Your teeth are made of a hard, bonelike material. Inside the tooth are nerves and blood vessels. You need your teeth for many activities you may take for granted. These include eating, speaking and even smiling. But tooth disorders are nothing to smile about. They include problems such as cavities (also known as tooth decay), infections, and injuries.
The most familiar symptom of a tooth problem is a toothache. Others include worn-down or loose teeth. It's important that you see a dentist if you have any problems with your teeth. Fortunately, you can prevent many tooth disorders by taking care of your teeth and keeping them clean.
- Tooth Decay (Cavities/Caries)(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/decay_faq.asp
- Tooth Problems(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/511.printerview.html
- Tooth: Overview and Anatomy(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/tooth.asp
- Tooth Disorders(Merck & Co., Inc.) - http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec08/ch114/ch114a.html
- Dental Pain(DSHI Systems) - Requires Flash Player - http://www.freemd.com/dental-pain/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Newer Technologies Find Tooth Decay Early(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31850/t.68751/pr.3.html
- Why Do I Need X-Rays?(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1373
- X-Rays(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31855/t.32271/pr.3.html
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Amalgam (Silver-Colored) Fillings(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fillings_faq.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.ada.org/public/espanol/faq/fillings_faq.asp
- Apicoectomy(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32226/t.29811/pr.3.html
- Corrective Jaw Surgery(American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons) - http://www.aaoms.org/corrective_jaw.php
- Crowns(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31905/t.31914/pr.3.html
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Dental Filling Facts(American Dental Association) - Links to PDF - http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/materials/dental_fillings_facts_full.pdf
- Dental Filling Options(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fillings.asp
- Fillings: The Basics(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31850/t.31916/pr.3.html
- Hemisection(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32226/t.31470/pr.3.html
- Inlays and Onlays(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32226/t.32171/pr.3.html
- Laser Dentistry(Academy of General Dentistry) - Links to PDF - http://www.agd.org/public/OralHealthFacts/files/pdfgenerator.aspx?pdf=FS_Laser.pdf&id=&margin=1
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon(American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons) - http://www.aaoms.org/the_oms.php
- Osseous Surgery(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32577/t.32538/pr.3.html
- Pins and Posts(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31850/t.35388/pr.3.html
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Root Canal (Endodontic) Treatment(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/root_canal_faq.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.ada.org/public/espanol/faq/root_canal_faq.asp
- Tooth Extraction(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32226/t.32769/pr.3.html
- Tooth-Colored Fillings(American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) - http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/fillings.asp
- Vital Pulpotomy(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32226/t.35022/pr.3.html
- What Is Air Abrasion?(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1112
- Why Does My Dentist Prescribe Medication?(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1262
- Preventing Dental Caries(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/publications/factsheets/Prevention/oh.htm
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Water Fluoridation: Frequently Asked Questions(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs.htm
Also available in Spanish http://www.cdc.gov/spanish/dental/fl-faqs.htm
- Nutrition(American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons) - http://www.aaoms.org/nutrition.php
- Oral Health: Nutrition - Adults(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=315&Topic=N
- What Is Dental Amalgam (Silver Fillings)?(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1242
- Abscess(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32219/t.25093/pr.3.html
- Bruxism/Teeth Grinding(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/bruxism/DS00337/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
- Cavities/Tooth Decay(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/cavities/DS00896/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
- Cracked Tooth Syndrome(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32219/t.25016/pr.3.html
- Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites(Cleveland Clinic Foundation) - http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dental_care/hic_crooked_teeth_and_misaligned_bites.aspx
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Dental Emergencies & Injuries(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/manage/emergencies.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.ada.org/public/espanol/topics/emergency.asp
- Dental Implants(American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons) - http://www.aaoms.org/dental_implants.php
- Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis)(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32219/t.25023/pr.3.html
- Enamel Fluorosis(American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) - http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/fluorosis.asp
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/wisdom-teeth/DS00679/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
- Sensitive Teeth: Causes and Treatment(American Dental Association) - Links to PDF - http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/jada/patient/patient_33.pdf
- Tooth Abfraction Lesions(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32219/t.31403/pr.3.html
- Tooth Abrasion and Tooth Erosion(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32219/t.35262/pr.3.html
- Tooth Discoloration(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32219/t.25021/pr.3.html
- Toothache: First Aid(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/first-aid-toothache/FA00013/METHOD=print
- What Is Orofacial Pain?(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1352
- Wisdom Teeth(American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons) - http://www.aaoms.org/wisdom_teeth.php
- "Meth Mouth" Can Leave Users Toothless(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/media/releases/0609_release03.asp
- Amalgam Tattoos(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32219/t.29810/pr.3.html
- Bone Augmentation and Nerve Repositioning(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32575/t.34985/pr.3.html
