A Brief Discussion on Dental Diseases February 12, 1996

A Brief Discussion on Dental Diseases February 12, 1996

It is commonly said, "Toothache isn't really an illness—no one asks about it even if you're dying." Among outpatients, dental problems can generally be grouped into four categories: ① dental caries; ② pulpitis; ③ periodontitis; ④ pericoronitis. Together, these four conditions account for approximately 80% of all oral diseases. Dental caries refers to tooth decay caused by insects, periodontitis is inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth root and tip, and pericoronitis is inflammation of the soft tissues around the crown. The underlying causes of these three conditions are largely the same: poor oral hygiene, dental plaque, calculus, bacterial biofilm, foreign objects, and dentures. In young children, a long-term preference for sugary foods is also a contributing factor to dental caries. Pericoronitis is particularly common in wisdom teeth that are difficult to erupt in the molars. The end result of these three dental diseases is pulpitis or periapical abscess. Periapical abscesses and pulpitis cause continuous pain that intensifies intermittently; the best treatment is usually drilling to relieve pressure and drain the pus. Peri-apical abscesses require incision and drainage. For periodontitis, the primary principle is anti-inflammatory treatment; once the infection matures, incision and drainage may be necessary. Traditional Chinese medicine can be effective against toothache, but its effects are not as pronounced as those of Western medicine, which is slightly superior.