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Tooth Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Mouth Teeth

Tooth Disorders

An overview of the structure of teeth and the common disorders that can affect them, ranging from decay to misalignment.

What are teeth?

Your teeth are made of a hard, bonelike material consisting of four parts:

  • Enamel: Your tooth's hard surface.
  • Dentin: The hard yellow part under the enamel.
  • Cementum: The hard tissue that covers the root and keeps your teeth in place.
  • Pulp: The soft connective tissue in the center of your tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels.

What are tooth disorders?

There are many different problems that can affect your teeth, including:

  • Tooth decay: Damage to a tooth's surface, which can lead to cavities.
  • Abscess: A pocket of pus caused by a tooth infection.
  • Impacted tooth: A tooth that did not erupt when it should have.
  • Misaligned teeth (malocclusion).
  • Tooth injuries: Such as broken or chipped teeth.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your dentist will diagnose tooth disorders by asking about your symptoms, examining your teeth, and using dental instruments or x-rays. Treatments depend on the specific problem and may include:

  • Fillings for cavities.
  • Root canals for cavities or infections affecting the pulp.
  • Extractions for teeth that are impacted, too damaged to be fixed, or causing overcrowding.

Prevention

The main way to prevent tooth disorders is to take good care of your teeth:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Clean between your teeth every day with floss or another interdental cleaner.
  • Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
  • Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
  • See your dentist or oral health professional regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include toothache or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, visible holes or dark spots on your teeth, persistent bad breath, swelling around a tooth, or a tooth that feels loose or broken. Any unusual pain or change in your teeth warrants a dental check-up.
Treatment depends on the specific disorder. For cavities, fillings are common. Infections or deep decay may require root canals. Severely damaged, impacted, or overcrowded teeth might need extractions. Your dentist will recommend the best approach after diagnosis.
To prevent most tooth disorders, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner, limit sugary snacks and drinks, avoid smoking or chewing tobacco, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
You should seek urgent dental care if you experience severe tooth pain, facial swelling, a knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth with sharp edges, or signs of an infection like fever along with tooth pain. These situations may require immediate attention to prevent further damage or complications.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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