Dental disease

Dental disease (pronunciation: /ˈdɛntəl dɪˈziːz/) refers to a broad range of conditions that affect the health and function of the teeth and surrounding tissues.

Etymology

The term "dental" is derived from the Latin word "dens", which means "tooth". The term "disease" comes from the Old French "desaise", meaning "lack of ease; inconvenience; sickness".

Types of Dental Diseases

There are several types of dental diseases, including:

Dental caries: Also known as tooth decay or cavities, dental caries is a common dental disease caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth.

Periodontal disease: This is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth.

Oral cancer: This is a type of cancer that occurs in the mouth. It can affect any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and floor of the mouth.

Dental erosion: This is the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack. When the enamel is worn away, it can lead to pain and sensitivity.

Dental abscess: This is a collection of pus that forms in the teeth or gums as a result of a bacterial infection.

Related Terms

Dentistry: The medical field that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions and disorders of the oral cavity.

Orthodontics: A branch of dentistry that specializes in treating patients with improper positioning of teeth when the mouth is closed, which results in an improper bite.

Endodontics: The branch of dentistry concerned with the study and treatment of the dental pulp.

Prosthodontics: The branch of dentistry that deals with the design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth.