Dental disorders

Dental disorders encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, gums, and related structures, such as the jaws and soft tissues. These disorders can be congenital, acquired, or the result of disease, injury, or environmental factors. This article provides an in-depth look at numerous dental disorders, categorized into the following groups:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
• Teeth
• Periodontium
• Periapical, Mandibular, and Maxillary Hard Tissues

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Oral and maxillofacial pathology refers to the study of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, and face, often diagnosed through clinical examination, imaging, and biopsy.

Glossary of Disorders in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

• Amalgam tattoo - A benign, localized discoloration of the oral mucosa caused by the implantation of dental amalgam particles.
• Angina bullosa haemorrhagica - A condition characterized by the sudden onset of blood-filled blisters, often appearing on the soft palate or buccal mucosa.
• Anodontia - A congenital condition in which one or more teeth fail to develop.
• Avulsion - The complete displacement of a tooth from its socket, often due to trauma or injury.
• Behçet's disease - A chronic condition involving inflammation of blood vessels, often leading to recurrent oral and genital ulcers, along with skin lesions.
• Benign: Squamous cell papilloma - A non-cancerous tumor that appears as a small, wart-like growth in the mouth.
• Bohn's nodules - Small, benign cysts found on the hard palate, typically seen in newborns.
• Burning mouth syndrome - A condition causing a burning sensation in the mouth without an obvious cause, often associated with dry mouth or neurological factors.
• Candidiasis - A fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida species, often resulting in white lesions in the mouth.
• Caries - Commonly known as tooth decay, caries are caused by bacterial activity that demineralizes the enamel, leading to cavities.
• Concrescence - A condition where two or more teeth become fused by their cementum, often due to trauma or developmental anomalies.
• Condyloma acuminatum - Genital warts that can also appear in the oral cavity, often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
• Cracked tooth syndrome - A condition where a tooth has a hairline fracture, which can cause discomfort or pain when chewing.
• Darier's disease - A genetic disorder that can cause oral lesions, including thickened, pitted skin, and oral mucosal involvement.
• Dens evaginatus - A rare anomaly where an additional cusp-like structure develops on the surface of a tooth, typically in the premolar area.
• Dens in dente - A rare dental anomaly in which the enamel and dentin of a tooth invaginate, creating a "tooth within a tooth" appearance.
• Dentin dysplasia - A genetic disorder that affects dentin, resulting in abnormal tooth formation, often causing discoloration or structural defects in teeth.
• Dentin hypersensitivity - A condition in which the teeth experience discomfort or pain when exposed to certain stimuli, such as hot, cold, or sweet foods.
• Dentinogenesis imperfecta - A genetic disorder that results in defective dentin formation, causing discolored, brittle teeth.
• Dilaceration - The abnormal angulation or curvature of a tooth's root or crown, often due to trauma or disturbance during tooth development.
• Discoloration - Changes in the color of teeth, which can be caused by staining, genetic factors, or trauma.
• Ectopic enamel - The presence of enamel outside the normal boundaries of the crown or root of the tooth, often seen as white spots or lesions.
• Enamel hypocalcification - A condition where the enamel is softer and more prone to decay due to insufficient mineralization during development.
• Enamel hypoplasia - Underdevelopment of enamel, resulting in thin, defective enamel that can cause sensitivity or increased risk of decay.
• Enamel pearl - A small, round deposit of enamel found on the root surface of a tooth, usually at the furcation area.
• Epulis fissuratum - A benign overgrowth of tissue in the oral cavity, usually associated with poorly fitting dentures or other irritants.
• Erythema multiforme - A hypersensitivity reaction that presents as red, target-like lesions, often affecting the mucous membranes, including the mouth.
• Erythroplakia - A red, velvety lesion in the mouth, often considered precancerous, and may progress to oral cancer.
• Fibroma - A benign tumor composed of fibrous tissue, often appearing as a small, firm nodule in the mouth.
• Fluorosis - A condition caused by excessive fluoride intake during tooth development, leading to mottled or discolored enamel.
• Focal epithelial hyperplasia - A viral infection that results in small, wart-like lesions in the mouth, caused by HPV.
• Fordyce spots - Small, yellowish sebaceous glands that are often visible on the buccal mucosa or lips.
• Fusion - The joining of two adjacent teeth during development, resulting in a single larger tooth with fused roots or crowns.
• Gemination - The abnormal development of a single tooth, resulting in a tooth with a bifurcated or "double" crown.
• Giant-cell - A type of benign tumor in the oral cavity, often causing bone destruction and expansion, typically arising from the gingiva.
• Hairy leukoplakia - A condition often seen in immunocompromised patients, characterized by white patches on the tongue, which are caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
• Hand, foot and mouth disease - A viral illness that causes ulcers in the mouth, often accompanied by a rash on the hands and feet, most common in children.
• Hereditary benign intraepithelial dyskeratosis - A rare inherited condition causing white, thickened lesions on the oral mucosa and conjunctiva.
• Herpangina - A viral infection primarily affecting children, characterized by small vesicles in the mouth, typically caused by enteroviruses.
• Herpes zoster - Also known as shingles, this viral infection can cause painful oral lesions, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
• Hyperdontia - The condition of having extra teeth, known as supernumerary teeth, which can be found in various regions of the mouth.
• Hypodontia - The congenital absence of one or more teeth, often in the permanent dentition.
• Impaction - The failure of a tooth to erupt properly into the oral cavity, often affecting the wisdom teeth.
