People with chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, heart diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be more likely to develop gum (periodontal) disease, but they are less likely to get dental care than adults without these chronic conditions. 6 Also, most older Americans take both prescription and over-the-counter drugs; many of these medications can cause dry mouth.
Full Answer
What diseases can affect your teeth?
· Diabetes. By reducing the body's resistance to infection, diabetes puts your gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Research shows that people who have gum disease have …
What are the most common age-related dental problems?
· A man in Pennsylvania developed a rare and potentially life-threatening infection after a routine dental exam and teeth cleaning, according …
Can dental problems be prevented?
while patients with stable angina (chest pain that occurs in a predictable pattern) can undergo any dental procedure, patients with unstable angina (new chest pain or unpredictable chest pain)...
What are some common mouth diseases that can be prevented?
· The accumulation of plaque or tartar can lead to gum disease. This includes gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. This is a...
What medical conditions can affect dental treatment?
Here is a list of conditions that affect oral health and requires altering of how dental care is provided.Allergies. ... Diabetes. ... Medications. ... Pregnancy. ... High Blood Pressure. ... Asthma. ... Heart Attacks.
What are 5 oral health diseases?
What Are 5 Oral Health Diseases?Tooth decay. One of the most common oral diseases is tooth decay (cavities), which affects people of all ages and is entirely preventable. ... Gum disease. ... Mouth injury. ... Oral cancer. ... Birth defects.
What autoimmune disease causes tooth decay?
Another autoimmune disease that causes tooth decay is Crohn's disease. This condition may lead to swelling of the gums and gum infection, also known as periodontal disease. You may need to seek dental treatment to ease these symptoms.
What are the three dental diseases?
Bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease are common problems that can be avoided by brushing and flossing and regular dental exams.
What are the two most common dental diseases?
Some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral cancer.
What is the most common dental disease?
Tooth Decay Tooth decay is also known as dental caries or dental cavities. It is the most common dental problem that dentists see in patients. Practically everyone, at some point in their life, has experienced tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria form a film, called plaque, on the surface of teeth.
Can autoimmune disease cause dental problems?
Autoimmune diseases often cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the body, which includes those in the mouth. When blood vessels in the gums are damaged, there is an increased risk of gum disease. The support structure for the teeth can also start to deteriorate as a result.
Is there an autoimmune disease that affects the mouth?
Pemphigus is a rare group of autoimmune diseases. It causes blisters on the skin and mucous membranes throughout the body. It can affect the mouth, nose, throat, eyes, and genitals.
Does lupus cause dental problems?
In a recent literature review, researchers discovered that people with lupus are more at risk of compromised oral and dental health, with an increased risk of periodontal (gum) diseases and temporo-mandibular (jaw) joint (TMJ) disorders.
What are the common diseases related to teeth?
Types of dental and oral diseasesCavities. Cavities are also called caries or tooth decay. ... Gum disease (gingivitis) Gum disease, also called gingivitis, is inflammation of the gums. ... Periodontitis. ... Cracked or broken teeth. ... Sensitive teeth. ... Oral cancer.
What is considered dental disease?
Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is common but largely preventable.
What are advanced dental diseases?
More advanced gum disease is referred to as periodontitis. If your gums have begun to pull away from your teeth and create pockets, you likely have this more serious gum disease. Because periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, getting treatment as soon as possible is key to preserving a healthy smile.
What are the four major oral diseases?
4 common oral diseases#1 – Dental caries (also known as tooth decay or cavities) Tooth decay is one of the more common oral diseases. ... #2 – Gum disease (or periodontal disease) Gum disease is a condition that occurs when the gums are not properly taken care of. ... #3 – Herpes. ... #4 – Oral cancer.
What are the diseases of the tongue?
Canker Sores.Thrush.Oral Lichen Planus.Geographic Tongue.Tongue Cancer.Transient lingual papillitis.Tongue Trauma.Vitamin Deficiency.More items...•
What is poor oral health?
Teeth that ache, gums that bleed, and breath that smells bad are all indicators of poor oral health. Bacteria from the mouth can easily get into the bloodstream and cause infection and inflammation wherever it spreads.
Why is it important to have a routine dental visit?
Routine dental care helps patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. Those who avoid going to the dentist are more likely to end up with cavities, gum disease and other serious problems. It is even possible for patients to have undetected oral cancer that spreads if they fail to go to the dentist regularly. Learn what is involved during a routine visit to the dentist.
What is routine dental care?
What Is Considered Routine Dental Care? When you visit the dentist every six months, you receive routine dental care. Routine care is also referred to as preventative care. This care helps you avoid getting cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues.
