Dental

Dental, also known as dentistry, is the science of study, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the mouth, including the teeth. A professional; who is dealing with dental science is called a dentist. The dental health professionals include dentists, hygienists, periodontists, orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Diseased, crooked or missing teeth or a misshapen jaw can not only affect your appearance but can also interfere with your speech, chewing food and moreover it can cause you pain and secondary infections.  Cavities are the most common conditions, these are painful holes on the teeth where the decay has eaten through the enamel.  This makes one highly sensitive to hot and cold substances. Other complications include gum diseases which can start at mild pain but may lead to severe problems like tooth decay, loss of teeth and infection if left untreated. 

Good oral and dental hygiene indicates good overall health, whereas bad dental conditions can signify heart disease, complications during pregnancy, diabetes. Studies suggest that bacteria that cause tooth decay can also travel to your heart and cause clogged arteries and stroke. In case of experiencing pain in the gums, bleeding gums, swelling inside or outside of the mouth, pain while chewing, blisters, ulcers or tenderness in the cheeks or gums one should visit the dentist. Certain conditions can affect your dental health, such as diabetes by reducing the body’s resistance towards infection and putting gums at risk; HIV/AIDS causes painful mucosal lesions, osteoporosis weakens the bone and thus the enamel, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.  

Brushing teeth regularly after every meal, flossing, using mouthwash to remove food particles after brushing, eating a healthy diet and restricting sugar content, and avoiding tobacco can help one maintain a good dental and oral health.