Introduction
A healthy set of teeth makes a not inconsiderable contribution to the quality of life. Healthy teeth, as well as healthy gums, not only enable the chewing of e.g. a tough piece of meat, but have long since become a sign of health and attractiveness. In order to maintain this condition, thorough oral hygiene and regular check-ups by a dentist are necessary. Among the most common dental diseases are
- Caries
- Tartar
- Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
- Periodontitis
- Pulpitis (inflammation of the tooth pulp)
- Abscess on a tooth (an abscess is an encapsulated cavity filled with pus)
Caries
Caries belongs to the “sugar-dependent infectious diseases” and is one of the most common dental diseases. It develops when plaque is not removed regularly. The microorganisms that are in the plaque process sugar from food into organic acids that attack the tooth enamel.
The acids extract minerals from the tooth and thus weaken its surface until the plaque is broken down. This results in a “hole in the tooth”. If it is not removed and the tooth is filled, the caries can spread further and further into the interior of the tooth and as a consequence lead to further diseases of the tooth.
Tartar
Tartar refers to mineralized plaque. Plaque consists of microorganisms and their metabolic products and adheres firmly to the tooth. It must be regularly removed from the tooth surface with a toothbrush. If this does not happen, minerals from the surrounding saliva accumulate in the plaque and transform it into tartar that cannot be removed with a toothbrush. A visit to the dentist becomes necessary, who removes the tartar by means of ultrasound.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is also called gingivitis. The plaque that accumulates on the tooth surface consists of microorganisms that release metabolic products. If the plaque is not removed regularly, these metabolites can reach the surrounding gums and trigger a series of reactions in the gums that increase the blood flow in this area. The edge of the gums appears reddened and swollen, gum bleeding occurs more easily. However, gingivitis can be brought under control by good oral hygiene and the gums can recover completely from the inflammation.
