Dental cavities

 

It is the term given for tooth decay or tooth cavities. It is a very common disease and can affect anybody.

 

 

Common risk factors include:

1. Excess consumption of sugary foods, acidic drink

2. Poor oral hygiene

3. Diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome where there is reduced saliva secretion

Common causes include:

Different types of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus that convert the sugar and starch into acids that come into contact with the teeth.

 

 

Usually there are no symptoms of dental caries. However, one may experience symptoms such as cavity formation which leads to accumulation of food, pain while chewing and sensitivity of teeth on taking hot or cold foods.

Sometimes the condition can be more serious when it results in huge swelling.

 

 

The cavity can be detected using a sharp instrument by the dentist. Pain may not be present until the last stages of decay. The radiographs may show radiolucency where there is cavity.

 

 

Complications include:

1. Dental abscess

2. Fractured tooth

3. Inability to chew

4. Sensitivity and pain

 

 

1. Oral hygiene is very important to prevent caries. Make sure you go for regular professional checkup and clean up every 6 months.

2. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss regularly.

3. Sugary stuff should be consumed as a part of the meal rather than taken between the meals. Avoid taking frequent snacks as they provide bacteria food to form them into acids.

4. Sealants are thin plastic-like to prevent the accumulation of the plaque in deep grooves. The coating is usually applied on the newly erupted molars.

5. Fluorides are often used to protect the teeth from decay. The fluorides are available in the form of supplements, mouth rinses, tray applications, toothpaste, and fluoride supplied via drinking water. When fluoride is ingested when the teeth are forming, they make the structure of the tooth stronger and resistant to acids.

6. Early treatment often saves the tooth and is relatively inexpensive than root canal treatment.

 

 

The treatment involves sealants, fillings, caps, and root canal treatment.

1. The decay is removed from the tooth using high-speed instruments by the dentist and filled with relevant material such as composites, amalgam, gold etc. The tooth is most frequently filled with composite materials.

2. Caps or crowns are used when the decay is extensive and usually after the root canal treatment is completed to provide strength to the dead tooth.

3. Root canal treatment is the option when the decay involves the pulpal nerves and the blood vessels. The roots are filled with sealing material and the crown of the tooth is prepared and a cap is put on top of it. The cap may be made up of porcelain, gold, porcelain attached to metal.