Digestive, mouth and tooth problems

Question 1

Digestive system problems range from:

Answer 1

Indigestion, tumours, ulcers, hernias

Question 2

Hernia

Answer 2

Intestines protruding through a weakness in the abdominal wall

Question 3

Symptoms of digestive system problems

Answer 3

Vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhoea, and constipation

Question 4

Hiatus hernia

Answer 4

Part of the stomach pushed up through the diaphragm, producing heartburn or discomfort, relieved by alkalis or posture care

Question 5

Gastric ulcers

Answer 5

Affect the stomach. Most respond to drugs and diet

Question 6

Duodenal ulcers

Answer 6

Affect the duodenum

Question 7

Acute enteritis

Answer 7

Intestinal inflammation and diarrhoea (often due to food poisoning)

Question 8

Constipation

Answer 8

Affects the colon, and is often due to lack of exercise/roughage in the diet

Question 9

Appendicitis

Answer 9

Inflammation of the appendix, a serious condition cured by surgery

Question 10

Tumours

Answer 10

(in the colon) include cancers, and benign polyps removed with no need for an open operation

Question 11

Haemorrhoids (piles)

Answer 11

Dilated veins; severe pain and possible bleeding
Relived by dietary fibre and ligation or surgery

Question 12

Hepatitis

Answer 12

Inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infection or drinking too much alcohol (more than a quarter of a bottle of spirits a day)

Question 13

Cirrhosis

Answer 13

Serious liver damage (result of drinking too much)

Question 14

Cholecystitis

Answer 14

Inflammation of the gall bladder, usually caused by gallstones, which can be removed

Question 15

Pancreatitis

Answer 15

Inflammation of the pancreas, sometimes due to gall stones (medical help is needed)

Question 16

What destroys germs in the mouth?

Answer 16

Mucus, saliva, and secretions from tonsils destroy most germs and injuries usually heal quickly

Question 17

Aphthous ulcers

Answer 17

Inflamed sores inside the lip or cheek (steroid creams clear them up)

Question 18

Cold sores (herpes simplex)

Answer 18

Inflamed blisters around the corners of the mouth, caused by a virus (most clear up after a few days)

Question 19

Thrush (moniliasis)

Answer 19

Painful infection of the tongue and inside of the mouth by a yeastlike fungus (treated by antifungicides)

Question 20

Bad breath

Answer 20

Often due to bad teeth, unhealthy gums, or prolonged nasal infection. (Rinsing the mouth with salt water helps in some cases)

Question 21

Tooth decay

Answer 21

Unattended surface tooth decay can cause progressive damage

Question 22

Tooth decay examples:

Answer 22

Incisor with decayed spot
Molar with decay: penetrating enamel and dentine, penetrating to the pulp, penetrating to the roots

Question 23

Treatment of tooth decay

Answer 23

Dentists drill out decayed matter and replace with a linin of chemical cement (an amalgamation of several metals/translucent silicate cement)

Question 24

What can cause gum disorders?

Answer 24

Eating only soft food, brushing teeth inefficiently, and other factors

Question 25

Result of untreated gum disorders:

Answer 25

Sockets holding teeth become enlarged and teeth will loosen and fall out

Question 26

What can reduce the risk of gum decay?

Answer 26

Improving oral hygiene and diet

Question 27

Treatments of gum disorders?

Answer 27

Antiseptic mouthwashes, antibiotics, and even surgery of diseased gums

Question 28

Tooth replacement: crowns (and bridges)

Answer 28

Crown: featuring a porcelain cap, cemented to a tooth with a metal post in the root canal

Question 29

Tooth replacement: partial denture

Answer 29

Artificial plastic teeth attached to natural ones by clips or supports