Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Behavioral and Habit-Related Conditions
Number of Conditions: 3
Tobacco-Related Oral Conditions
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Other Oral Health Conditions
Sub-category: Behavioral and Habit-Related Conditions
Symptoms:
persistent bad breath; discolored teeth; gum recession; difficulty healing in the oral cavity; oral leukoplakia (white patches); oral cancers
Root Cause:
Direct exposure to tobacco and its toxins damages oral tissues, reduces blood flow, and promotes inflammation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, patient history of tobacco use, biopsy of suspicious lesions.
Treatment:
Tobacco cessation, regular dental cleanings, treatment of lesions, and surgical removal of cancerous tissues.
Medications:
Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges), bupropion (antidepressant aiding cessation), varenicline (smoking cessation aid).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely common among smokers and users of smokeless tobacco; 75-90% of oral cancer cases linked to tobacco use.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, human papillomavirus (HPV).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Improved outcomes with early cessation; untreated lesions can progress to malignancies.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Oral cancer, periodontal disease, tooth loss, impaired wound healing, systemic effects like cardiovascular disease.
Oral Effects of Substance Use
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Other Oral Health Conditions
Sub-category: Behavioral and Habit-Related Conditions
Symptoms:
severe tooth decay; fractured teeth; xerostomia (dry mouth); oral sores; gum disease
Root Cause:
Substances like methamphetamine reduce saliva production, increase acidity, and promote poor oral hygiene habits.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Visual examination, patient history, and pattern of dental damage consistent with substance use.
Treatment:
Dental restoration (fillings, crowns, dentures), fluoride treatments, saliva substitutes, and substance use treatment.
Medications:
Fluoride varnishes, artificial saliva, and antibiotics for infections; medications for substance withdrawal such as methadone or buprenorphine .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among substance users, particularly methamphetamine users.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Substance abuse, poor diet, neglect of oral hygiene.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early intervention can restore oral health; prolonged neglect may require extensive rehabilitation.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth loss, severe periodontal disease, systemic infections.
Nail Biting and Its Effects on Oral Health
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Other Oral Health Conditions
Sub-category: Behavioral and Habit-Related Conditions
Symptoms:
chipped or cracked teeth; jaw pain; damage to tooth enamel; gingival injury
Root Cause:
Chronic mechanical stress on teeth and gums from nail-biting habits.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Observation of wear patterns on teeth and patient reporting.
Treatment:
Behavioral therapy, use of dental guards, and treatment of dental damage.
Medications:
No direct medications; sometimes anxiety-reducing medications like SSRIs for underlying triggers.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; affects 20-30% of the population, more prevalent in children and adolescents.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Anxiety, stress, boredom, genetics.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Habit cessation improves outcomes; untreated damage can progress.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tooth wear, gum infections, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.