1. Cavities
What is it?
Cavities are the decaying of the tooth enamel.
Causes
Cavities can be caused by the build of plaque which creates the acids to breakdown the tooth, bacteria in the mouth, and the sugary drinks, inadequate brushing/flossing.
Long Term Effects
Long term effects of untreated cavities can lead to abscess, which is a severe infection under the gum line. This can cause severe illnesses to other parts of the body, and in races cases, fatal.
2. Periodontal (Gum) Disease
What is it?
Gum disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums/gum line (area of gum around a tooth).
Causes
A weak immune system, diabetes, lack of oral hygiene, and genetics could be potential factors in causing gum disease
Long Term Effects
Long term effects of untreated, the fibers or bones that support the teeth can permanently decay which can loosen the tooth from the gums.
3. Oral Cancer
What is it?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops on any part of the mouth.
Causes
Causes of oral cancer can be smoking, HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, and alcohol.
Long Term Effects
Most survival time for people with oral cancer is 5 years. If the cancer is not detected at a early stage, it can be fatal.
4. Edentulism (Complete teeth Loss)
What is it?
Edentulism is the loss of permanent teeth.
Causes
Causes of edentulism can be cavities, periodontal disease, bone loss, and poor oral hygiene.
Long Term Effects
Edentulism not only causes a difficulty of chewing and digesting food, but also has social and psychological effects. Individuals with edentulism often become self-conscious and develop anxiety.
5. Oro-dental Trauma
What is it?
Oro-dental Trauma is the trauma/external damage on the tooth, gums, or other features in the mouth. There are many types of oral-dental trauma such as dental fractures and avulsion.
Causes
Sport injuries, dental procedures, or accidents can cause oro-dental trauma.
Long Term Effects
Oro-dental trauma can lead to sever fractures, tooth loss, or ankylosis.
6. Noma
What is it?
Noma is a gangrene (death of body tissue due to a lack of blood flow) that detriments tissues, mucus membranes in the mouth, and facial disfigurement.
Causes
Noma is caused by bacteria, can is prominent ins areas of high poverty.
Long Term Effects
Long term effects of noma are facial disfiguration, difficulty consuming foods, social isolation, and facial discomfort.
7. Cleft Lip and Palate
What is it?
Cleft lip is when the tissue that forms the mouth does not completely develop at birth.
Causes
Causes of cleft lip are usually genetic factors. With can be caused mothers take certain medications, foods, or drinks during pregnancy.
Long Term Effects
People with cleft lip/palate have difficulty eating, speaking, and some may have ear infections.
8. Malocclusion
What is it?
Malocclusion is when the teeth are not properly aligned in the mouth. There are different types of malocclusion, and they vary in shape of upper and bottom arch
Causes
Some causes of malocclusion can be habitual sucking of fingers, extra/loss of tooth, fracture of the jaw after surgery, ill dental fillings, unfit retainers.
Long Term Effects
Long term effects of malocclusion can cause dental issue such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, or tooth loss.
9. Staining
What is it?
Staining is the discoloration of the tooth.
Causes
Causes of dental staining can be from smoking, alcohol, colored drinks and food, excessive fluoride, poor oral health
Long Term Effects
Long term effects of dental staining can be from inflammation of the gums and gingivitis.
10. Bad Breath
What is it?
Bad breath is the odor in the mouth.
Causes
Causes of bad breath can be from odor causing bacteria in the mouth, left over food particles, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and other factors.
Long Term Effects
Long term effects can be plaque can develop along the gum line, but also a social effects where individuals can lose confidence and self-esteem.
Sources
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