conditions

Question 1

What do you know about dental caries?

Answer 1

• My understanding is that dental caries or dental decay are caused by plaque acids that gradually demineralise the enamel and dentine of the tooth
• Plaque contains bacteria that react with the sugars in food and drink, forming acids
• Every time someone consumes sugars, these acids attack the teeth and start to soften and dissolve the enamel
• The attacks can last for an hour after eating or drinking before the natural salts in saliva start to remineralise the enamel again
• Having sugary snacks or drinks between meals can increase the risk of decay, as teeth become under constant acid attack and do not have time to recover
• There are no symptoms at the early stages of dental decay
• But dentists can spot them thru examination or x rays
• Small cavities are much easier to treat than advanced ones, so it is important to visit the dentist regularly
• However as the cavity reaches the dentine of the tooth, it may become sensitive, particularly when consuming sweet food or drink
• Dental caries can be prevented by good oral hygiene practices that remove plaque
• Such as brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Removing plaque and food from between teeth by using interdental brushes/ dental floss
• Also decreasing consumption of sugary food and drink, and snacking- to limit acid attack
• Water fluoridation is a public health measure that has been shown to reduce the incidence of dental caries

Question 2

oral cancer

Answer 2

• Cancer of the mouth that has developed into a tumourin the tissues of mouth/ throat
  
  • Caused by genetic mutation in these tissues that causes uncontrolled cell division
  • Detected in Lips, tongue, gums
• symptoms:
  
  • Starts out w a sore or a growth that isn’t healing,
  • difficulty or pain swallowing, chewing, speaking
  • White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
  • Jaw swelling
• Risk factors:
  
  • tobacco use,
  • heavy alc consumption,
  • some viral infections caused by HPV,
  • previous prolonged sun exposure of lips
  • Poor oral hygiene eg chronic irritation from poorly fitting dentures
  • Diet low in fruit and veg
• Early detection is vital for effective treatment- regular dental visits facilitate the discovery
  
  • Latest research states deaths by mouth cancer have increased by 46% cf a decade ago as it’s Being diagnosed at stage 3 or 4 so harder to treat.
• Treatment options- depend on stage and location
  
  • Surgery- removal of tumour and affected lymph nodes
  • Radiation therapy- high energy beams to destroy cancer cells
• Prevention:
  
  • Healthy diet
  • Avoid tobacco and limit alc
  • Lip balm w spf and limit sun exposure
  • Hpv vax

Question 3

periodontal disease

Answer 3

• Aka gum disease
• Inflammation and infection of structures around teeth
  
  • Gums
  • Periodontal ligament
  • Alveolar bone

Stage 1: gingivitis
* Characterised by gum inflammation
* Symptoms:
* Red swollen tender gums
* Bleeding when brushing or flossing
* Reversible w proper oral hygiene and professional cleaning

Stage 2: periodontal
* Infection spreads, damage of supporting structures of teeth
* Symptoms:
* Receding gums
* Loose teeth
* Persistent bad breath
* Can result in tooth loss and contribute to systemic health issues eg cardiovascular disease, diabetes

Causes:
* Plaque buildup
* Tartar formation (hardened plaque)
* Smoking
* Poor oral hygiene
* Hormonal changes

Prevention:
* Brush 2 w fluoride toothpaste
* Floss to remove plaque
* Regular dental checkups
* Limit sugar intake

Treatment:
* Non surgical
* Deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar below gum line
* Antibiotics to control infection
* Surgical for advanced cases

Question 4

effects of systemic health on oral health

Answer 4

• Systemic health conditions are diseases or disorders that affect multiple systems or the entire body, rather than being confined to a single organ or localized area
• Many systemic conditions can influence oral tissues, increase the risk of dental diseases, or alter the progression of existing conditions.
• Immune disorders
  
  • conditions in which the immune system does not function properly, either overreacting, underreacting, or attacking the body’s own tissues
• Eg HIV/ AIDS
• making individuals more prone to oral infections, and periodontal disease
• Autoimmune disorders r a type of immune disorder
  
  • immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues as if they were foreign invaders.
  • Can lead to Chronic inflammation, oral ulcers, dry mouth, and periodontal disease.
• Osteoporosis
  
  • condition characterised by weakened bones and increased fracture risk
  • significant impact on oral health due to the role of bone density in supporting the teeth and jaw.
• Increased risk of tooth loss
  
  • leads to a decrease in jawbone density, which can affect the stability of teeth.
• Periodontal disease can progress more rapidly
  
  • Low bone density so bone that supports the teeth is compromised
  • leading to further bone loss and gum recession.
• Regular dental checkups
  
  • Early detection of systemic related oral issues can prevent complications progressing
• Good oral hygiene practices