Dental caries Moreva S.S., 171 Altai State Medical University

Dental caries is a disease of the calcified tissues of the teeth caused by the action of micro-organisms on fermentable carbohydrates. It is characterized by demineralization of mineral portion of enamel and dentine followed by disintegration of their organic material.

Signs and symptoms (A) A small spot of decay visible on the surface of a tooth. (B) The radiograph reveals an extensive region of demineralization within the dentin (arrows). (C) A hole is discovered on the side of the tooth at the beginning of decay removal. (D) All decay removed.

Here are some warning signs of dental decay: -A tooth that is sensitive to heat, cold or sweet; -Pain when chewing; -Swelling or drainage at/or below the gumline; -A brown spot on a tooth; -A persistent pain in the mouth or sinus area.

Diagnostics A dentist will look for caries at each office visit. The dentist will look at the teeth and may probe them with a tool called an explorer to look for pits or areas of damage.

Prevention Toothpaste containing fluoride Toothbrush Chewing gum that contains xylitol helps to decrease bacterial growth

Treatment In its early stages, tooth decay can be stopped. Fluorides and other prevention methods also help a tooth in early stages of decay to repair itself. Once caries gets worse and there is a break in the enamel, only the dentist can repair the tooth. Then the standard treatment for a cavity is to fill the tooth. If a drill is used, the dentist will numb the area. If a laser is used, a numbing shot is not usually required. The decayed material in the cavity is removed and the cavity is filled. Sometimes bacteria may infect the pulp inside the tooth even if the part of the tooth you can see remains relatively intact. In this case, the tooth will need root canal treatment. A general dentist or an endodontist will remove the pulp and replace it with an inert material. In most cases, the tooth will need a crown.

Prognosis If caries is not treated, it likely will cause the tooth to decay significantly. Eventually, uncontrolled decay may destroy the tooth. Having caries increases your risk of more caries for several reasons: Caries is caused by bacteria. The more decay you have, the more bacteria exist in your mouth. The same oral care and dietary habits that led to the decay of your teeth will cause more decay. Bacteria tend to stick to fillings and other restorations more than to smooth teeth, so those areas will be more likely to have new caries. Cracks or gaps in the fillings may allow bacteria and food to enter the tooth, leading to decay from beneath the filling.

Dental caries Moreva S.S., 171 Altai State Medical University