Oral Health: From Cavities To Gingivitis, 5 Dental Diseases And How To Prevent Them

Know the top 5 common dental diseases, from cavities to gingivitis, their causes, symptoms, and simple prevention tips for healthy teeth and gums.

Your oral health is just more than a pretty smile. It’s a crucial part of your overall well-being. Ignoring common dental issues doesn’t only lead to pain and tooth loss; it can also affect your nutrition, confidence and overall health of your body. The good news? A majority of the dental issues can be avoided using the appropriate care and equipment. From cavities to gum disease, here are five oral diseases, how to identify these diseases and the most appropriate ways to achieve this.

5 Dental Diseases And How To Prevent Them

1. Dental Caries (Cavities)

According to Dr Saurabh Saraf, Professional Oral Health Leader (POH) Singapore and India, “Cavities are a war between your teeth and plaque germs. When you consume sugary foods, these germs release acid that wears down your tooth enamel. Snacking too much, sweet drinks, not enough fluoride, and not brushing enough all leave you more at risk. You may see early signs of chalky white spots on your teeth or have mild sensitivity. As decay advances, you can see pits or cavities. This is accompanied by pain, which is a signal for infection.”

Diagnosis and Treatment

Dentists look at your teeth, check them with dental instruments for soft areas, and confirm with an X-ray to find decay that is hiding in your teeth. Early decay can sometimes be reversed with fluoride. After a cavity has formed, we will need to place a filling. For more decay that has reached the nerve, a root canal and a crown might be necessary.

Dental Caries Prevention

Brushing away that plaque daily is crucial. Research has shown that oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes with micro-vibrations can remove a lot more plaque than manual toothbrushes, particularly in those hard-to-reach areas like your molars and behind your lower front teeth.

2. Gingivitis (Gum Disease)

Gingivitis is when your gums are inflamed and swollen because of plaque collection along and below the gum line. Putting you at risk can be stress, poor brushing technique, smoking, and some medical conditions. The typical symptoms are bleeding gums when you brush, or sore, red, and swollen gums.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The doctor said, “We examine your gum health by visual inspection and by checking for bleeding when we probe gently. We also inspect for plaque and tartar deposits. A professional dental cleaning, followed by improved home care, is usually all that is required to reverse gingivitis.”

Gingivitis Prevention

Removing plaque daily is the answer. Oscillating and rotating electric toothbrushes have proven scientific research to be better than manual toothbrushes in reducing gingivitis.

3. Periodontitis (Advanced Gum Disease)

If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis. This is a serious infection that destroys the bone and tissue supporting your teeth, ultimately leading to loss of attachment and looseness or loss of teeth. The risk factors are primarily smoking, diabetes, and heredity. You may see that gums are receding from teeth, have constant bad breath, loose teeth, or large “pockets” between gums and teeth.

Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Dentists will use a periodontal probe to measure the bone loss and take X-rays to visualise the bone levels around your teeth. The initial treatment is a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planning. Surgery is required in extreme cases. Prevention is simply the gentle removal of plaque with the correct pressure. The best way is with an electric toothbrush that has a clever pressure sensor, giving a good clean without harming sensitive gums.

4. Dental Erosion

Unlike cavities, erosion is the chemical dissolution of enamel of the tooth due to acid reaction from food, beverages, acid reflux and eating disorders. Your teeth may appear smooth, shiny, or “cupped out.” Excessive sensitivity is another frequent sign.

Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention

“Just a checkup and review of your diet is needed to establish the condition. We can trace how it’s progressing using photographs or moulds. We treat by building up your enamel using fluoride varnishes, desensitising agents, and, where needed, teeth with bonding or veneers,” Dr Saurabh said.

Dental Erosion Prevention

Careful but thorough brushing is the key, as it will prevent the accumulation of food and beverage around the teeth. Electric toothbrushes with micro-vibration technology remove plaque well with less abrasive wear, which can come from harsh manual brushing, particularly on already weakened enamel.

5. Halitosis (Chronic Bad Breath)

Bad breath usually originates from bacterial byproducts on the tongue, gum disease, dry mouth, smoking, or other general health conditions. Persistent, unpleasant smell, usually with a metallic or rotten taste.

Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Professional mouth examination, checking of the tongue, and possibly certain tests to quantify the odour-causing chemicals. Professional cleaning, tongue scraping, adequate water consumption, and the curing of any other medical conditions. Daily plaque control is your best protection. The doctor recommends, “Electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque than manual brushing, particularly on the tongue and other hard-to-reach spots where the bacteria responsible for odour reside.”

Consult a doctor if you feel or experience any of the above-mentioned diseases and take care of your oral health.

FAQs

How often should I visit the dentist?

At least twice a year for routine checkups and cleaning.

What are early signs of gum disease?

Swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, and persistent bad breath.

How can I prevent cavities naturally?

By brushing twice daily, limiting sugar, and regular dental checkups.

What are the most common dental diseases?

Cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath, and tooth sensitivity.

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