Dental Carries[signs,prevention and treatment]

By Sanitarian Ayo Ogungbe

1) Introduction/Definition
2) Dental decay process
3) Stages of tooth decay
4) Classification of caries
5) Sign and symptoms
6) prevention  of dental caries
7)  Treatment

Introduction/Definition

Dental caries: (caries in Latin Means 'rottenness' also known as tooth decay, cavities or caries is broken down  of teeth due to the activities  of bacteria.

Dental caries is a disease  of the teeth in which  microorganisms convert sugar in the mouth to acid,  which then erodes the tooth
It is a tooth disease caused by the complex interaction of food, especially starches and sugar with the bacteria that form dental plaque.

Dental caries is localized,progressively destructive disease of the teeth that starts at the external surface(usually the enamel)  with the apparent dissolution  of the inorganic components by organic acids that are produced in immediate proximity  to the tooth by the enzymatic action of masses of microorganisms.
Dental caries is the progressive decalcification and decalcification of dental tissues,the enamel and the denture.

Poor oral hygiene is the major predispossing  factor, poor filling of the tooth and gross reduction in the amount of salivary secretion. Symptoms may include pain and difficulty with eating  and complications may include inflammation of the tissue around the tooth,tooth loss and infection or abscess formation.

Signs and Symptoms

• 1) Toothache 
• 2) Tooth sensitivity 
• 3) Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something  sweet, hot or cold. 
• 4)  Visible holes or pits in the teeth
• 5) Brown,black or white staining or any surface of the tooth
• 6) Pains
• 7) Food deposit between teeth
• 8)  Bad breath (halitosis)
• 9)  Bitter taste in the mouth 
• 10) Swelling  of the gums
• 11)Facial swelling with enlarged glands in the neck
• There are four main criteria required for caries formation  :: tooth surface (enamel on dentin),  caries causing bacteria, fermentable carbohydrates (such as sucrose) and time.

PREVENTION OF DENTAL CARIES

1) Regular cleaning of the teeth

2)Diet low  in sugar and small amount of fluoride

3)Elimination of sucrose from the diet.
4)Encourage food rich in vitamin AB C and D,  calcium and fluoride.

5)Avoid eating between meals especially pastries like cakes, pies and cookies

6)Encourage balance diet consumption

7)The use of water containing fluoride and also fluoride based tooth paste should be encouraged

8)Health education  in nutrition and care of the teeth

9)The use of dental sealants to prevent passage of fluid.

TREATMENT OF DENTAL CARIES 

Treatment  often saves the tooth.  Early treatment  is less painful and less expensive than treatment  of extensive decay.
  The main treatment option for a tooth cavity is to drill out the decay and put in a filling (restoration)  made from various materials (e. g.  Composite resins,  amalgam, Poreceliaiii, silver alloy). Extensive tooth decay may necessitate a crown,  root canal treatment or even extraction of the tooth.
Medical (lidocaine)  and prescription pain medicines to relieve pain during or after dental work.
Nitrous oxide with local anesthetic or other medicines may be an option if the patient is afraid of dental treatments.