DENTAL CARIES AND DENTISTRY- go hand in hand

DEFINITION

It is a destructive process causing decalcification of the tooth enamel and leading to continued destruction of enamel and dentin, and cavitation of the tooth.

 Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants.

If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits go a long way toward preventing cavities and tooth decay.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of cavities and tooth decay vary depending on their extent and location. When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. But your dentist may be able to see that decay is starting and recommend steps to keep it from getting worse.

As the decay gets larger, it may cause such signs and symptoms as:

• Toothache
• Tooth sensitivity
• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Pain when you bite down
• Pus around a tooth, especially when you press on your gums

WHEN TO SEE A DENTIST

You may not be aware that a cavity is forming, so visiting your dentist regularly is your best protection against cavities and tooth decay. If you experience toothache or mouth pain — common signs of cavities — see your dentist as soon as possible.

If a cavity is treated before it starts causing pain, you probably won't need extensive treatment. That's why it's important to have regular dental checkups and cleanings even when your mouth feels fine. By the time you notice symptoms, the damage is getting worse.

CAUSES

Cavities are caused by tooth decay — a process that occurs over time. It begins as the action of bacteria damages the hard surface (enamel) of your teeth, a process that can occur without any noticeable discomfort.

 Decay can then progress to the deeper layers of your teeth in the following steps:

Plaque forms. Your mouth, like many other parts of your body, naturally contains many types of bacteria. Some of these bacteria thrive on food and drinks that contain certain forms of sugar, also known as fermentable carbohydrates. When these sugars aren't cleaned off your teeth, the bacteria quickly begin feeding on them and producing acids. The bacteria, acids, food particles and saliva then form into dental plaque — a sticky film that coats your teeth. If you run your tongue along your teeth, you may be able to feel this plaque forming several hours after you've brushed. The plaque is slightly rough and is more noticeable on your back teeth, especially close to your gums.

Plaque attacks. The acids in plaque remove minerals in your tooth's hard, outer enamel. This erosion causes tiny openings or holes in the enamel — the first stage of cavities. Once areas of enamel are worn away, the bacteria and acid can reach the next layer of your teeth, called dentin. This layer is softer and less resistant to acid than is enamel.

Destruction continues. As tooth decay continues, the bacteria and acid continue their march through your teeth, moving next to the inner tooth material (pulp) that contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp becomes swollen and irritated from the bacteria. The bone supporting your tooth also may be affected. When decay advances to this extent, you may have severe toothache, sensitivity, pain when biting or other symptoms. Your body also may respond to these bacterial invaders by sending white blood cells to fight the infection. This may result in a tooth abscess.

RISK FACTORS

Cavities are one of our most common worldwide health problems. Everyone who has teeth is at risk of getting them, but the following factors can increase risk:

Tooth location. Decay most frequently occurs in your back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have lots of grooves, pits and crannies that are great for grinding food — but they can also collect food particles. As a result, they're harder to keep clean than your smoother and more accessible front teeth. Between your hard-to-reach back teeth, plaque can build and bacteria can thrive, producing the acid that destroys tooth enamel.

Certain foods and drinks. Some foods and drinks are more likely than others to cause decay. Foods that cling to your teeth for a long time, such as milk, ice cream, honey, table sugar, soda, raisins and other dried fruit, cake, cookies, hard candy, breath mints, dry cereal and chips, are more likely to cause decay than are foods that are easily washed away by saliva.

Frequent snacking or sipping. When you steadily snack or sip sodas, you give mouth bacteria more fuel to produce acids that attack your teeth and wear them down.

Bedtime infant feeding. Parents and caregivers are encouraged not to give babies bedtime bottles filled with milk, formula, juice or other sugar-containing liquids. These beverages will remain on teeth for hours while your baby sleeps, providing food for decay-causing bacteria. This damage is often called baby bottle tooth decay. Letting a toddler who's transitioning from a bottle wander around drinking from a "sippy" cup can cause similar damage.

Inadequate brushing. If you don't clean your teeth soon after eating and drinking, plaque forms quickly and the first stages of decay can begin.

Not getting enough fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps avoid cavities — and can even reverse the earliest stages of tooth damage — by helping teeth repair themselves. Because of its benefits for teeth, fluoride is now added to many public water supplies. It's also a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouth rinses. If you drink bottled or filtered water that doesn't contain fluoride, you may miss out on its protective benefits. On the other hand, some bottled water may contain added fluoride. If your drinking water and tooth care products also contain fluoride, it's possible that babies and children could get too much.

 Younger or older age. In India, cavities are the most common chronic disease among children and teenagers. Older adults are also at higher risk as more of us keep our teeth as we age. Over time, teeth can wear down and gums may recede, making teeth more vulnerable to root decay. Tooth roots are naturally covered with a coating called cementum, but cementum is quickly lost when the root surface is exposed. The underlying dentin is softer than enamel and more susceptible to decay. Older adults also may use more medications that can reduce saliva flow, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Dry mouth. Dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva, which helps prevent tooth decay by washing away food and plaque from your teeth. Substances found in saliva also help counter the acid produced by decay-producing bacteria and can even help repair early tooth decay.

Worn fillings or dental devices. Over the years, dental fillings can weaken, begin to break down or develop rough edges. These developments can allow plaque to build up more easily and make it harder to remove. Fillings and dental devices can also leak or stop fitting well, allowing decay to begin underneath them.

Eating disorders. Anorexia and bulimia can lead to significant tooth erosion and cavities. Stomach acid from repeated purging (vomiting) washes over the teeth and begins dissolving the enamel. In addition, people with eating disorders may sip soda or other acidic drinks throughout the day, which also helps create a continual acid bath over the teeth. Eating disorders can also interfere with saliva production.

Heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux and heartburn can cause stomach acid to flow into your mouth, wearing away the enamel of your teeth. If your dentist notices enamel loss and doesn't think this loss is caused by grinding your teeth, consult your physician to see if gastric reflux is the cause. Untreated reflux can cause significant tooth damage that is costly to correct.

Certain cancer treatments. Having radiation to your head or neck can increase your risk of cavities by reducing saliva production, which prevents cavity-producing bacteria from being washed away. Certain chemotherapy drugs also tend to cause dry mouth.

COMPLICATIONS

Cavities and tooth decay are so common that you may not take them seriously. And you may think that it doesn't matter if children get cavities in their baby teeth. However, cavities and tooth decay can have serious and lasting complications, even for children who haven't yet gotten their permanent teeth.

Complications may include:

PAIN                                                                                                                       TOOTH LOSS

                                  

                                                                                    

                                                                          


          

BROKEN TEETH     

                                                                  SERIOUS INFECTIONS

Also above mentioned things may lead to chewing problems and ultimately degrading the general health of the person

In addition, when cavities and decay become severe and very painful, they can interfere with daily living. The pain may prevent you from going to school or work, for instance. If it's too painful or difficult to chew or eat, you may lose weight or develop nutrition problems. Cavities that affect your appearance or result in tooth loss may affect your confidence and self-esteem. In rare cases, an abscess from a cavity can cause serious or even life-threatening infections when not properly treated.

Above all dental caries or tooth decay is the disease of negligence regular checkups will help you identify cavities and other dental conditions before they cause troubling symptoms and lead to more-serious problems. The sooner you seek care, the better your chances of reversing the earliest stages of tooth decay and preventing its progression.

After reading this entire section if you're experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Regards

Dr P.B.Sood