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Tooth Decay |
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 General Info about Tooth Decay |
| What are the causes of Tooth Decay ? |
| What are the symptoms of Tooth Decay ? |
| How can we diagnose Tooth Decay ? |
| How can Tooth Decay be treated ? |
| More valuable information about Tooth Decay |
| Frequently asked questions about Tooth Decay |
| Glossary |
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| General Info about Tooth Decay |
Among us, there are very few who didn't have dental caries during our childhood. This is a universal disorder found in children or young adults irrespective of their place of origin. This is not limited to youngsters alone, dental caries can occur to anyone at any age.
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| What are the causes of Tooth Decay ? |
It is a disease of the tooth damaging its structure. It is the most important cause of tooth loss in children and younger people. A number of micro-organisms are present in our mouth. Bacteria are commonest among them. Enzymes produced by these bacteria convert all foods-especially sugar and starch into acids. Bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque that adheres to the teeth.
Plaque that is not removed from the teeth becomes a hard substance called tartar. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums. The acids in plaque can dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large inside the internal structures of the tooth (the dentin and the pulp at the core) and can cause death of the nerve and blood vessels in the tooth, leading to the formation of abscess. Untreated tooth decay can result in death of the internal structures of the tooth with eventual loss of the tooth.
Food debris +saliva = plaque tartar + acids in plaque = cavities or tooth decay.
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| What are the symptoms of Tooth Decay ? |
Toothache, particularly after eating or drinking sweet or cold foods may initiate pain. Colour changes on the surface of the teeth or visible pits or holes in the teeth are the other symptoms.
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| How can we diagnose Tooth Decay ? |
An examination of the teeth reveals dental caries (cavities). The surface of the tooth may be soft when checked with a sharp instrument. At times, dental x-rays have to be taken to assess the severity of infection.
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| How can Tooth Decay be treated ? |
As in other infections, the disease cannot be treated by giving medicines alone because the decayed tooth structure does not regenerate. However, the progression of dental caries can be stopped by treatment. When there is a hole in the teeth filling is preferred. In filling teeth, the decayed material is removed and replaced with a material such as silver alloy, gold or porcelain. Silver amalgam (alloy) and gold are stronger and are often used on the back teeth.
If there is extensive decay, multiple fillings may break the remaining tooth. To prevent this crowns are used. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired and a covering jacket (crown) is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are often made of gold or porcelain. If the decay is so severe, then even the nerves of the tooth gets affected, then a root canal is recommended. The center of the tooth, including the nerve and vascular (blood vessel) tissue (pulp), is removed along with decayed portions of the tooth. The roots are filled with a sealing material. The tooth is filled and a crown may be placed over the tooth.
Treatment often preserves the tooth. The colour change or decay as it sets in on the tooth is conducive to treatment before it advances.
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| Frequently asked questions about Tooth Decay |
Do sugars cause tooth decay ?
Tooth decay is the result of many factors. Heredity, the make-up and flow of saliva, sugars and other carbohydrates such as starchy foods play a part. Bacteria on the teeth (dental plaque) feed on carbohydrates and make acids. The acids then break down the tooth to form a cavity.
Frequent eating of snacks that contain carbohydrates, especially those that stick to the teeth, increase chances of decay. "Baby bottle mouth syndrome" is a significant cause of tooth decay in young children. Infants should not sleep with bottles filled with milk, formula or fruit juice, which have carbohydrates.
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| Glossary |
Crown - Part of the tooth that is covered by enamel or another substitute product.
Tartar - White or yellowish deposit on the margin of the teeth.
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