Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease are the most common diseases of the oral cavity and they are the main reason for tooth loss. These diseases are not contagious.
Both of these diseases are caused by dental plaque. Dental plaque is a soft sticky film that contains a large number of microbes. It begins to form immediately after brushing the teeth and within 48 hours it is mature enough to begin its destructive action. If it is not removed in time from the dental surfaces with proper brushing, it reacts with food components (mainly sugars) creating acids which attack the dental substances causing dental caries. The reaction of the tissues surrounding the tooth (gums, bone-periodontal tissues) to the presence of dental plaque and its harmful toxic substances leads to the development of periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis).
When the plaque remains on the surface of the tooth, it absorbs salts from the saliva, which leads to the formation of calculus. Calculus contributes to the progression of periodontal disease as its presence precludes the satisfactory removal of microbial plaque with common oral hygiene measures.
Oral diseases are a major cause of bad breath.
Tooth sensitivity is an annoying condition that many people suffer from.
In the oral cavity, other diseases appear that may not involve teeth. Such are candidiasis and various other local infections. Signs and symptoms of other diseases (e.g. anemia, leukemia) or cancer may also appear in the oral cavity. Regular visits to the dentist contribute to early diagnosis of such conditions that affect people or even become life-threatening. The sooner the diagnosis of serious diseases such as e.g. oral cancer the better the treatment prognosis.
