Disease

Caries and inflammatory periodontal disease are the most prevalent oral diseases, both a result of the activity of dental bacterial plaque. Plaque is a complex biofilm containing various microorganisms that forms mainly on teeth and particularly between them, along the gingival margin, and in fissures and pits, adhering by a variety of mechanisms. If plaque is not regularly removed the flora evolves, and plaque may calcify, forming calculus (tartar).

Fermentation of sucrose and other non-milk extrinsic sugars by plaque bacteria to lactic and other acids causes tooth decalcification and, with proteolysis, results in caries (decay). The main causal organism is Streptococcus mutans. Caries has been declining for some years, mainly because of the protective effect of fluoride, but it is more prevalent in disadvantaged and deprived people, especially in preschool children.

Accumulation of plaque and a change in the microflora may also cause gingival inflammation (gingivitis). If conditions are appropriate this may progress to damage the periodontal membrane (chronic periodontitis) and lead to tooth loss.

Other damage

Trauma is common in sport, road accidents, violence, and epilepsy. It occurs mainly in males and usually affects the maxillary incisors.