Common Dental Diseases: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

1. Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)

Cause: Acid-producing bacteria (mainly Streptococcus mutans) in dental plaque metabolize dietary sugars → demineralization of enamel and dentin.

Symptoms: White spot lesions → brown/black cavities → sensitivity to sweet/cold → pain if pulp involved.

Prevention: Fluoride toothpaste, fluoridated water, dental sealants, limiting sugar frequency, regular brushing/flossing, professional cleanings.

2. Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

Cause: Plaque biofilm triggers chronic inflammatory response → gingivitis (reversible) → periodontitis (irreversible bone loss).

Symptoms: Red, swollen, bleeding gums; bad breath; receding gums; loose teeth; pus; bite changes.

Prevention: Daily plaque removal, professional scaling, smoking cessation, diabetes control.

3. Oral Cancer

Risk factors: Tobacco (smoked/smokeless), alcohol (synergistic with tobacco), HPV-16/18, sun exposure (lips), betel quid.

Signs: Non-healing ulcer >2 weeks, red/white patches (erythroplakia/leukoplakia), lump, numbness, dysphagia, persistent sore throat.

Prevention: Tobacco/alcohol cessation, HPV vaccination, lip balm with SPF, regular dental exams with oral cancer screening.

4. Tooth Erosion

Cause: Chemical dissolution by extrinsic acids (soft drinks, citrus, wine) or intrinsic acids (GERD, bulimia, rumination).

Features: Smooth, shiny enamel loss; cupping of occlusal surfaces; sensitivity; yellowing (dentin exposure).

Management: Dietary modification, straw use, rinse with water/baking soda after acid exposure, fluoride varnish, treat underlying GERD/eating disorder.

5. Dentin Hypersensitivity

Cause: Exposed dentinal tubules from gingival recession, enamel wear, abrasion, erosion, or bleaching.

Trigger: Thermal, tactile, osmotic, or chemical stimuli → sharp, short pain.

Treatment: Desensitizing toothpaste (potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride), fluoride varnish, bonding agents, gingival grafting.

6. Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

Causes: Medications (anticholinergics, antihistamines, antidepressants), Sjögren's syndrome, head/neck radiation, dehydration, diabetes.

Consequences: Caries, candidiasis, dysphagia, speech difficulty, mucosal trauma.

Management: Sialogogues (pilocarpine, cevimeline), saliva substitutes, hydration, fluoride, avoid alcohol/caffeine/tobacco.

7. Halitosis (Bad Breath)

Origins: 90% oral – tongue coating, periodontal disease, caries, dry mouth, poor hygiene. 10% extra-oral – sinusitis, tonsillitis, GERD, hepatic/renal failure.

Management: Tongue scraping, interdental cleaning, treat oral disease, hydration, address systemic causes.