Common tooth disorders include cavities (caused by tooth decay), pulpitis, periapical abscess, impacted teeth, and malocclusion. Fractured, loosened, and knocked-out teeth are considered urgent dental problems (see Urgent Dental Problems: Fractured, Loosened, or Knocked-Out Teeth), as are some toothaches. Tooth decay, which often leads to toothache and tooth loss, can be largely prevented with good oral hygiene, which helps remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup.

Plaque is a filmlike substance composed of bacteria, saliva, food debris, and dead cells. Plaque is continually being deposited on teeth, day and night. It occurs in everyone. Because plaque can encourage growth of the kind of bacteria that leads to tooth decay, it needs to be removed by daily brushing and flossing.

Tartar (calculus) is hardened (calcified) plaque that forms a white covering at the base of the teeth, particularly the tongue side of the front lower teeth and the cheek side of the upper molars (the teeth at the back of the mouth). Because tartar is formed from plaque, daily brushing to remove plaque can significantly reduce the buildup of tartar. However, once tartar has formed, it can be adequately removed only by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Although a healthy mouth can be maintained with meticulous brushing and flossing, limiting sugar intake and using fluoridated water also help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

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The Language of Dentists What Most People Call It What Dentists Call It Adult tooth Permanent tooth Baby tooth Deciduous tooth Back teeth Molars and premolars Bite Occlusion Braces Orthodontic bands and wires or appliances Cap Crown Cavities Caries Cleaning Prophylaxis Eye teeth Canines or cuspids Filling Restoration Front teeth Incisors and canines Gums Gingivae Gum disease Periodontal disease, periodontitis, or gingivitis Harelip Cleft lip Laughing gas Nitrous oxide Lower jaw Mandible Plate Complete or partial denture (removable) Roof of the mouth Palate Side teeth Bicuspids or premolars Silver filling Amalgam restoration Tartar Calculus Uneven bite Malocclusion Upper jaw Maxilla The Language of Dentists What Most People Call It What Dentists Call It Adult tooth Permanent tooth Baby tooth Deciduous tooth Back teeth Molars and premolars Bite Occlusion Braces Orthodontic bands and wires or appliances Cap Crown Cavities Caries Cleaning Prophylaxis Eye teeth Canines or cuspids Filling Restoration Front teeth Incisors and canines Gums Gingivae Gum disease Periodontal disease, periodontitis, or gingivitis Harelip Cleft lip Laughing gas Nitrous oxide Lower jaw Mandible Plate Complete or partial denture (removable) Roof of the mouth Palate Side teeth Bicuspids or premolars Silver filling Amalgam restoration Tartar Calculus Uneven bite Malocclusion Upper jaw Maxilla

Symptoms

Pain affecting an individual tooth (toothache) is probably the most recognized symptom of a tooth disorder. A tooth may be painful all the time or only under certain circumstances, as when chewing or when tapped by a dental instrument. Pain in a tooth suggests tooth decay or gum disease. However, pain may also result when roots are exposed, when people chew too forcefully or grind their teeth (bruxism), or when a tooth is fractured. Sinus congestion can cause similar symptoms of pain in the area of the upper teeth.

Worn-down or loose teeth can be a symptom of gum disease or bruxism, a disorder characterized by frequent clenching or grinding of the teeth. Bruxism occurs mostly during sleep, so that the person is unaware of it, but it may also occur during the day. People who have bruxism must concentrate on not clenching or grinding their teeth during the day. Attrition refers to the worn surfaces of the teeth where grinding of food occurs. Attrition may make chewing less effective.

Abnormally shaped teeth can be a symptom of genetic diseases, hormonal disorders, or infections acquired before birth. Teeth can be misshapen due to fractures or chipping caused by trauma to the mouth.

Abnormal tooth color is not the same as the darkening or yellowing of teeth that occurs as people grow older or expose their teeth to staining substances, such as coffee, tea, and cigarette smoke. Graying of a tooth may be a symptom of a previous infection within the tooth that has seriously damaged the pulp, which is the living center of the tooth. The same may occur when a permanent tooth replaces an infected baby tooth. Permanent discoloration of the teeth may occur if people took tetracyclineSome Trade Names
SUMYCIN
before age 9 years or if their mothers took tetracyclineSome Trade Names
SUMYCIN
during pregnancy. Excess fluoride ingestion during childhood can cause mottling of the outer surface of the tooth (the enamel).

Abnormal tooth enamel (enamel is the hard outer surface of teeth) may be due to a diet containing insufficient vitamin D. Abnormal enamel may also be the result of a childhood infection (such as measles or chickenpox) occurring when the permanent teeth were forming. Abnormal enamel may also be due to repeated vomiting, as occurs in bulimia nervosa, because the stomach acid dissolves the surface of the teeth. Swimmers who spend a lot of time in chlorinated pools can lose tooth enamel, as can people who work with acids. Damaged tooth enamel can allow bacteria to more easily invade the tooth and form a cavity.

Last full review/revision October 2008 by James T. Ubertalli, DMD