TOOTH DECAYS AND CAVITIES: WAYS TO PREVENT THEM!

WHAT ARE CAVITIES/CARIES

Tooth decay is a common problem nowadays faced by everyone. It is also known as dental caries or cavities, which occurs when specific types of bacteria produce acid that destroys the tooth s enamel and its underlying layer, the dentin. It may vary in color from yellow to black. It is heavily influenced by lifestyle, what we eat, the presence of fluoride in water and toothpaste. While cavities are more common in children, adults are also prone to it. The most common bacteria involved in caries are Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, and lactobacilli.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS & SYMPTOMS OF CAVITY

• Toothache
• Sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold foods or drinks
• Pain while chewing
• Decreased salivary production
• Some medical conditions, which decreases the salivary flow that lead to dry mouth are Sjogren s syndrome, diabetes mellitus and insipidus and sacroidosis.

HOW CAN WE IDENTIFY THE CAVITY

We have a lot of bacteria in our mouth that converts glucose, fructose, and sucrose into lactic acid through a process of fermentation. If teeth are not clear of the acids, these acids remain on teeth and cause demineralization of the tooth, leading to the dissolution of its mineral content. It is a dynamic process, however, as remineralization can also occur if the acid is neutralized by saliva or mouthwash. Only dentists can make out the presence of cavities. It usually develops on pits, forming on the chewing surfaces of posterior teeth and in between the teeth. So the best ways to spot them, before they turn into a serious condition, visit your dentist for regular check-ups.

TYPES OF CAVITIES

• Coronal cavities: These are most common type, found on superficial surface of tooth and in between the teeth.
• Root cavities: When we age, enamel recedes down exposing the root, leading to decaying of these areas.

HOW CAN WE PREVENT CAVITIES

• Regular dental check-up is necessary at least once in 6 months.
• Brushing twice a day, and doing regular floss to remove plaque from and between the teeth and below the gum line, will help to prevent tooth decay.
• Using fluoridated tooth paste.
• Eat well-balanced diet, limiting starchy or sugary foods. So to minimize the number of times your teeth are exposed to acid.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
• Oral hygiene aids include interdental brushes, tooth picks, and mouthwashes.

DIAGNOSIS

The presence of caries is made by the presence of white chalky appearance on tooth surface (initial stage), as the disease progresses, it turns into black or brown color with large cavitation. So,

• Primary diagnosis is made with the help of explorer, mouth mirror and a good source of dental light.
• Visual and tactile sensation are employed to make out the presence of pit and fissure caries
• Dental radiographs (x-rays) to visualize the internal anatomy of the tooth for the presence of root caries, etc.
• Bitewing x-rays to visualize crown of back teeth.
• OPG, a panoramic or wide view of the mouth which displays all teeth, and bones of upper and lower jaw.

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TREATMENT OF CAVITIES

Restorative materials including dental amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, and gold are used by dentists to fill the cavities. Some dentists only consider amalgam for posterior teeth as it is stronger, where chewing forces are great, compared to composite fillings. When the decay is too extensive, and when filling cannot be accommodated, then it may require endodontic therapy, where the crown is advised. Extraction is needed in those cases, where the endodontic therapy will not serve the purpose of restoration.