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Today's word is "Dental Caries"
Dental Caries : 'The Biggest Enemy of Our Teeth'.
Today we are going to deal with the enemy of our teeth, dental caries. Also known as tooth decay or cavities, dental caries is a disease that slowly destroys teeth by dissolving their components. It can occur at any age, from childhood to old age. So, without taking too much time, let's dive into today's topic : dental caries.
Definition :
Dental caries is an irreversible microbial disease of the calcified tissues of the teeth. It is characterized by the demineralization of the inorganic part and the destruction of the organic substance of the tooth, which often leads to cavitation.
Causes of Dental Caries :
1.Multifactorial Disease: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease. The primary factors involved are the host, the microbial flora, the substrate, and time.
2.Poor Oral Hygiene:
Poor oral hygiene leads to plaque buildup on teeth, which causes cavities.
3.Diet High in Sugar:
High sugar consumption decreases the pH of the mouth, leading to cavities.
4.Dehydration:
Dry mouth can cause dental caries.
5.Radiation Therapy: Cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy can suffer from radiation caries.
6.Age:
Aging can cause receding gums, which leads to root caries.
Classification of Dental Caries:
1.Based on Anatomical Site of the Lesion on the Tooth and Causative Agents:
- Pit and Fissure Caries: Caused by Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus bacteria.
- Smooth Surface Caries: Also caused by s. mutans.
- Root Surface Caries: Caused by Actinomyces viscosus and Actinomyces naeslundii.
- Deep Dentinal Caries: Caused by Lactobacillus, A. naeslundii, and other filamentous rods.
- Cervical Caries:
2.Based on Severity and Rate of Progression:
- Acute Caries
- Chronic Caries
3.Other Types:
- Rampant Caries :
- Nursing Bottle Caries :
- Early Childhood Caries
- Adolescent Caries
- Recurrent Caries :
- Arrested Caries :
- Radiation Caries :
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Caries :
A. Initial Signs:
- White spots on Teeth,
- Slight discoloration,
- Tooth sensitivity,
- Mild pain.
B.Advanced Symptoms:
- Visible black holes with discoloration ,
- Severe toothache,
- Swelling
Methods of Dental Caries Diagnosis :
1.Visual Examination: Conducted with the help of a mirror and probe under adequate light.
2.Radiographic Diagnosis:
Many carious lesions are accessible and visible for easy diagnosis, but some hidden or interproximal lesions require radiographs for detection.
3.Infrared Laser Fluorescence:
Developed for the detection and quantification of dental caries on occlusal and smooth surfaces.
4.Digital Imaging Fiber-Optic Transillumination (DIFOTI):
Used to identify lesions located on interproximal surfaces.
5.Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT):
Provides detailed imaging of teeth but should not be used with metal or radiopaque materials present.
6.Caries Activity Tests:
Measure the degree to which the local environment challenges favor the probability of carious lesions.
Treatment of Dental Caries :
The treatment depends on the condition of the tooth and includes the following options:
A.Fluoride Treatment:
Effective in the initial stages of dental caries.
B.Restoration (Filling) with Various Cements:
For mild or moderate caries, treatment involves restoration with cements like glass ionomer cement, composite, etc.
C.Inlay, Onlay, or Cast Restoration:
For moderate carious lesions involving one or more cusps, inlay, onlay, or cast restorations are recommended.
D.Crown:
For extensively decayed teeth, a crown is used to support the remaining tooth structure.
E.Root Canal Therapy (RCT):
If tooth decay reaches the pulp, RCT is performed to save the tooth.
F.Extraction of Tooth:
- As a last resort, if the tooth is not restorable, it is extracted.
- Post-extraction, the tooth can be replaced with a fixed implant, fixed bridge, or removable denture.
Prevention of Dental Caries :
1.Oral Hygiene Practices :
- Brushing:
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to prevent dental caries.
- Flossing and Tongue Cleaning:
- Minimize Snacking:
Reduce snacking between meals and limit sugary and acidic food items.
- Hydration:
Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth.
2.Regular Dental Check-ups:
- Dental Visits:
Regular dental check-ups at least every 6 months are mandatory.
- Professional Cleaning:
Professional cleaning is recommended every 6 months.
3.Pit and Fissure Sealants and Fluoride Application:
- Sealants:
For children with erupting teeth, pit and fissure sealants are beneficial.
- Fluoride Application:
Fluoride application is important for children to prevent dental caries.
Interesting Facts:
1.Historical Context:
- Dental caries is likely a disease of modern civilization.
- Before 12,000 BCE, there is no evidence of dental caries, but after 12,000 BCE, evidence shows carious teeth.
2.Nature of the Disease:
- Dental caries is a non-communicable disease and does not transfer from person to person like infectious diseases.
- However, bacteria can transfer through saliva, for example, from parent to child through sharing utensils or kissing.
Conclusion :
Dental caries is a common disease present worldwide, but it is preventable if we take proper action. By understanding its types, causes, and preventive measures, we can halt its progress and maintain our bright and healthy smile for life.
Request to Reader :
Thank you for reading. If you found today's blog informative, it's time to visit your dentist and check your teeth for any hidden enemies.
If you want to understand dental caries in brief, watch the video below:
New Terminology Alert :
In today's blog, we introduced several new dental terms. Don't worry if some of these are unfamiliar; we will discuss them in more detail in upcoming posts. Stay tuned for more insights and explanations as we continue our journey through the fascinating world of dental health!!!
References :
1.Shafer's Textbook of Oral Pathology,B Sivapathasundharam
Elsevier Health Sciences -9th edition(2020)
2.image credit : www. shutterstock.com/
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