1.5 Describe types of oral disease and their causes

This guide will help you answer 1.5 Describe types of oral disease and their causes.

Oral diseases are health conditions that affect the mouth, teeth, gums, or the surrounding areas. These diseases can impact a person’s ability to eat, speak, and maintain good quality of life. Recognising the types of oral diseases and understanding their causes helps in promoting prevention and early intervention.

Common Oral Diseases Include:

• Tooth Decay (Dental Caries)
• Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
• Oral Cancer
• Mouth Ulcers
• Oral Thrush
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
• Oral Herpes

Tooth Decay (Dental Caries)

Tooth decay is one of the most common oral diseases. It occurs when the hard surfaces of teeth become damaged. This usually begins as small holes, known as cavities.

Causes:

• Plaque Buildup: Plaque is a sticky layer made up of bacteria, saliva, and food particles. When it isn’t cleaned off, it leads to decay.
• Sugar Intake: Eating sugary foods and drinks allows bacteria in plaque to produce acid. This acid wears away tooth enamel.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Failing to brush and floss regularly allows food debris and bacteria to linger in the mouth.
• Dry Mouth: Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralise acids. If there’s not enough saliva, the risk of tooth decay increases.

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Gum disease refers to infection and inflammation of the gums and bone that support the teeth. It can progress from mild gum problems (gingivitis) to more severe tissue and bone damage (periodontitis).

Causes:

• Plaque and Tartar Buildup: Like tooth decay, gum disease begins with plaque. If not brushed away, plaque hardens into tartar, irritating the gums.
• Smoking: Tobacco reduces the ability of the gums to heal and stay healthy.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and menstruation can make gums more sensitive to infection.
• Chronic Illnesses: Diseases such as diabetes can weaken the body’s ability to fight infection.
• Poor Dental Hygiene: Inconsistent brushing and flossing can increase the risk of gum disease.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can develop in the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, or throat. This can be life-threatening if not detected early.

Causes:

• Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and heavy alcohol consumption are major risk factors.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Some strains of this virus are linked to oral cancer.
• Prolonged Sun Exposure: UV rays can particularly affect the lips.
• Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of cancer formation in the mouth.

Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are painful sores that appear on the inside of the mouth. They are usually small, round, and white or yellow in colour.

Causes:

• Minor Injuries: Accidentally biting the cheek, irritation from dental braces, or poorly fitting dentures can cause sores.
• Stress and Fatigue: Increased stress levels can trigger mouth ulcers.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of vitamin B12, iron, or folic acid increases the chance of developing ulcers.
• Underlying Health Issues: Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac disease may lead to recurrent ulcers.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of candida (a type of yeast) in the mouth. It appears as white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and roof of the mouth.

Causes:

• Weakened Immune System: Illness, chemotherapy, or conditions like HIV/AIDS can lead to thrush.
• Antibiotic Use: Prolonged antibiotic use may disrupt the natural balance of bacteria, allowing candida to grow.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can provide a favourable environment for fungal growth.
• Wearing Dentures: Dentures that are poorly cleaned can increase the risk of thrush.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Dry mouth occurs when there’s not enough saliva in the mouth. Saliva plays a key role in keeping the mouth healthy by washing away bacteria and aiding digestion.

Causes:

• Medications: Some medicines like antihistamines or antidepressants can reduce saliva production.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids or losing fluids from illnesses like vomiting can cause dryness.
• Ageing: Older adults may naturally produce less saliva.
• Medical Conditions: Diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome or diabetes affect saliva glands.

Oral Herpes

Oral herpes, commonly caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), leads to cold sores or blisters around the mouth.

Causes:

• Direct Contact with the Virus: Sharing utensils, kissing, or coming into contact with infected saliva spreads HSV.
• Weakened Immune System: A compromised immune system increases the risk of outbreaks.
• Stress or Physical Strain: Situations like illness, stress, or injury can reactivate the dormant virus.

Preventing Oral Diseases

Preventing oral disease requires paying attention to both personal habits and environmental factors.

Strategies include:

• Brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing to remove plaque between teeth.
• Reducing sugar and acidic foods in the diet.
• Visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning.
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
• Staying hydrated to encourage saliva production.
• Cleaning dentures or orthodontic appliances daily.

Oral diseases can often be avoided through consistent care and attention. Understanding what causes these conditions is an important part of maintaining a healthier mouth and a better quality of life.