DENTAL CARIES
DENTAL
CARIES
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Dental
caries, often
called cavities, are erosions of the surface of the tooth caused by
the combined effects of bacteria, acids, plaque and tartar. Dental
caries are common in both children and adults, and they occur most
often as a result of poor dental hygiene. Dental caries are usually
painless at first, but they may become painful if they spread to the
nerve or root of a tooth. Left untreated, dental caries can progress
to a tooth abscess, which is a more painful and potentially serious
condition.
Dental
caries are common, but they can often be prevented by practicing good
dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. Dental
caries usually do not require emergency medical care unless they
become painful, do not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, or
progress to a tooth abscess.
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TYPES
OF CARIES
There
are 3 different types: smooth surface
cavities, pit and fissure cavities and root cavities.
A
smooth surface cavity is a dental cavity
where decay is on the smooth enamel surfaces of a tooth. This cavity
progresses more slowly and the damage is easily reversed when
repaired early.
A
pit and fissure dental cavity develops
in the grooves of your back teeth. Because it is harder to properly
clean these areas these types of cavities grow faster. Sometimes a
sealant is applied to a molar tooth when it first erupts and can
prevent decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist can advise you if
this would be appropriate for your children.
Root
decay which develops on exposed roots or
around the gumline can cause a great deal of sensitivity and is often
found in areas of receding gums. Filling these areas will protect the
root of your teeth and help manage sensitivity.
SYMPTOMS
OF CARIES
The
main symptom of caries, or tooth decay, is pain.
Often the pain appears after the damage to the tooth has already
begun.
The type and intensity of the pain varies, depending on the level of decay.An acute, brief pain indicates the start of caries. Generally, it is triggered by a specific event, such as eating something hot or cold.The deeper the decay, the more intense the pain. The pain from tooth decay can be dull or throbbing.
When the caries reaches the dental pulp, the pain becomes continuous and piercing.Other symptoms associated with caries are:
The type and intensity of the pain varies, depending on the level of decay.An acute, brief pain indicates the start of caries. Generally, it is triggered by a specific event, such as eating something hot or cold.The deeper the decay, the more intense the pain. The pain from tooth decay can be dull or throbbing.
When the caries reaches the dental pulp, the pain becomes continuous and piercing.Other symptoms associated with caries are:
- The presence of a small pit, or hole, in the tooth.
- Food deposits between teeth.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages.
- Bad breath (halitosis).
- Bitter taste in the mouth.
- Swelling of the gums.
- Facial swelling with enlarged glands in the neck.
CAUSES
OF DENTAL CARIES:
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Dental
caries are caused by bacteria and damaging substances, such as acid,
that come into contact with your teeth. After you eat, normal
bacteria in your mouth combine with food remnants and acids to create
a sticky film called plaque. If you do not remove plaque regularly by
flossing and brushing, it can build up or harden into a substance
known as tartar. Plaque and tartar, in addition to bacteria and
acids, can degrade the enamel on your tooth, leading to holes in the
enamel called dental caries, or cavities. Dental caries usually begin
as small, shallow holes; left untreated, they can become larger and
deeper and potentially lead to tooth destruction or loss.
RISK FACTORS FOR DENTAL CARIES:
A
number of factors increase the risk of developing dental caries. Not
all people with risk factors will get dental caries. Risk factors for
dental caries include:
- Advancing age (older teeth form plaque more quickly)
- Autoimmune diseases (such as Sjögren’s syndrome, characterized by dry eyes, dry mouth, and connective tissue disorder)
- Dry mouth (inadequate salivation)
- Excessive consumption of sugary, starchy or acidic foods or drinks
- Poor dental hygiene
- Recessed gums
- Smoking
DENTAL CARIES TREATMENT:
Prompt
treatment of dental caries by your dentist is important in preventing
further damage to your tooth or an infection. A simple dental
examination can identify dental caries, and an X-ray may help your
dentist to determine the extent of the caries.
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Dental
caries are typically painless, but a larger or deeper area of
destruction in the tooth may be painful. If you have a toothache,
over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or
acetaminophen (Tylenol), may make you more comfortable until the
caries are treated by your dentist.
In
addition to medications, dental work is necessary to fill the cavity.
Your dentist will begin by numbing your mouth with a local
anesthetic. After your tooth is numb, your dentist will use a drill
to clean out the area of decay and shape the surrounding tooth to
allow it to be filled in smoothly with replacement materials. More
severe caries may require more extensive dental work, including a
root canal or tooth extraction.
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