Why is a dental exam important?
A dental examination is an important part of routine dental care. During the exam, dentists look for signs of decay, gum disease and oral cancer. Dentists also make sure the teeth are in good shape. Dentists identify chips and cracks that could become problematic in the future.
What is a dental bone graft?
A dental bone graft prepares the jaw for the placement of dental implants, and it can be used to repair bone structures that have been damaged due to issues like gum disease. The procedure improves the structure of the jaw by adding to its bone mass and bone density.Dentists often recommend bone grafts as a….
How often do you need an X-ray?
Some patients require X-rays every six months, while others only need X-rays every two years. This diagnostic tool can find decay and look at the health of the roots and surrounding bones. Dental X-rays also provide a baseline for dentists. Dentists compare new X-rays to previous ones to identify changes.
What is dental inlay?
A dental inlay is a common type of restoration used in dentistry. It is considered to be indirect, which means it is made outside of the patient's mouth, in a dental lab. Dental inlays, among other restorations, can significantly improve one's oral health, allowing for strong, healthy teeth. Ready to learn more?Outlined below is important…
What is digital dentistry?
Digital dentistry is a product of the current digital revolution. Dentistry is one of the many fields that digital technology is transforming. Some dental clinics still practice traditional methods. Yet, others are starting to catch up. Every aspect of oral care is becoming easier because of digital dentistry. If you want to find out how…
What is the problem with tooth decay?
It occurs when the bacteria in plaque is given the chance to settle on teeth. It produces an acid that slowly eats away at the tooth enamel and forms holes.
Why are older people at risk for cavities?
However, older people and children are slightly more at risk, because their enamel is more vulnerable. If a child develops cavities within baby teeth, they will be repaired as soon as the adult teeth emerge, but this does not mean that dental attention isn’t still essential.
Why is my enamel round?
It occurs as a result of exposure to corrosive materials like fizzy drinks and sugary snacks. The acid in these ingredients wears down the enamel and gives it a stained and unhealthy look.
How many stages of gum disease are there?
The bacteria eats away at the gum tissue and the ligaments that hold the teeth in place. There are five established stages of gum disease, which means that there is usually plenty of time and opportunities for patients to reverse its progress.
What to do if your gums bleed?
If your gums bleed on more than one occasion, you need to consult a dentist. This is the main symptom of gingivitis. The dentist will perform a routine exam by gently probing at the pockets inside the gum tissue. If these pockets bleed or become painful, in response to touching, they are likely to be infected.
What happens if you leave a tooth to deteriorate?
If you leave it to deteriorate, it could progress into an infection or abscess. These conditions cause a lot of pain and discomfort for patients. This is why timely repair procedures are essential, whether they take the form of a standard filling, a crown, or a tooth extraction.
How to deal with plaque?
The best possible approach to dealing with plaque is prevention . Once you have cavities, there is no real way to reverse them (though new technologies may make this a reality soon). The only option is to fill and repair them, so save your enamel while you still can.
How to protect your oral health?
To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene daily.
How to prevent tooth decay?
Eat a healthy diet and limit food with added sugars. Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn. Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. Avoid tobacco use. Also, contact your dentist as soon as an oral health problem arises.
How does oral hygiene affect bacteria?
However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
What are the oral problems associated with HIV?
HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
What is the connection between oral health and overall health?
What's the connection between oral health and overall health? Like other areas of the body, your mouth teems with bacteria — mostly harmless. But your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause disease. Normally the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, ...
What are the causes of dry mouth?
Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth (Sjogren's syndrome).
Why do gums hurt?
Diabetes. By reducing the body's resistance to infection, diabetes puts your gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels.
How to fix gingivitis?
This problem, called gingivitis, can often be fixed by brushing and flossing every day . A more severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis, must be treated by a dentist. If not treated, this infection can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss. To prevent gum disease:
How to clean your mouth after a toothache?
Gently brush your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Use small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes. Brush carefully and gently along your gum line. Lightly brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to help keep your mouth clean.
What to do if your gums hurt when you brush?
See your dentist if brushing or flossing causes your gums to bleed or hurts your mouth. If you have trouble flossing, a floss holder may help. Ask your dentist to show you the right way to floss.
Why do my gums bleed?
Gum Disease. Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along and under your gum line. Plaque causes an infection that hurts the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place. A mild form of gum disease may make your gums red, tender, and more likely to bleed.
How to keep dentures clean?
