Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. It is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people.
Bacteria are normally present in the mouth. The bacteria convert all foods -- especially sugar and starch -- into acids. Bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque that adheres to the teeth. It is most prominent on the back molars, just above the gum line on all teeth, and at the edges of fillings. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth mineralizes into tartar. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, resulting in gingivitis and ultimately periodontitis.
Plaque begins to build up on teeth within 20 minutes after eating (the time when most bacterial activity occurs). If this plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely, tooth decay will not only begin, but flourish.
The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop.
Impacted tooth (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
An impacted tooth is a tooth that fails to fully pass through the gums.Tooth- unemerged; Unemerged tooth; Dental impaction; Unerupted tooth.Teeth start to pass through the gums(emerge) during infancy, and again when the primary(baby) teeth are rep...Reviewer: Jason S. Baker, DMD, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Private Practice, Yonkers, New York. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 05/28/2008
Bruxism(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Bruxism is when you clench(tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together) or grind(slide your teeth back and forth over each other) your teeth.People can clench and grind without being aware of it during both the day and night, although sleep-re...Reviewer: Michael Kapner, D.D.S., General and Cosmetic Dentistry, New Rochelle, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, M.D., MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 04/24/2008
Periodontitis (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Periodontitis is inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.Pyorrhea- gum disease; Inflammation of gums- involving bone.Periodontitis occurs when inflammation or infection of the gums( gingivitis) is untreated or ...Reviewer: Jason S. Baker, DMD, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Private Practice, Yonkers, New York. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare NetworkDate: 05/28/2008
Malocclusion of teeth (4 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Malocclusion means the teeth are not aligned properly.Crowded teeth; Misaligned teeth; Crossbite; Overbite; Underbite; Open bite.Occlusion refers to the alignment of teeth and the way that the upper and lower teeth fit together(bite). Ideally, all...Reviewer: Jason S. Baker, DMD, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Private Practice, Yonkers, New York. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 05/28/2008
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