### Common Dental Diseases and Their Management **1. Tooth Decay (Cavities):** - **Symptoms:** Toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, visible holes or pits in teeth. - **Prevention:** Regular brushing and flossing, reducing sugar intake, using fluoride toothpaste. - **Treatment:** Fillings, crowns, or root canals depending on severity. **2. Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis):** - **Symptoms:** Swollen, red, or bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth. - **Prevention:** Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, quitting smoking. - **Treatment:** Professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, medications, or surgery in severe cases. **3. Tooth Sensitivity:** - **Symptoms:** Pain or discomfort when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. - **Prevention:** Using desensitizing toothpaste, avoiding acidic foods, maintaining good oral hygiene. - **Treatment:** Fluoride treatments, desensitizing toothpaste, dental bonding, or gum grafts. **4. Oral Cancer:** - **Symptoms:** Sores that don't heal, lumps, or rough spots in the mouth, difficulty chewing or swallowing. - **Prevention:** Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, regular dental check-ups, maintaining a healthy diet. - **Treatment:** Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. **5. Tooth Erosion:** - **Symptoms:** Sensitivity, discoloration, rounded teeth, cracks, and chips. - **Prevention:** Reducing intake of acidic foods and drinks, using a straw, rinsing mouth with water after eating acidic foods. - **Treatment:** Bonding, crowns, or veneers to restore damaged teeth. **6. Bad Breath (Halitosis):** - **Symptoms:** Persistent bad odor from the mouth. - **Prevention:** Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, staying hydrated, avoiding foods that cause bad breath. - **Treatment:** Treating underlying dental issues, using mouthwash, maintaining good oral hygiene. **General Tips for Dental Health:** - Brush teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. - Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth. - Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. - Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks. - Avoid tobacco products. - Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports.