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The Merck Manual--Second Home Edition logo
 
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Chapter 114. Tooth Disorders
Topics: Introduction | Cavities | Pulpitis | Periapical Abscess | Impacted Teeth | Malocclusion
 
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Introduction

Tooth disorders include cavities (caused by tooth decay), pulpitis, periapical abscess, impacted teeth, and malocclusion. Fractured, loosened, and knocked-out teeth are considered urgent dental problems, as are some toothaches (see Section 8, Chapter 117). Tooth decay, which often leads to toothache and tooth loss, is largely preventable with good oral hygiene to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup.

Plaque is a filmlike substance composed of a mixture of bacteria, saliva, and dead cells that is continually being deposited on teeth, day and night. It occurs in everyone. Because plaque can encourage growth of the kind of bacteria that leads to tooth decay, it needs to be removed by daily brushing and flossing.

Tartar (calculus) is hardened (calcified) plaque that forms a white covering at the base of the teeth, particularly the tongue side of the front lower teeth and the cheek side of the upper molars (the teeth at the back of the mouth). Because tartar is formed from plaque, daily brushing to remove plaque can significantly reduce the buildup of tartar. However, once tartar has formed, it can only be adequately removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Although a healthy mouth can be maintained with meticulous brushing and flossing, limiting sugar intake and using fluoridated water also help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

click here to view the table See the table The Language of Dentists.

Symptoms of Tooth Disorders

Pain affecting an individual tooth (toothache) is probably the most recognized symptom of a tooth disorder. A tooth may be painful all the time or only under certain circumstances, such as when chewing or when tapped by a dental instrument. Pain in a tooth suggests tooth decay or gum disease. However, pain may also result when roots are exposed, when a person chews too forcefully or grinds his teeth (bruxism), or when a tooth is fractured. Sinus congestion can cause similar symptoms of pain in the area of the upper teeth.

Worn-down or loose teeth can be a symptom of bruxism, a disorder characterized by frequent clenching or grinding of the teeth. Bruxism occurs mostly during sleep, so that the person is unaware of it, but it may also occur during the day. People who have bruxism must concentrate on not clenching or grinding their teeth during the day. Attrition refers to the worn surfaces of the teeth where grinding of food occurs. Attrition may make chewing less effective.

Abnormally shaped teeth can be a symptom of genetic diseases, hormonal disorders, or infections acquired before birth. Teeth can be misshapen due to fractures or chipping from trauma to the mouth.

Abnormal tooth color is not the same as the darkening or yellowing of teeth that occurs as a person grows older or exposes his teeth to staining substances, such as coffee, tea, and cigarette smoke. Graying of a tooth may be a symptom of a previous infection within the tooth that has seriously damaged the pulp, which is the living center of the tooth. The same may occur when a permanent tooth replaces an infected baby tooth. Permanent discoloration of the teeth may be a result of having taken tetracycline as a child or of one's mother having taken tetracycline while pregnant. Excess fluoride ingestion during childhood can cause mottling of the enamel.

Abnormal tooth enamel (enamel is the hard outer surface of teeth) may be due to a diet containing insufficient vitamin D. Abnormal enamel may also be the result of a childhood infection (such as measles or chickenpox) occurring when the permanent teeth were forming. Abnormal enamel may also be due to repeated vomiting, as occurs in bulimia nervosa, because the stomach acid dissolves the surface of the teeth. Swimmers who spend a lot of time in chlorinated pools can lose tooth enamel, as can people who work with acids or chlorines. Damaged tooth enamel can allow bacteria to more easily invade the tooth and form a cavity.

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