- Bottled Water and Cavities: Is There a Link?(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/bottled-water/AN01590/METHOD=print
- Consumer Update: Dental Amalgams(Center for Devices and Radiological Health) - http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/amalgams.html
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Dental Anesthesia(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/anesthesia_faq.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.ada.org/public/espanol/faq/anesthesia_faq.asp
- Illustrations: How a Tooth Decays(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31843/t.31886/pr.3.html
- Illustrations: Root Canal Treatment from Start to Finish(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31927/t.32557/pr.3.html
- Atlas of the Body: The Teeth(American Medical Association) - http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZTD0TCGJC&sub_cat=525
- Parts of Your Teeth and Gums(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31843/t.31883/pr.3.html
- Tooth: Overview and Anatomy(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/tooth.asp
- Dental Benefits/Insurance(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/insurance_faq.asp
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Dental Caries
(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Dental+Caries%22
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Dental Plaque(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Dental+Plaque%22
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Tooth Diseases(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Tooth+Diseases%22
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Root Canal Therapy(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/intervention=root+canal
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Genetics Home Reference: Amelogenesis imperfecta(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=amelogenesisimperfecta
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Genetics Home Reference: Cherubism(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=cherubism
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Genetics Home Reference: Dentinogenesis imperfecta(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=dentinogenesisimperfecta
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Genetics Home Reference: Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=hypohidroticectodermaldysplasia
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Dentin Disorders: The Twists and Turns of Cloning the DSPP Gene(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/Research/ResearchResults/InterviewsOHR/DSPP.htm
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Tooth Decay(National Institutes of Health) - Links to PDF - http://www.nih.gov/about/researchresultsforthepublic/ToothDecay.pdf
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Tooth Development(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/Research/facingthefuture/toothDevelopment.htm
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Contact damage to root surfaces of premolars touching miniscrews during... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18774081&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Systemic antibiotics and tooth loss in periodontal disease. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18719216&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Serotonin syndrome in the oral and maxillofacial surgery office: a... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18718407&tool=MedlinePlus
- Tooth Disorders -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=(tooth+diseases[majr]+NOT+malocclusion[majr])+AND+humans[mh]+AND+english[la]+AND+(patient+education+handout[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt]+OR+jsubsetk[text]+OR+jsubsetaim[text]+OR+jsubsetn[text])+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
- Dental Terms(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/public/dentalterms/
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Glossary of Dental Terms(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/resources/glossary.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.ada.org/public/espanol/glossary.asp
- Find a Dentist(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/findadentist/disclaimer.asp
- Find a Dentist: ADA Member Directory(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/disclaimer.asp
- Academy of General Dentistry - http://www.agd.org/
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons - http://www.aaoms.org/
- American Dental Association - http://www.ada.org/
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/
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National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/
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Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/DentalCaries/
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/teeth/bruxism.html
- Oral Health: Nutrition - Children(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=316&Topic=N
- Repairing Children's Teeth(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31840/t.32475/pr.3.html
- Taking the Bite out of Bruxism(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/teeth/bruxism.html
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Tooth Injuries(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/tooth_injury.html
Also available in Spanish http://kidshealth.org/parent/en_espanol/general/tooth_injury_esp.html
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What's a Cavity?(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/cavity.html
Also available in Spanish http://kidshealth.org/kid/en_espanol/preguntas/cavities_esp.html
- How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral Health(Columbia University Medical Center, School of Dental & Oral Surgery) - http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.31848/t.35020/pr.3.html
- Menstruation, Pregnancy and Menopause Spell Trouble for Teeth(Academy of General Dentistry) - http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1368
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Oral Changes with Age(American Dental Association) - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/oral_changes_faq.asp
Also available in Spanish http://www.ada.org/public/espanol/faq/age_faq.asp
- Child Dental Health - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childdentalhealth.html
- Cosmetic Dentistry - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cosmeticdentistry.html
- Dental Health - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dentalhealth.html
- Gum Disease - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gumdisease.html
- Orthodontia - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/orthodontia.html
- Mouth and Teeth - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mouthandteeth.html
The primary NIH organization for research on Tooth Disorders is the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/
Tooth Disorders - Multiple Languages - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/languages/toothdisorders.html