoplasia and tooth wear.[2]

Tooth pathology
Other namesTooth diseases, tooth disorders, dental pathology
Cavity
SpecialtyDentistry

Examples

Congenital

Acquired
  • Dental caries—Dental caries are known as cavities 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.[3] Dental caries is 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.[4] 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 by draining the pus and, possibly, removing the infected tooth/teeth altogether.[5]

See also

References
  1. "Cavities/tooth decay". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2013-12-30.
  2. Towle, Ian; Irish, Joel D.; Groote, Isabelle De (2017). "Behavioral inferences from the high levels of dental chipping in Homo naledi" (PDF). American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 164 (1): 184–192. doi:10.1002/ajpa.23250. ISSN 1096-8644. PMID 28542710.
  3. "The Tooth Decay Process: How to Reverse It and Avoid a Cavity". National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
  4. "Water-related Hygiene". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 2013-12-25.
  5. "Dental abscess". NHS Choices. Retrieved 2013-12-30.
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  • "Oral Health". National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Retrieved 2013-12-30.
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