DENTAL CARIES/Tooth Decay
Dental Caries also known as tooth decay or a cavity, is an infection, bacterial in origin that causes demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth.
CAUSE OF TOOTH DECAY
The bacteria most commonly associated with tooth decay are Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacili etc.
These bacteria’s through fermentation of food debris that got accumulated on tooth surface produces acids .
These acids acts on the tooth structure and degradation of tooth resulting in tooth decay.
These bacteria’s through fermentation of food debris that got accumulated on tooth surface produces acids .
These acids acts on the tooth structure and degradation of tooth resulting in tooth decay.
TOOTH DECAY IN CHILDREN
The bacterial content in saliva varies with individual depending on various causes such as heredity dietary intake etc.
The caries prevalence of school children in Australia is in a hiking rate.
It is not the chocolate that alone responsible for decay but the food that stuck to tooth structure is the real culprit in children.
Hence sticky foods should be kept at bay as a preventive measure.
The caries prevalence of school children in Australia is in a hiking rate.
It is not the chocolate that alone responsible for decay but the food that stuck to tooth structure is the real culprit in children.
Hence sticky foods should be kept at bay as a preventive measure.
CARIES DETECTION
A person experiencing caries may not be aware of the disease in the initial stage of decay.
In the initial stage decay appears like a chalky white spot, later on color changes to brown, light brown, black etc.
Active decay is lighter in colour and dull in appearance.
In severe decay the affected area of tooth change colour and becomes soft to the touch.
Active decay is lighter in colour and dull in appearance.
In severe decay the affected area of tooth change colour and becomes soft to the touch.
A thorough examination of dentition by a dentist helps to detect decay rather than self examination.
MECHANISM OF TOOTH DECAY
The first entry to tooth surface is through enamel, which is the outer covering of the tooth, then to dentin the layer inside the enamel.
Finally it reaches the pulp, which is the innermost layer of tooth containing blood vessels and nerves resulting in tooth ache or tooth pain.
Finally it reaches the pulp, which is the innermost layer of tooth containing blood vessels and nerves resulting in tooth ache or tooth pain.
if NO treatment is taken in this level the infection can spread to the surrounding structures of tooth resulting in tooth loss or severe complications like Ludwig's angina.
TREATMENT OF TOOTH DECAY
Preventive measures like maintenance of good oral hygiene, dietary modifications, use of fluoridated tooth paste , toothpaste containing sugar acid neutralizer such as Colgate maximum cavity protection can be taken in to consideration.
Tooth should be brushed twice daily.
6 MONTHS INTERVAL of professional cleaning is advisable.
6 MONTHS INTERVAL of professional cleaning is advisable.
Restoration or filling of decayed tooth can be done like pit and fissure sealants or dental filling.
if pain occurs ,one can save the tooth by root canal therapy under medication.
by,
DR. RENJU T GEORGE,
INDIA.
