The Singapore Family Physician

Back to issue Vol 37 No. 1 - Oral Health in Primary Care

Common Dental Conditions in Adults

Rahul Nair
Adeline Wong
Joanna Ngo
Wong Mun Loke
The Singapore Family Physician Vol 37 No 1 - Oral Health in Primary Care
14 - 17
1 January 2011
0377-5305
Dental caries and periodontal disease are the two most common dental conditions which afflict the general adult population. Dental caries presents with several common signs and symptoms which include sensitivity or pain to hot and/or cold foods, pain while chewing, exudate, swelling, and/or other signs of inflammation. Common signs and symptoms of periodontal diseases include redness and swelling of gingiva, malodour, exudate, bleeding while brushing, tooth looking longer than normal, increased mobility of teeth, and pain. The common Risk Factor Approach prevents dental caries and periodontal disease. One of the most significant risk factors for periodontal disease is cigarette smoking. Diabetes mellitus, AIDs and pregnancy, are also associated with periodontitis.