Dental caries is the medical term for tooth decay
or cavities. It is caused by acid erosion of tooth enamel. Many
different types of bacteria normally live in the human mouth. Source: www.simplestepsdental.com
They
accumulate (along with saliva, food particles and other natural
substances) on the surface of the teeth in a sticky film called plaque.
Plaque forms especially easily in cracks, pits or fissures in the back
teeth; between teeth; around dental fillings or bridgework; and near
the gum line. Some of the plaque bacteria convert sugar and
carbohydrates (starches) in the foods we eat into acids. These acids
dissolve minerals in the surface of the tooth, forming microscopic pits
or erosions that get larger over time.
The damage can occur anywhere the tooth is exposed to plaque and
acid, including the hard outer enamel on the tooth crown or the
unprotected root of the tooth that has been exposed by gum recession. Caries can penetrate
the protective enamel down to the softer, vulnerable dentin (main body
of the tooth) and continue through to the soft tooth pulp and the
sensitive nerve fibers within it. No one really knows what causes the
pain associated with cavities, but theories include inflammation caused
by bacteria, exposure of the root surface and an imbalance of fluid
levels in the tubules inside the dentin. Expected Duration
How long caries lasts is determined by the stage at which it is found. White spots, indicating early caries that has not yet eroded through the enamel, may be reversed if acid damage is stopped and the tooth is given a chance to repair the damage naturally. Caries that has destroyed enamel cannot be reversed. Most caries will continue to worsen and deepen and with time, the tooth may decay down to the root. The amount of time the erosion takes will vary from person to person. Caries can erode to a painful level within months or it can take years to reach that stage.
Prevention
Cavities can be prevented by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. The best way to do this is by daily brushing and flossing and professional dental cleanings twice a year. You also can reduce the amount of acid in your mouth by eating sugary or starchy foods less frequently during the day. Your mouth will remain acidic for several hours after eating, so snacking throughout the day is more likely to lead to caries than avoiding between-meal snacks. Chewing gum that contains xylitol helps to counteract the acidity that occurs after eating.
Teeth can be strengthened by fluoride. A dentist can evaluate your risk of caries and then suggest appropriate fluoride treatments. In children, new molars can be protected by having the dentist apply a sealant as soon as the teeth come fully into the mouth.
Treatment
The standard treatment for caries is to fill the tooth. After the dentist removes the decayed material in the cavity (usually following the use of anesthesia to block the pain), the cavity is filled. Fillings usually are made of a dental amalgam, which is a silver-gray material made from silver alloyed with copper or other metals in order to improve durability, or of a composite resin, which is tooth-colored for a better appearance. Amalgams are used primarily in molars and premolars. Resins are used primarily in the front teeth, although it is possible to use them in all teeth. Gold inlay may be used if greater strength is needed, but this is more expensive.
If a cavity is large with extensive erosion, the remaining tooth may not be able to support the amount of filling material that would be needed to repair it. In this case, the dentist will remove the decay, fill the cavity, and cover the tooth with an artificial crown.
Sometimes the crown of the tooth remains relatively intact, and there is more damage in the interior of the tooth. In these cases, the dentist may refer you to a dental specialist called an an endodontist for root canal treatment. In this procedure, the endodontist removes the tooth's pulp and replaces it with an inert material. In most cases, the tooth's natural crown will need to be replaced with artificial one.
When To Call A Professional
The early stages of decay are usually painless. Only regular professional examinations and X-rays can detect early trouble. If you develop sensitivity to chewing or to hot, cold or sweet foods or beverages, contact your dentist.
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