Did You Know?
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How many new cases of oral cancers were reported in 2005?
In 2005 there were 3,200 new cases of oral cancer, with men accounting for over half of these new cases. |
Oral Diseases
The health of your gums, teeth and mouth are very important to your overall health. There is definitive research which shows the connection between poor oral health and systemic disease such as diabetes in people of all ages and respiratory diseases particularly among elderly people. New research is now pointing to possible connections between oral health and other systemic conditions such as heart disease and premature, low birth weight babies. Although researchers are still learning about the links between oral health and general health, oral disease itself can cause pain, tooth loss and bad breath.
It is important to understand oral diseases; what they are; how to recognize them and more importantly how to prevent them.
Cavities
Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Periodontal Disease
Oral Cancer
Cavities
Did You Know?
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What is the most common dental problem in adults?
Gum disease. |
Dental decay is a disease that can damage your tooth’s structure. Decay starts by damaging your tooth’s protective coating, also known as enamel, causing a hole (cavity) to develop in your tooth. If the cavity is left untreated, it can get bigger and, besides causing pain, this could lead to the loss of a tooth.
Everyday you have a thin sticky substance forming on your teeth and gums called plaque. A cavity is caused when the bacteria living in the plaque react with sugars from the food or drink that you eat, resulting in an acid. This acid then attacks the surface of your tooth. It can be painful if the cavity is not stopped and it progresses inside the tooth structure.
It is important to remember that whatever your age and however many teeth you have – even if you only have a single tooth, you can still develop a cavity.
Young children can develop Early Childhood Tooth Decay or ECTD (also known as Early Childhood Caries or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay). This type of tooth decay generally affects the front four teeth. It can cause pain, speech problems, and spacing between teeth (or orthodontic) problems later in the child’s life. Tooth decay in early childhood can also cause other health risks later in life. For example, children may need a general anesthetic for an operation to treat the tooth decay. The good news is that ECTD is preventable.
As you get older, you are more likely to develop cavities around the roots of your teeth, also called root caries or around the edges of your fillings. Older adults should continue to brush and floss to prevent developing cavities.
If you experience any pain in your teeth or your mouth, visit your dental professional immediately. Your dental professional can help prevent a cavity from developing.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common ailment facing many adults. It is an inflammation of the gums, bones and tissues that surround and support teeth. Gum disease can be difficult to recognize in its early stages as it develops slowly without any real pain.
Gums are important with maintaining the health of your mouth. Healthy gums are:
- Pink; not red in colour.
- Firm.
- Free from inflammation or swelling.
- Resistant to bleeding during brushing and/or flossing.
Gingivitis
Did You Know?
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Which of these are reversible – gingivitis or periodontal disease?
Gingivitis can be prevented and or reversed by maintaining good oral hygiene practices |
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum tissue. Gingivitis begins with the build-up of plaque on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque mix with sugar from the foods that you eat to produce acids that can attack the surfaces of the teeth and gums.
Gingivitis is characterized by:
- Red and swollen (puffy) gums
- Pain in the gum area
- Blood on your toothbrush or floss
- Persistent bad breath
Gingivitis can be prevented and or reversed by maintaining good oral hygiene practices. Plaque is soft and can be removed by cleaning the teeth and gums. If not removed, plaque can harden into tartar which can help contribute to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease severely affects the bone and gums that support and keep teeth in their place. Periodontal disease can lead to weakening the gums and ultimately to tooth loss.
It is not possible to reverse the damage caused by periodontal disease, but it is possible to prevent it in the first place. Learn what you can do to maintain a good oral health.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is any abnormal growth and spread of cells occurring in the mouth cavity including the:
- Lips;
- Inside of the lips and cheeks;
- Tongue;
- Gums;
- Floor of the mouth;
- Roof of the mouth
In 2005, there were 3,200 new cases of oral cancer. Men accounted for over half of these new cases.
Risk Factors
There are many risk factors associated with developing oral cancer:
- Age. People over the age of 50 have a higher risk of developing oral cancer.
- Gender. Men are more susceptible than women.
- Smoking. Smoking or using tobacco products increases the risk, especially if combined with high alcohol consumption.
- Alcohol. High consumption of alcohol, especially if combined with smoking, increases the risk.
- People whose lips are exposed to the sun on a regular basis.
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables.
Prevention is the Key
Early Detection
Oral cancer can be successfully treated if caught at an early stage. If not treated early, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body and it then becomes more difficult to treat.
To detect oral cancer in its early stage, have regular oral cancer screening done by your dental and/or health professional.
The signs and symptoms of oral cancer:
- Sores in the mouth that do not heal within 2 weeks
- Dark red or white patches in the mouth
- Lumps located on the lips, tongue or neck
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Sore throat and difficulty with swallowing
See your dental and/ or your health professional immediately if you notice any of the above signs or symptoms.
For more information, visit the  Canadian Cancer Society Web site.
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