Endodontics
Recently updated on November 15th, 2022 at 12:24 pm
DENTAL CARIES (TOOTH DECAY)
Dental caries means tooth decay. This occurs when the acid produced by certain types of bacteria destroys the tooth enamel and the underlying dentin layer.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Three possible symptoms that indicate caries in your tooth are toothache; sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold food and drinks, or pain during chewing.
CAUSES
Many types of bacteria live in the mouth, and these bacteria form an adhesive layer on the teeth called bacterial plaque. When we eat or drink, these bacteria produce acid, and under the existing bacterial plaque this acid destroys the protective layer of the tooth. Again, these acids cause the loss of minerals in tooth enamel, and if that is ignored, this leads to caries. Destruction begins in the enamel, which is the main part of the tooth, and when the enamel is destroyed, caries deepens, first in the dentin and, finally, in the pulp (the essence of the tooth), where the nerves are located.
DIAGNOSTICS
Your dentist can diagnose tooth decay by examining the surface of the tooth and performing an X-ray of the tooth, and determine if the decay reached the dentin or pulp.
HOW TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY(DENTAL CAVITIES)?
Brushing your teeth and flossing every day helps to reduce the amount of bacteria and bacteria in your mouth.
Eating less sugary or starchy foods throughout the day helps reduce the amount of acids that damage your teeth.
To prevent tooth decay, your dentist will recommend
the use of toothpaste, which strengthens the teeth with fluoride, as well as treatment with fluoride and fluoride supplements.
Using an antibacterial mouthwash helps reduce the number of bacteria that cause tooth decay.
TREATMENT
In adults: dentists can apply sealant to molars, which show the first signs of caries if it has not yet destroyed tooth enamel. When the enamel is irreversibly destroyed, your dentist must fill the tooth. In more serious cases, canal treatment may also be required.
In children: Fissure sealants can be applied to both molars and permanent molars. Dentists can also apply fluoride gel / varnish to both milk teeth and permanent teeth to protect against caries.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
If caries is not treated in the early stages, it can cause significant tooth decay, even to the point of complete destruction. In addition, when caries sinks to the root of the tooth, there is a risk of developing an infection associated with an abscess.
OTHER RELATED ISSUES
Tooth decay results from poor oral hygiene and inadequate and unpropper cleaning of bacterial plaque on tooth surfaces. Different types of bacteria accumulate in the bacterial plaque near the gum line and can cause gum disease. Dentists and periodontists can treat gum disease. If caries is not treated, then the tooth becomes sensitive when eating and drinking, as caries deepens into the dental nerves.
This content was recently updated, updated on 7 November 2022 at 06:56 pm