What is dental caries?
Dental caries, which is also known as tooth decay, is an infectious, progressive, and post-eruptive illness that affects the dental hard tissues and causes the decalcification of inorganic constituents and the dissolution of organic components. Both demineralization and remineralization take place concurrently in this dynamic process. A cavity develops when the rate of demineralization exceeds the rate of remineralization. Only two parts of the teeth are often affected by dental caries:
On the top of the tooth, where food is masticated, occlusal carries develop.
The bacteria live in the space between the teeth, where interproximal caries develops.
Pathophysiology and stages of tooth decay
‘Caries process’ is the term given to continues sequence of changes at the junction of each tooth. The interface between each tooth a layer of plaque or biofilm builds up.
Demineralisation: Cariogenic bacteria in the plaque biofilm convert sugars into harmful acids that lower the pH below the critical level (pH- 5.5) and initiate the demineralization.
Early lesion: tooth enamel is in a constant state of demineralization and remineralization. If the net time spent demineralizing is greater than that spent remineralizing, early white-spot lesions can form.
Cavitation: Early caries starts to form as a result of the enamels long exposure to acidic pH, constantly enduring the demineralization process and losing strength and structural integrity.
Causes and Risk factors
Poor oral hygiene practices
Dental plaque
Bleeding gums
Poor alignment of the bite cause damage to enamel thickness
People who get their permanent teeth earlier in life are at greater risk for cavities
Deep tooth crevices and enamel issues
Less thickness of enamel
Crooked and overlapped teeth
Improper nutrition
Bedtime feeding
Frequent snacking or sipping
Not getting enough fluoride
Sugary Foods
Acidic foods and drinks
Lack of saliva and dry mouth issues
Heartburn
Tooth grinding
Genetics
Age
History
1510 to 1590 – Frenchman Pare declared that a toothache was due to internal forces of hot or cold that resulted in caries.
1678 to 1761 – Pierre Fauchard, was one of the first to prefer the more technical term of caries.
1700 to 1800 – using histological preparation and stain technology, it is identified that caries was caused by external chemical agents.
1835 – Robertson, described that the caries was caused by the chemical disintegration of a tooth.
Symptoms of dental caries
Symptoms vary depending upon the density and their location on the teeth. Symptoms of dental caries include:
Sensitive tooth
Cavity or pit in your teeth’s
Pain while biting any down any food
Pain that causes without any apparent cause
Black, brown or white staining on the head of the teeth
Mild sharp pain when eating or drinking something
Complications
Continuous tooth pain
Tooth abscess become infected and trigger invasion of infection into the bloodstream cause sepsis
Chewing food is very much difficult
Increased risk of tooth chipping
Pus production around infected tooth
Gum disease (gingivitis)
Diagnosis and tests
Some of the diagnosis and tests for dental caries include:
Your dentist may usually do the physical examination in your mouth.
Asking about history of pain and sensitivity
By using dental instruments doctor may check the soft areas
Taking dental X-rays, which can show the extent of cavity and tooth decay
Treatment for dental caries
There are four main ways to treat dental caries include:
Crowns: It is used when teeth decay goes severe. Your dentist may place a cap on your tooth to replace the natural crown.
Root canal: Another method of treatment that can get rid of dental caries is called root canal treatment. If the pulp of the teeth is gravely affected by the decay, your doctor may perform root canal treatment. It involves the removal of the tooth along with the decayed portion and sealed with sealing material.
Root-canal therapy
Filling a tooth: A variety of materials, including composite resin and amalgam, are used to fill teeth. It is made of silver, copper, mercury, and other metals that resemble teeth in color, giving it a more appealing appearance.
Extraction: Even after repair, a tooth may still deteriorate. In that situation, the tooth needs to be removed before it spreads to other parts of the mouth. The alignment of the remaining teeth in the mouth may be impacted by tooth extraction. Therefore, a bridge or partial denture can be used in this situation with dental implants.
Avoiding dental cavities
Ideally, you should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after each meal, twice a day.
Fluoride mouthwash is advised.
Regular dental visits, oral cleanings, and examinations can help you avoid dental issues.
Limit your intake of snacks and beverages.
Eat tooth-friendly fare
By chewing xylitol-containing gum, you can reduce bacterial development.
Application of sealants to molar teeth