A List of Common Diseases of the Teeth

Caring for your teeth takes a few minutes a day but can save you time, money and pain. Most common tooth diseases can be avoided or controlled by regular brushing, flossing and professional dental attention. Not taking these steps can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as unsightly teeth, pain and bad breath.

Plaque

• Plaque is caused by bacteria that live in the mouth. It is a soft, clear coating that covers the surface of the teeth. It is most often found between teeth and along the gum line. Plaque germs feed on sugars and carbohydrates. As it feeds, it produces an acid that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Eating raw and fibrous foods will help remove some of the plaque, but often diets are lacking in these foods. Regular brushing and flossing will help control plaque, but regular dental cleaning is the most effective way to minimize the damage plaque can do.

Cavities

• Cavities are among the most common tooth problems, but they are actually caused by plaque. When plaque is not controlled, the acid softens the enamel of the teeth and creates tiny holes in the enamel. If the plaque is still not controlled at this point, it continues to eat away at the enamel, making the holes larger. When the holes get big enough to create one large hole, this is called a "cavity." In the early stages, dentists diagnose cavities by probing the surface of the teeth with a sharp instrument. If the teeth are soft, it may indicate a cavity. If cavities are left untreated, they will turn into large holes in the teeth that can affect the nerves in the teeth or cause the tooth to fracture. Untreated cavities can cause pain, tooth abscesses and tooth loss. Sensitivity to hot or cold substances can indicate the presence of a cavity.

  The earlier a cavity is detected the less painful and expensive the treatment is. Cavities are often treated by drilling out the affected portions of the tooth and filling the vacant space with silver alloy, gold, porcelain or composite resin. Crowns are caps that are placed over the decaying tooth if there is little structure left in the tooth. Root canals are necessary when the cavity has affected the nerves and roots of the tooth.

Halitosis

• Halitosis is the technical term for bad breath. Bad breath can be caused by a number of factors, including what you do or do not eat. Foods such as garlic and onions cause bad breath when they are absorbed into the bloodstream and transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled. No amount of dental hygiene will cure this. Other causes of bad breath, though, are preventable and controllable.

  Halitosis is often caused by decaying particles of food that remain in your mouth, collecting around teeth and gums. If you don't brush and floss regularly, this can be a problem. Halitosis that is caused by decaying food and bacteria can usually be controlled by brushing and flossing twice daily, and seeing a dentist regularly. Brushing your tongue can also help control bad breath.