Oral disease
Plaque
Calculus (Tartar)
Gingivitis
Peridontal disease
Dental Caries (tooth decay)
Erosion
Oral health can affect both your physical and emotional wellbeing as it can impact upon appearance, interpersonal relations, diet, nutrition and speech.
Diseases of the mouth can affect the rest of the body and are a contributing factor to a number of secondary conditions. Good oral hygiene can inhibit the development of a number of dental diseases.
Below is a description of dental conditions that may impact on health and wellbeing.
Oral Disease
Oral disease is a collective term to describe the effects of plaque, gingivitis, periodontitis and dental caries.
Plaque
Dental plaque is a sticky film made up of bacteria and its by–products, food debris and saliva. It can bind to teeth, but is most commonly found around the gum margins and in deep grooves of the teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce an acid that is the major contributing factor to dental caries. The plaque holds the acid in close contact with the tooth surface. The acid dissolves minerals in the tooth weakening its structure.
Calculus (Tartar)
If plaque is not removed adequately from the teeth it may become calcified from the minerals in saliva. It is then called calculus. Calculus creates a rough surface that is more likely to trap further plaque and bacteria. Leaving the calculus untreated will contribute to the development of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
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Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. When plaque is regularly left in contact with the gum (gingiva) it sets up a localised infection. The body’s defence mechanisms increase blood flow to the area to help fight infection causing the typical characteristics of gingivitis – swollen or puffy red gums that bleed easily. Gingivitis left untreated can progress to periodontal disease.
Regular tooth brushing and flossing to remove dental plaque will restore the gingiva to a healthy state.
Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis, left untreated may progress to irreversible periodontal disease. When the gingiva swells sufficiently to create a protective environment for bacteria, the destruction of the supporting bone can begin. Left untreated, the situation progresses steadily. Professional dental care is necessary to halt the progression of periodontal disease.
Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)
Dental caries are caused by the action of acid attacking the tooth structure. Repeated attack by these acids may dissolve the material of the tooth sufficiently for a cavity to be formed. Frequent snacking can greatly increase the risk of dental caries especially if the snack is sweet and sticky. The prime sites for dental decay are the grooves on the biting surfaces of the back teeth followed by areas between the back teeth.
Erosion
Erosion is defined as loss of tooth substance by a chemical process that does not involve known bacterial action. Teeth have an enamel surface and when erosion occurs, it exhibits signs such as a shallow, broad, smooth, highly polished, scooped out depressions. It may vary considerably in size and shape and usually involves several teeth.
The exact cause of erosion is unknown in many cases. In children, erosion is commonly caused by regular consumption of highly acidic products in the diet such as soft drinks, sports drinks or citrus fruit drinks. Erosion has been recognised in people suffering from bulimia, where repeated vomiting exposes the teeth to acids. Regular dehydration results in little saliva available in the mouth to dilute the acids or replenish lost minerals from the enamel.
* Payment by nib of dental benefits is subject to serving relevant waiting periods and annual limits and service limits. Check your cover and annual limits at nib.com.au or call 13 14 63. The dental check-up covers an examination, scale, clean and fluoride treatment (dentures and x-rays not included). The services provided will be deducted from your annual limits and/or service limits. If any of the listed procedures are unable to be carried out due to a patient’s health history and/or condition, they will not be provided nor substituted by other items.
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