Conditions and Diseases

Authored By: Greg Johnstone

Bad Breath (Halitosis): Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is a very common oral health issue. People of most any age may suffer from halitosis. Researchers have determined that bad breath typically originates during open-air interaction with bacteria in the mouth, the nose or the stomach. (Read More)

Burning Mouth Syndrome: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic, painful condition characterized by burning sensations in the tongue, lips, palate (roof of the mouth), gums, inside of the cheeks and the back of the mouth or throat. Burning mouth syndrome may also be called burning tongue syndrome, burning lips syndrome, glossodynia, stomatodynia and scalded mouth syndrome. (Read More)

Canker Sores: Canker sores (known by dentists and medical professionals as aphthous ulcers) are one of the most common oral conditions affecting people everywhere. Up to 25 percent of the population has these small, painful, persistent sores, with recurrence rates of up to 50 percent. Simply stated, their cause is unknown; however, there are a number of common canker sore triggers. (Read More)

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate: In the United States, an estimated one in 700 babies each year — and possibly as many as one in 500 — are born with one or both of the birth defects known as cleft lip and cleft palate. Meaning “split” or “opening,” clefts are among the most common major birth defects. (Read More)

Dental Plaque: Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that continually forms in between and on the surface of the teeth. If dental plaque accumulates and is not removed, it can harden and turn into calculus or tartar. Continued plaque accumulation can contribute to structural damage to your teeth and the bone supporting the teeth and gums, as well as other health complications. (Read More)

Dry Mouth Syndrome: Dry mouth syndrome, also known as xerostomia, is a dry, uncomfortable feeling in your mouth that results from a decrease in the amount of your saliva. Dry mouth syndrome can be temporary or a chronic problem. A number of symptoms are commonly attributed to dry mouth syndrome, each of which can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. If you experience any of the following symptoms on an ongoing basis, you should talk to your dentist about xerostomia. (Read More)

Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a chronic inflammation of the gum tissue (gingiva). Typically associated with poor oral hygiene, gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease (also called periodontal disease and periodontitis). Many people are not even be aware that they have gingivitis, because it is usually not painful. (Read More)

Gum Disease: Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease and periodontitis) is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding a tooth, and is the leading cause of tooth loss. There are a number of causes of gum disease, each of which can be corrected and controlled. (Read More)

Gummy Smile: Gummy smile can have a negative affect on the esthetics of your smile. The optimal smile line appearance should reveal the least amount of gum tissue possible. Gum tissue visible in the smile line should have balanced, even contours that are in harmony with the upper lip. It is for this reason that many people with a gummy smile or excessive gingival display feel their smile to be unattractive, oftentimes feeling reluctant to smile at all. (Read More).

Medication Side Effects: Dentists have learned that certain medications may negatively impact oral health. The good news is that the dental community has developed some tips aimed at helping you avoid medication-induced oral side effects. (Read More)

Oral Cancer: More than 28,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually, with more than 7,000 of these cases resulting in death. Since oral cancer often begins with an asymptomatic stage during which symptoms may not be obvious, it is often painless initially and therefore difficult to detect. (Read More)

Oral Herpes: Oral herpes is a common and generally benign viral condition that produces painful and frequently unsightly sores on the lips or adjacent skin. The virus may also cause sores on the bone-bearing tissues such as the gums and the roof of the mouth. In the U.S., up to 60 percent of children are exposed to the virus by late puberty and nearly 90 percent of adults carry the virus by age sixty. (Read More)

Oral Thrush: Oral thrush — or oral candidiasis — is a fungal infection of the mouth common among denture wearers, infants and people with weakened or compromised immune systems. Oral thrush is caused primarily when there is an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast normally present in the mouth in small quantities and kept in balance by helpful bacteria in the body. This allows an unhealthy overgrowth of Candida to occur that results in oral thrush. (Read More)

Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a common problem that affects both adults and children. The National Institutes of Health estimate that more than 12 million Americans have sleep apnea, most often undetected or misdiagnosed. Sleep apnea may contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction, as well as to memory and concentration impairment. (Read More)

Toothaches: Studies have demonstrated that heart attacks may be signaled by the sensation of pain on the left side of the jaw. Soreness in the jaw and cheekbones or difficulty in chewing may also be the first sign of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a serious maxillofacial condition. You should consult your dentist if you have a chronic or extremely painful toothache. (Read More)

Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is a degenerative oral health condition that results from the breakdown of tooth enamel. If decay is detected before it reaches the nerve of the tooth, a dentist can restore the tooth by removing the decay and replacing it with a dental filling. (Read More)

Tooth Pain & Sinuses: Studies have indicated that in many cases, a correlation exists between sinus infections and caries (cavities), impacted wisdom teeth, incomplete dental work, and tooth or crown fracture. Untreated sinus infections may make it difficult to maintain dental hygiene. (Read More)

Tooth Sensitivity: Roughly 45 million Americans experience tooth sensitivity, a condition characterized by a tingly feeling or a flash pinch of pain affecting all teeth, certain areas of certain teeth or all of one or more teeth. It is best to see a dentist about sensitive teeth to determine the true nature of the sensitivity. (Read More)

Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth molars typically develop at age 10 and may begin to surface any time during adolescence or in a person’s twenties. Impacted wisdom teeth may become painful and problematic, at which point they are often extracted through minor oral surgery. (Read More)

[Updated March 2009]

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