minor ailments of the mouth Flashcards
what is xerostomia
dry mouth
what causes dry mouth
medication, anxiety, dehydration
symptoms of dry mouth
discomfort, halitosis, tooth decay
treatment of dry mouth
sugar free sweets/gum, drinking
when to refer dry mouth
severe case, medication, unknown cause, difficulty swallowing
how to prevent dry mouth
good oral hygiene to protect teeth
what is halitosis
bad breath
what causes halitosis
- dental or other health problems
- foods
- poor oral hygiene
symptoms of halitosis
unpleasant odour
treatment of halitosis
- dental check up
- advice
- antiseptic mouthwash (chlorhexidine)
when to refer for halitosis
when origin is unknown
how to prevent halitosis
- improve oral hygiene
- avoid certain foods
what causes gingivitis
- plaque
- smoking
- diabetes
- medicines
symptoms of gingivitis
- swollen gums
- sore
- bleeding while brushing
treatment of gingivitis
- increase oral hygiene
- dental checks
when to refer for gingivitis
- bleeding
- foul taste
- severe symptoms
how to prevent gingivitis
- brushing/flossing
- mouthwash
- smoking cessation
what are dental caries
tooth decay
what causes dental caries
- plaque
- damage
- sugary foods
symptoms of dental caries
- toothache
- pain (hot and cold food/drinks)
- discolouration
how to treat dental caries
dentist