Medical conditions Flashcards
What is oral cancer?
A tumour develops in part of the mouth whether it is on the tongue, palate or gums. The lesions may be red, it could be white or it could show a s a simple ulcer. If a tumour is spotted a pt will immediately be referred for a biopsy.
What is herpes simplex 1?
Herpes simplex 1 is herpes in the mouth these are shown as sores around the mouth and lips. Treatment is not advised when a sore is present but the dental environment is set up to help protect staff and patients against being infected. This disease will never go away but avoiding activities when a pt has a flare up is advised.
What is HIV?
HIV is human immunodeficiency virus. It is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection there is no cure but is treatable with medicine. Taking extra care for when a HIV+ pt is in e.g. draining water more often, seeing them first/ last in the day.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A and B have vaccines and can be easily cured with time or in some cases antibiotics. Hepatitis C does not have a vaccine but can be treated with antiviral medicines. Hepatitis vaccine is mandatory for dental staff and extra care is taken when hep positive pts are in more e.g. draining water more often, seeing them first/ last in the day.
What is diabetes?
There are two types of diabetes, diabetes affects how your body breaks down and process food. One is Diabetes 1 that is usually passed down through genetics and Diabetes 2 is usually from poor diet related control. Making sure all medications are taken down and all necessary precautions are taken when conducting some treatment e.g. XLA’s if a pt is on warfarin they need to have an INR test at the doctors 24 hrs before there XLA
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a common condition where sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain cause seizures or fits. Anticonvulsants may be kept at the practice in case of emergency, if a pt is having a seizure it is important to make sure you leave the pts to have their fit but make it as comfortable for them as possible it may benefit you to time how long it was in case they have another.
What is an eating disorder? What is a digestive disorder?
Eating disorders are a group of related conditions including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. A digestive disorder is an illness that effects the digestive tract this could be anything from cancer, IBS to gastroesophageal reflux disease.
What is Varicella Zoster virus (chicken pox)?
What is Herpes Zoster Virus(shingles)?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection that causes an itchy, spotty rash. It’s common in children but adults can get it too.
Shingles is a painful condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone can get it, but it’s most common in older people. Asking pts infected to stay away from the practice where possible.
What is mental illness?
Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behaviour (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities. Keeping the pts calm and comfortable through their dental visits.
What is Lichen Planus?
Lichen planus is shown as white patches in the mouth it can usually be treated with creams.
What is leukoplakia?
Leukoplakia is a white patch in the mouth. Will often go away after time. If it is there for a long time the pt will be referred
What is Erythroplakia?
Erythroplakia is a condition of the mouth that most always contains abnormal cells, and is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as any lesion of the oral mucosa that presents a bright-red velvety plaque.
What are salivary gland disorders?
Sialolithiasis and sialadenitis are some salivary gland disorders Sialolithiasis is when stones made of calcium are formed in the salivary glands that can partially or completely stop the flow of saliva. Sialadenitis is an infection of the salivary gland. Another could be Sjögren’s syndrome it occurs when white blood cells target healthy cells in moisture-producing glands, such as the salivary, sweat, and oil glands. This condition most commonly affects women with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones.
What is Glossitis?
Glossitis is a problem in which the tongue is inflamed and swollen this can make the tongue appear smooth.
