INTRODUCTION TO DENTISTRY ( COMMON DENTAL PROBLEM )

Dentistry is a branch of medicine that consist study, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the oral cavity ( mouth ), commonly the teeth and related structure of the mouth ( lip, tongue, mucosa membranes, alveolar process, tonsil, uvula etc).

   DENTAL TEAM

Dentist
Technologist
Therapist
Hygienist
Dental nurse.

image source

Note:- they work together to achieve the same goal.

     COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS

Bad breath ( halitosis )

image source

Cavities ( holes on teeth )

image source

Sensitivities ( shocking teeth )

image source

Too many teeth ( hyperdontia )

image source

Swelling of the gums ( gingivities )

image source

Oral ulcers

image source

Cancers

image source

Impacted molars ( wisdom tooth or last molars).

image source

I will speak on each problems one after the other.

       BAD BREATH ( HALITOSIS )

It can be so embarrasing , over 50% has it.
Using mouthwash will only mask and not cure it. The best you need to do is to know the etiology of the problem.

Image source
CAUSES OF BAD BREATH

1. Dry mouth; Saliva helps cleanse your mouth by removing particles that cause bad odors. A condition called dry mouth or xerostomia can
   contribute to bad breath because production of saliva is decreased. Dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep, leading to "morning breath'' .

2. Tobacco product; smoking causes odour itself.

3. Medications; some medications can indirectly
   produce bad breath by contributing to dry mouth. Some while breaking down releases chemicals that can cause bad breath.

4. Caries; holes in teeth

5. Gingivitis ; swelling of the gum

6. Periodontitis; inflammation of the supporting teeth structure.

   LIFESTYLES TO REDUCE OR PREVENT BAD BREATH

7. Brush your teeth before eating breakfast, rinse out after eating and brush before going to bed at night.

8. Always brush your tongue,

9. Always drink water and shew gum once in a while to prevent dry mouth.

10. Avoid not talking for a while, communicate well.

11. Adjust your diet,

12. Regularly get a new brush at least every 3months,

13. Floss atleast once a day,

14. Always visit a dental clinic every six month for check up and general cleaning.

After you've all that and no changes, visit your dentist for proper diagnosing.

I will be talking on CAVITIES NEXT

Thanks for your time.