Summer BanksTooth Decay
September 23rd 2006 23:32
Tooth Decay :
Tooth decay (dental cavities, or caries) is the gradual process of destruction and mineral loss that affects the enamel (outer layer) and dentin (the bony second layer) of a portion of a tooth, causing it to become soft, discolored, and porous.
Causes :
A combination of factors causes tooth decay. A substance called plaque, made up of sugars, starches, bacteria, and proteins, builds up on dental surfaces, especially near the gums and in other hard-to-clean areas. The plaque prevents the saliva from performing its natural protective function. The bacteria in the plaque feed on the sugars and starches that cling to the teeth and produce acid as a by-product of their metabolism. That acid is probably the actual agent of destruction in the dental tissue.
Symptoms :
When the cavity has progressed into the dentin or to the surface of an exposed root, the tooth becomes sensitive to touch and rapid temperature changes. Sweet foods can cause pain as dissolved sugar enters the cavity. Bacteria may pass through tiny channels in the dentin and inflame the pulp (the part of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue), producing a toothache.
Diagnosis :
The cavity reveals itself to the examining dentist as a darkened area or as an area of softness when probed with a sharp instrument. An X ray is also helpful in locating and identifying cavities.
Treatment :
Cavities are treated by drilling out the decayed material and replacing it with a filling. In front teeth, where appearance is important, the filling may be porcelain or a plastic resin (which is also used to fill pits and tiny cracks in the enamel). In other teeth, the filling is usually silver-colored or an alloy of gold. When a tooth is badly damaged, the dentist removes all decay, fills the cavity and root canal with dental cement, then grinds and tapers the outer surface and covers it with what is known as a gold crown. On teeth toward the front, the gold crown is sometimes overlaid with porcelain to provide a natural appearance.
Prevention :
To prevent decay, teeth should be cleaned daily with a soft-bristled brush, preferably after each meal, to remove food particles and plaque. Equally important is the use of dental floss to remove debris between the teeth. Avoiding sweet, sticky foods, or at least rinsing or brushing shortly after eating them, may also aid in the prevention of tooth decay.
A child's teeth will be more resistant to decay if the child drinks water containing the proper amount of fluoride in the first 12 years of life, which is the critical period when the teeth are developing.
If the water supply is not fluoridated, a vitamin supplement containing fluoride can be taken daily. In addition, fluoride treatments are often a routine part of a child's dental examination. Adults and children alike can benefit by using a toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride.
Tooth decay (dental cavities, or caries) is the gradual process of destruction and mineral loss that affects the enamel (outer layer) and dentin (the bony second layer) of a portion of a tooth, causing it to become soft, discolored, and porous.
Causes :
A combination of factors causes tooth decay. A substance called plaque, made up of sugars, starches, bacteria, and proteins, builds up on dental surfaces, especially near the gums and in other hard-to-clean areas. The plaque prevents the saliva from performing its natural protective function. The bacteria in the plaque feed on the sugars and starches that cling to the teeth and produce acid as a by-product of their metabolism. That acid is probably the actual agent of destruction in the dental tissue.
Symptoms :
When the cavity has progressed into the dentin or to the surface of an exposed root, the tooth becomes sensitive to touch and rapid temperature changes. Sweet foods can cause pain as dissolved sugar enters the cavity. Bacteria may pass through tiny channels in the dentin and inflame the pulp (the part of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue), producing a toothache.
Diagnosis :
The cavity reveals itself to the examining dentist as a darkened area or as an area of softness when probed with a sharp instrument. An X ray is also helpful in locating and identifying cavities.
Treatment :
Cavities are treated by drilling out the decayed material and replacing it with a filling. In front teeth, where appearance is important, the filling may be porcelain or a plastic resin (which is also used to fill pits and tiny cracks in the enamel). In other teeth, the filling is usually silver-colored or an alloy of gold. When a tooth is badly damaged, the dentist removes all decay, fills the cavity and root canal with dental cement, then grinds and tapers the outer surface and covers it with what is known as a gold crown. On teeth toward the front, the gold crown is sometimes overlaid with porcelain to provide a natural appearance.
Prevention :
To prevent decay, teeth should be cleaned daily with a soft-bristled brush, preferably after each meal, to remove food particles and plaque. Equally important is the use of dental floss to remove debris between the teeth. Avoiding sweet, sticky foods, or at least rinsing or brushing shortly after eating them, may also aid in the prevention of tooth decay.
A child's teeth will be more resistant to decay if the child drinks water containing the proper amount of fluoride in the first 12 years of life, which is the critical period when the teeth are developing.
If the water supply is not fluoridated, a vitamin supplement containing fluoride can be taken daily. In addition, fluoride treatments are often a routine part of a child's dental examination. Adults and children alike can benefit by using a toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride.
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