• Intraoral dental sinus - A chronic draining sinus tract in the mouth, often associated with a periapical infection or abscess.
• Irritation fibroma - A benign oral lesion that typically occurs in response to chronic irritation or trauma to the oral mucosa.
• Keratocystic odontogenic tumour - A benign but locally aggressive tumor that originates from the tissues of the tooth-forming apparatus.
• Leukoedema - A benign, asymptomatic condition of the buccal mucosa, characterized by a grayish, opaque appearance.
• Leukoplakia - A white, thickened lesion in the mouth that may be precancerous or indicate a potential for oral cancer.
• Lichen planus - A chronic inflammatory condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes, including the oral cavity, often causing white lacy lesions.
• Linea alba - A white line along the buccal mucosa, typically caused by chronic biting or irritation.
• Lupus erythematosus - An autoimmune condition that can cause oral ulcers and lesions, often presenting with a characteristic butterfly-shaped rash on the face.
• Macrodontia - A condition where one or more teeth are larger than normal.
• Malignant: Adenosquamous carcinoma - A rare and aggressive type of oral cancer, combining features of both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
• Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis - The absence of one or both maxillary lateral incisors, a common form of hypodontia.
• Melanocytic nevus - A benign pigmented lesion, often appearing as a mole or birthmark, that can also develop in the oral cavity.
• Meth mouth - A condition characterized by severe dental decay and tooth loss, often associated with chronic methamphetamine use.
• Microdontia - A condition in which one or more teeth are smaller than normal, often affecting the maxillary lateral incisors.
• Molluscum contagiosum - A viral infection caused by a poxvirus, which results in small, raised, pearly lesions in the mouth and other areas of the skin.
• Morsicatio buccarum - A condition in which a patient chronically chews the buccal mucosa, leading to thickened, white lesions.
• Mucosal melanoma - A rare and aggressive type of melanoma that develops in the mucosal lining of the mouth or other mucosal surfaces.
• Neonatal teeth - Teeth that emerge in newborns, often causing irritation to the soft tissues of the mouth.
• Odontogenic tumors - Tumors that arise from the tissues involved in tooth formation, including the enamel, dentin, and cementum.
• Odontoma - A benign tumor composed of tooth-like structures, often discovered during routine dental exams.
• Open contact - A condition in which there is a gap or space between adjacent teeth, often caused by improper tooth positioning or worn-down restorations.
• Oral cancer - A general term for malignancies affecting the mouth, including benign and malignant conditions such as squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma.
• Oral florid papillomatosis - A condition characterized by extensive wart-like growths in the oral cavity, often associated with HPV.
• Oral melanosis - A condition where dark pigmentation appears in the oral mucosa, often benign but requiring evaluation to rule out malignancy.
• Pemphigoid - An autoimmune condition causing blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, including the mouth.
• Pemphigus - A rare autoimmune disorder leading to painful blisters in the oral mucosa, often severe.
• Plasmoacanthoma - A rare condition involving the accumulation of plasma cells in the oral mucosa, often causing lesions.
• Premature eruption - The early emergence of teeth in infants or children, often preceding the expected eruption timeline.
• Pulp calcification - The formation of calcified deposits within the pulp chamber or canals, typically associated with aging or trauma.
• Pulp canal obliteration - The closure or narrowing of the pulp canal, often as a result of trauma, leading to the loss of pulp vitality.
• Pulp necrosis - The death of pulp tissue within a tooth, often caused by infection or trauma.
• Pulp polyp - An overgrowth of the pulp tissue in response to infection or inflammation, often seen in the coronal portion of the tooth.
• Pulp stone - Small, calcified masses that form within the pulp, which may interfere with root canal treatment.
• Pulpitis - Inflammation of the pulp tissue, typically caused by decay, trauma, or infection, resulting in pain and possible tooth sensitivity.
• Regional odontodysplasia - A rare condition characterized by abnormal tooth development in a specific region of the mouth, often leading to malformed or missing teeth.
• Resorption - The process in which the root or crown of a tooth is broken down and absorbed by the body, often as a result of trauma, infection, or orthodontic treatment.
• Shovel-shaped incisors - A genetic trait characterized by incisors with a scooped or shovel-like shape, commonly found in certain populations.
• Smoker's melanosis - A condition where smokers develop increased pigmentation of the oral mucosa, often due to the chemicals in tobacco.
• Squamous cell carcinoma - The most common type of oral cancer, often associated with smoking, alcohol use, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Stomatitis - Inflammation of the mucous lining of the mouth, which can be caused by infections, irritants, or systemic conditions.
• Supernumerary root - The development of an additional root on a tooth, which can complicate dental procedures such as extractions.
• Talon cusp - An accessory cusp found on the incisal edge of maxillary or mandibular incisors.
• Taurodontism - A condition where the pulp chamber of a tooth is enlarged, typically affecting molars and potentially causing issues with root canal treatment.
• Trauma - Injuries to the teeth caused by external forces, such as fractures, avulsions (tooth loss), or luxation (displacement).
• Turner's hypoplasia - A type of enamel hypoplasia that occurs as a result of trauma or infection affecting the developing tooth.
• Verrucous carcinoma - A rare, low-grade form of squamous cell carcinoma that presents as a warty lesion in the mouth.
• Vertical root fracture - A fracture that occurs along the length of the root, typically caused by trauma or excessive force during dental procedures.
• Wisdom tooth impaction - A common condition where the third molars, or wisdom teeth, fail to erupt or emerge incorrectly, causing pain and potential complications.

