About Carious Lesions

-Acids from plaque by product erode the enamel

-Symptoms: Toothache, bad breath, bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity

Risk factors

-Dry mouth

-Sugary food and beverage consumption

-Family history

-Radiation therapy

Treatment:

-Fluoride

-Fillings

-Root canal therapy

-Extraction

Prevention:

-Brush 2x daily

-Floss daily

-Reduce sugar intake

-Fluoride use

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 27). Cavities (Tooth Decay): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 30th, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10946-cavities 

About Periodontal Disease

-Inflammation and infection of gums and supporting bone

-Can be caused by poor hygiene or infection

-Symptoms: Bad breath, loose teeth and bleeding, swollen gums

-If left untreated, destruction of jawbone may occur

Risk Factors:

-Smoking

-Poor oral hygiene

-Diabetes

-Autoimmune disorders -Hormonal changes

-Stress

-Heart disease

Stages of Periodontal Disease:

-Gingivitis: earliest stage, disease is limited to gum tissue

-Mild periodontitis: bacteria is beneath gums, which affects bone, pocketing begins

-Moderate periodontitis: bacteria begins to deteriorate ligaments, soft tissues and bone that hold teeth in place

-Advanced periodontitis: bone loss continues, teeth become loose and fall out

Treatment and Prevention

-Treatment: periodontitis cannot be cured, but can be managed through dental cleanings; most common treatment is scaling and root planing; laser therapy may also be used

-Prevention: brush your teeth 2x daily; floss daily; use antibacterial mouthwash; avoid smoking and tobacco products; get routine cleanings

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, April 10). Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21482-gum-periodontal-disease

About Denture Stomatitis

-Caused by candida which is a type of fungus

-Symptoms: Pain or discomfort when swallowing

-Soreness in mouth or throat

-Appearance: White or red patches on tongue, gums, cheeks, roof of mouth

Treatment:

-Anti-fungal treatment such as nystatin or miconazole

-Laser therapy

-Remove dentures when you are home

-Clean dentures and soak dentures

-Do not smoke

Cleveland Clinic. (2021, August 19). Denture Stomatitis: Definition, Causes, Prevention & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21702-denture-stomatitis