Avoid small crunchy foods that can get trapped under the dentures and hurt your gums. Brush dentures every day with a denture-care product, and soak them in water or a denture-cleansing liquid at night.
What is the outer coating of teeth called?
Teeth are covered in a hard, outer coating called enamel. Every day, a thin film of bacteria called dental plaque builds up on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that can harm enamel and cause cavities. Brushing and flossing your teeth can prevent decay, but once a cavity forms, to avoid further damage, ...
Why do you need fluoride toothpaste?
Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from decay. If you are at a higher risk for tooth decay (for example, if you have a dry mouth because of a condition you have or medicines you take), you might need more fluoride.
How can dentists reduce the risk of spreading bacterial infections to a patient's organs?
One step dentists can take to reduce the risk of spreading bacterial infections to a patient's organs is to thoroughly examine their patients' mouths for any ongoing bacterial infections before conducting dental procedures, Bytyci said. Follow Agata Blaszczak-Boxe on Twitter.
What bacteria can cause infection after dental surgery?
There are other types of bacteria that may cause serious infections after dental procedures, Bytyci said. The most common one is Streptococcus, which also lives in people's mouths, he said.
How old was the man who had a tooth infection in Pennsylvania?
The 57-year-old man recovered from the infection after treatment, said the doctors who treated the man and wrote the report.
Do you need antibiotics for dental procedures?
But serious bacterial infections following dental procedures are rare, and the vast majority of people don't need to take antibiotics or take any other precautions prior to dental procedures, he said.
Is it rare to get an infection during a dental procedure?
The type of infection that the man had is very rare, and the chances of getting this type of infection during a dental procedure are very low, said Dr. Faton Bytyci, a resident physician at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, who treated the man and co-authored the report.
What to ask your dentist about dry mouth?
Ask your dentist about dry mouth treatments, including the use of artificial saliva. Points to Remember About Dental Care and Heart Disease. Give your dentist a complete list of the names and dosages of all the drugs you are taking for your heart condition (as well as any other prescription or nonprescription drugs that you may be taking).
How many teeth do you lose in a stroke?
One study, published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, found that people who had fewer than 25 teeth at the start of the 12-year trial ( teeth loss is the ultimate end result of untreated gum disease) had a 57% greater risk of stroke compared with patients who had 25 or more teeth.
What to do if you have a stroke and you have no saliva?
If your strokehas affected your face, tongue, or dominant hand and arm, your dentist may also recommend use of fluoride gels, modified brushing or flossing techniques, adding rinsing and strategies others can use to assist you in maintaining good oral hygiene.
Does dental anesthesia contain epinephrine?
If your dental procedure requires the use of anesthesia, ask your dentist if the anesthesia contains epinephrine. Epinephrine is a common additive in local anesthesia products. Use of epinephrine in some patients with high blood pressure may result in cardiovascular changes, including the rapid development of dangerously high blood pressure, ...
Can calcium channel blockers cause gum overgrowth?
Patients with angina treated with calciumchannel blockers may have gum overgrowth. In some cases, gum surgery may be needed.
Can high blood pressure cause dry mouth?
Some high blood pressure drugs can cause dry mouth or alter your sense of taste . Calcium channel blockers in particular can cause the gum tissue to swell and overgrow, resulting in chewing difficulties. If you do experience gum overgrowth, your dentist will give you detailed oral hygiene instructions and may ask you to make more frequent dental visits for cleanings. In some cases, gum surgery to remove excess gum tissue, called a gingivectomy, may be needed.
Does gum disease cause heart disease?
Another study involving over 4,000 patients and 17 years of follow-up showed no evidence of a decreased risk of coronary heart disease if chronic gum disease was eliminated. Based on these results, these researchers speculate that the relationship between gum disease and an increase in cardiovascular risk is coincidental and that gum disease does not cause coronary heart disease.
Why do dentists clean teeth?
A deep teeth cleaning helps get rid of bad breath and promotes healing of gum disease. Deep cleanings do have risks, so it’s important to understand possible complications or side effects.
Why do you need antibiotics after a dental cleaning?
If your immune system is compromised, you might have to take an antibiotic for a few days. That’s because there’s a risk of infection after the procedure. In addition, deep dental cleanings can sometimes release bacteria into the bloodstream.
What causes a gap between teeth and gums?
Gum disease causes a space or gap between your teeth and gums, where tartar and plaque can become trapped. Cleaning below the gumline removes this buildup.
What happens if you leave plaque on your gums?
This includes gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. This is a serious infection that destroys the bone that supports the teeth.
How long does it take for gums to recede after deep cleaning?
pain and sensitivity. Pain and sensitivity are the most common side effects. Risks from deep cleaning are usually minimal and only last about 5 to 7 days, though for extensive cases, this may extend to a few weeks.
How many visits to clean your mouth?
The cost of deep cleaning varies depending on the severity of gum disease or inflammation. You’ll likely have two visits, although some people might need up to four visits to completely remove tartar and plaque. During these cleanings, your mouth is considered in quadrants.
How long does it take to clean gums?
Deep cleanings usually take place over two or more visits and involve gum scaling and root planing. Each visit can take 1 to 2 hours.
Why is it important to have a dental cleaning?
From basic annual cleanings to fillings, X-Rays, surgeries, and more, it’s important — for your health and your healthcare budget — to understand the routine and specialty dental services your dentist can provide.
Why do you need a dental DMD?
When it comes to maintaining your oral health, you are under the ultimate level of care when visiting a certified DDS (Doctor of Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) to help keep your teeth and gums in good condition and prevent disease. From basic annual cleanings to fillings, X-Rays, surgeries, and more, it’s important — for your health and your healthcare budget — to understand the routine and specialty dental services your dentist can provide.
Why is it important to clean your teeth?
Routine cleaning, also called preventative cleaning, is essential on an annual or semi-annual basis to remove plaque and tartar deposits that build up on your teeth and gums over time. Even with great brushing and flossing habits, having this step performed by a professional is essential to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.
How much does a dental discount card save?
In fact, with a dental discount card, you can save 20-50 percent off your bill ...
What is routine dental care?
Your routine dental care is relatively straightforward, doesn’t require complex procedures , and is offered by nearly every certified dental practitioner. Most dental insurance plans cover routine dental services either partially or entirely, so at a minimum, it’s important to schedule appointments on an annual basis. As an alternative to insurance, dental discount programs can cut the standard cost of most regular dental services by 20-50 percent.
Why is it important to maintain good oral health?
Maintaining good oral health can help prevent some health-related surgeries over the long term.
What is cosmetic dental?
Cosmetic Oral Procedures. Cosmetic dental procedures are focused on appearance, and often require a specialized doctor. Cosmetic procedures include veneers, full set implants, periodontal plastic surgery, and tooth-colored fillings. If you’re interested in renewing your smile, talk with your primary care dentist to discover your options.
What are the most common oral health problems?
Oral health problems in older adults include the following: 1 Untreated tooth decay. Nearly all adults (96%) aged 65 years or older have had a cavity; 1 in 5 have untreated tooth decay. 3 2 Gum disease. A high percentage of older adults have gum disease. About 2 in 3 (68%) adults aged 65 years or older have gum disease. 4 3 Tooth loss. Nearly 1 in 5 of adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth. Complete tooth loss is twice as prevalent among adults aged 75 and older (26%) compared with adults aged 65-74 (13%). 3 Having missing teeth or wearing dentures can affect nutrition, because people without teeth or with dentures often prefer soft, easily chewed foods instead of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. 4 Oral cancer. Cancers of the mouth (oral and pharyngeal cancers) are primarily diagnosed in older adults; median age at diagnosis is 62 years. 5 5 Chronic disease. People with chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, heart diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be more likely to develop gum (periodontal) disease, but they are less likely to get dental care than adults without these chronic conditions. 6 Also, most older Americans take both prescription and over-the-counter drugs; many of these medications can cause dry mouth. Reduced saliva flow increases the risk of cavities. 7
What are the health problems of older adults?
Oral health problems in older adults include the following: Untreated tooth decay. Nearly all adults (96%) aged 65 years or older have had a cavity; 1 in 5 have untreated tooth decay. 3. Gum disease. A high percentage of older adults have gum disease.
How many people lose their teeth at 65?
Nearly 1 in 5 of adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth. Complete tooth loss is twice as prevalent among adults aged 75 and older (26%) compared with adults aged 65-74 (13%). 3 Having missing teeth or wearing dentures can affect nutrition, because people without teeth or with dentures often prefer soft, ...
What age do you have to be to get a mouth cancer diagnosis?
Cancers of the mouth (oral and pharyngeal cancers) are primarily diagnosed in older adults; median age at diagnosis is 62 years. 5. Chronic disease. People with chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, heart diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be more likely to develop gum (periodontal) disease, ...
Do older people get dental insurance?
Adults 50 years and older who smoke are also less likely to get dental care than people who do not smoke. 6 Many older Americans do not have dental insurance because they lost their benefits upon retirement and the federal Medicare program does not cover routine dental care. 2.