Glossary of Periodontal Disorders

Periodontal disorders affect the gums and tooth-supporting structures, leading to various forms of gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis.

Glossary of Periodontal Disorders

• Cementicle - A small calcified mass of cementum that forms around the root of a tooth, often seen in cases of periodontal disease.
• Cementoblastoma - A benign tumor that originates in the cementum, often associated with pain and swelling in the affected tooth.
• Gigantiform Cementoma - A rare, large benign tumor of the cementum that typically affects the mandible.
• Eruption cyst - A fluid-filled cyst that forms in the soft tissue over an erupting tooth, often seen in children.
• Epulis - A growth or tumor of the gingiva, typically appearing as a red, soft mass in the mouth.
• Pyogenic granuloma - A benign vascular lesion in the gums, often associated with pregnancy or irritation from local factors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

• Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease characterized by inflammation of the gums, often caused by poor oral hygiene. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a more severe form of gum disease that affects the underlying bone and tissues that support the teeth, leading to tooth mobility or loss.

How can I prevent dental caries?

• Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and visiting a dentist regularly for cleanings are crucial steps in preventing dental caries. Additionally, reducing sugar intake and using fluoride treatments can help protect enamel from demineralization.

What should I do if I have a cracked tooth?

• If you suspect that you have a cracked tooth, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the crack, treatment may involve a dental filling, crown, or root canal therapy to preserve the tooth.

Can periodontal disease be reversed?

• While periodontal disease cannot always be completely reversed, it can be managed effectively through professional treatment, including deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), as well as regular maintenance visits to control infection and prevent further damage.

What are supernumerary teeth?

• Supernumerary teeth are extra teeth that can develop in the mouth. These can sometimes interfere with normal tooth eruption or alignment. In many cases, these extra teeth are removed if they cause problems.

How can I manage tooth sensitivity?

• Dentin hypersensitivity can often be managed by using desensitizing toothpaste, avoiding acidic foods and drinks, and using fluoride treatments. If the sensitivity is severe, a dentist may recommend other treatments such as bonding or fluoride varnishes.

Summary

This comprehensive guide to dental disorders provides dental professionals and students with essential knowledge about the various conditions that can affect the oral cavity, including the teeth, gums, bone structures, and soft tissues. The glossary of terms ensures that each condition is clearly defined and linked to related topics for deeper understanding.

By maintaining a solid foundation of dental pathology knowledge, healthcare providers can more effectively diagnose, manage, and treat these disorders, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and oral health.

See Also

• Oral Pathology
• Oral Cancer
• Dental Erosion
• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis

External Links

• American Dental Association
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
• The British Dental Association