Health A-Z

Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being, and it involves preventing and treating various dental and oral conditions. Let's discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for common oral health issues.

1. Toothache: Persistent or intermittent pain in the teeth or jaws.
2. Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis):
   • Gingivitis: Red, swollen, or bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing.
   • Periodontitis: Receding gums, deep pockets between teeth and gums, loose teeth, and persistent bad breath.
3. Tooth Sensitivity: Discomfort or pain when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages.
4. Cavities (Dental Caries): Visible holes or pits in the teeth, toothache, and sensitivity.
5. Oral Sores: Painful ulcers or lesions in the mouth, such as canker sores or cold sores.
6. Oral Thrush: Creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth.
7. Dry Mouth: Persistent dryness in the mouth, which can lead to difficulty swallowing, altered taste, and increased risk of dental decay.
8. Bad Breath (Halitosis): Persistent unpleasant odor from the mouth, often caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or certain medical conditions.
9. Jaw Pain: Discomfort or difficulty moving the jaw, which may indicate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
10. Oral Cancer: Persistent mouth sores, pain, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained bleeding.

1. Professional Dental Cleaning: Removal of plaque and tartar buildup by a dental hygienist to prevent gum disease and cavities.
2. Fillings: Repairing cavities with dental fillings made of composite resin, porcelain, or amalgam.
3. Root Canal Treatment: Removing infected or damaged pulp tissue from the tooth's interior to save a severely decayed or infected tooth.
4. Periodontal Therapy: Scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets, along with antibiotic therapy for advanced gum disease.
5. Tooth Extraction: Removing severely decayed, damaged, or impacted teeth.
6. Orthodontic Treatment: Braces or aligners to correct misaligned teeth and bite issues.
7. Dental Crowns and Bridges: Restoring damaged or missing teeth with crowns or bridges.
8. Oral Cancer Treatment: Depending on the stage and type of oral cancer, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these modalities.

1. Visual Examination: A dentist or dental hygienist will visually inspect the mouth, teeth, and gums for signs of decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
2. Dental X-Rays: X-rays can reveal cavities, bone loss, and other problems not visible during a visual examination.
3. Periodontal Probing: Measuring the depth of spaces (pockets) between teeth and gums to assess for signs of gum disease.
4. Oral Cancer Screening: Visual and tactile examination of the mouth, tongue, throat, and neck for suspicious lesions or abnormalities.
5. Saliva Testing: Assessing saliva composition and flow rate to evaluate for conditions like dry mouth or oral infections.