As current seniors at McNeil High School representing HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), we realized that many diseases and disorders were commonly overlooked, inspiring us to promote public awareness on cavities and gum disease.

Since it would severely affect all ages at any time in their lives, we have chosen cavities and gum disease as our topics to promote. As one of the most commonly overlooked disorders and inflammation, these painful disruptions of everyday life are enormous impacts that require, at times immediate, professional dental assistance.

A common misunderstanding of many adults and children is that cavities occur more frequently in children, because they prefer candy bars, gums, and chewy candies. However, just sweets alone do not cause this throbbing condition; all carbohydrates, such as milk, bread, potatoes, fruit and candy create a risk when they are not properly cleaned off of the outside layer of the tooth, called enamel. Saliva and bacteria in mouths then create acids of these food debris, ultimately creating plaque that clings on the teeth; the plaque dwells in the teeth then decays the enamel, and may also start a decay in dentin, or the inner layer, caving holes in teeth that we call cavities.

Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is characterized by bleeding and swelling of the gums, usually preceding periodontitis (which is more commonly known as gum disease). These conditions cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, caused by the buildup of bacteria in plaques of teeth. In result, the gums may pull away from the teeth, exposing the teeth to an excess creation of plaque, ultimately producing a more serious risk and/or condition of cavities.

Gum disease and cavities could be treated by a professional dentist or dental care worker; cavities are drilled and the hole is replaced by a composite resin, while gum disease is usually treated by the attachment of healthy gums to those that are affected. If the gum disease is not at a severe situation, it could be treated by controlling the bacterial growth of it as well. A great way to stay away from gum disease and cavities is brushing your teeth daily and consuming a diet low on carbohydrates .

Spread your knowledge about gum disease and cavities so you and your community can stay healthy. May the tooth be with you!

About Us: We are seniors representing HOSA’s (Health Occupations Students of America) Community Awareness team. We hope to raise community awareness on two frequently overlooked disorders, cavities and gum disorders, for it could be diagnosed to anyone at anytime. Please visit our website at https://sites.google.com/view/maythetoothbewithyou/home