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DENTAL DISEASES
Dental diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common human diseases.
Other dental problems as orthodontic problems or stained/discolored teeth, although they are mostly cosmetic and not dental health problems, concern an increasing number of people in recent years due to the modern way of life. Some dental problems as bad breath and dry mouth might be symptoms of other serious health problems or systemic diseases.
We have covered these diseases in two parts
General Dental Diseases
Serious Dental Diseases
The general dental diseases are covered below
 

BAD BREATH

 Bad breath
  Symptoms

 

Bad breath is breath that has an unpleasant odor. It's also known as halitosis. This odor can strike from time to time, or it can be long-lasting, depending on the cause.
Millions of bacteria live in the mouth, particularly on the back of the tongue. In many people, they are the primary causes of bad breath. The mouth's warm, moist conditions are ideal for the growth of these bacteria. Most bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.

Bad breath
  Causes

• Poor dental hygiene — Infrequent or improper brushing and flossing, which allows bits of food to decay inside the mouth
• Infections in the mouth — Periodontal (gum) disease
• Respiratory tract infections — Throat, sinus or lung infections
• External agents — Garlic, onions, coffee, cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco
• Dry mouth — Caused by salivary gland problems, medicines or "mouth breathing"
• Systemic illnesses — Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others
• Psychiatric illness — Some people may believe they have bad breath, but others do not notice it. This is referred to as "pseudohalitosis."

 

                         TOOTH SENSITIVITY
Tooth sensitivity
Symptoms

 

Dentine hypersensitivity is an intense pain felt when the dentin of the teeth are exposed to hot or cold foods or drinks. Pressure can also trigger the acute painThe Rapid flow of liquids in dentinal tubules can trigger nerves along the pulpal canal of the dentin causing pain

Tooth sensitivity
 causes

This sensitivity can be caused by several factors, including worn or decaying teeth and exposed tooth roots.This hydrodynamic flow can be increased by cold, air pressure drying, sugar, sour (dehydrating chemicals), or forces
 

  DENTAL EROSION
Dental erosion
Symptoms

Erosion, otherwise known as acid erosion, is the loss of tooth structure due to chemical dissolution by acids not of bacterial origin. Dental erosion is the most common chronic disease of children ages 5–17.[1] Erosion is found initially in the enamel and, if unchecked, may proceed to the underlying dentin.

Dental erosion
Causes

Frequently consumed foods and drinks below pH 5.0–5.7 may intitiate dental erosion.
The most common cause of erosion is by acidic foods and drinks. In general, foods and drinks with a pH below 5.0–5.7 have been known to trigger dental erosion effects.[2] Numerous clinical and laboratory reports link erosion to excessive consumption of drinks.

   
                    DENTAL CARRIES/CAVITIES
Dental caries
Symptoms

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is a disease where bacterial processes damage hard tooth structure (enamel, dentin and cementum).[1] These tissues progressively break down, producing dental cavities (holes in the teeth). Two groups of bacteria are responsible for initiating caries.Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin layer of the tooth.

Dental  caries
Causes

Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities, or cariesAll cavities occur where carbohydrate like sugar or starch is in the food left on teeth after every meal or snack and changed to acid demineralization of tooth by plaque bacteria.

  TARTAR/PLAQUE
Dental Tartar
Symptoms
Minerals are deposited above and below the gums. These deposits have specific color and can be recognized easily. There is a difference between tartar and plaque. Plaque is a colony of bacteria while tartar is deposition of minerals. Dental plaque is a soft deposit that forms on the surface of teeth. It contains many types of bacteria (germs). You can usually remove plaque quite easily by brushing and flossing your teeth. Calculus is hardened calcified plaque. It is sometimes called tartar. It sticks firmly to teeth. Generally, it can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist with special instruments
Dental Tartar causes

There are many reasons for tartar build-up. People suffering from diabetes and other systemic diseases are at greater risk of plaque and tartar formation. Another common reason for mineral deposition is smoking. Dental plaque is biofilm (usually colorless) that builds up on the teeth. If not removed regularly, it can lead to dental cavities (caries) or periodontal problems (such as gingivitis).

  TEETH  STAINS
Teeth Stains
Symptoms
 There are superficial stains that exist only on the surface of the teeth. Ordinary toothpastes will remove most of these. If they are more tenacious, they may need to be removed by a professional cleaning or with a stain-dissolving toothpaste such as Supersmile whitening toothpaste.
Teeth Stains
Causes

The two worst kinds of these are tobacco stains and coffee stains. They can become quite pronounced. After a lifetime of smoking, your teeth can become a serious shade of brown. If your teeth are genetically a little on the dark side, tooth bleaching will still whiten them. You can also bleach tetracycline stains, but since they are so intense, you will not likely reach a really white tooth by bleaching alone and will have to cover them with porcelain veneers or another type of treatment.

Picture taken by Deepti
                          
   
 REFERENCES
http://www.dentalindia.com
www.dentalindia.com
http://en.wikipedia.org
COURTESY
http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&q=stained+teeth&meta
http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&q=dental+erosion&meta=

http://www.mynewsmile.com/teeth_stains.htm
www.robcooper.com