Tooth decay, or dental caries, is a disease of the teeth resulting in damage to tooth structure. The cavities formed because of dental caries are called dental cavities. Types of teeth Molars are used for grinding up foods Carnassials are used for slicing food. ...

Causes

Dental caries (tooth decay) is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults, but can affect any person. It is the most important cause of tooth loss in younger people. The common cold is a mild viral infectious disease of the nose and throat; the upper respiratory system. ...

Bacteria (such as peptostreptococci) are normally present in the mouth. The bacteria convert foods—especially sugar and starch—into acids. Bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque that adheres to the teeth. It is most prominent on the grooved chewing surfaces of back molars, just above the gum line on all teeth, and at the edges of fillings. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth mineralizes into calculus (tartar). Plaque and calculus irritate the gums, resulting in gingivitis and ultimately periodontitis. Phyla/Divisions Actinobacteria Aquificae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chlamydiae/Verrucomicrobia Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Nitrospirae Omnibacteria Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Bacteria (singular, bacterium) are a major group of living organisms. ... Peptostreptococci (anaerobic streptococci) are Gram-positive cocci which can occur in short chains, pairs or individually. ... Sagittal section of nose mouth, pharynx, and larynx. ... A sugar is a carbohydrate which is sweet to taste. ... Starch is a complex carbohydrate which is insoluble in water. ... Dental plaque is a yellowish biofilm that builds up on the teeth. ... A molar is the fourth kind of tooth in mammals. ... The gingiva, or gums, consist of the tissue surrounding the roots of the teeth and covering the jawbone. ... Types Gold Mercury Amalgam Non-Metallic Synthetic. ... In dentistry, calculus or tartar refers to hardened plaque on the teeth, formed by the presence of saliva, debris, and minerals. ... Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums (gingiva) around the teeth due to improper cleaning of teeth. ... Periodontal disease is the name for bacterial infections of the gums in the mouth. ...

The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large inside the internal structures of the tooth (the dentin and the pulp at the core) and can cause death of the nerve and blood vessels in the tooth. If left untreated a tooth abscess can develop. Parts of a tooth, including dentin Dentin (BE: dentine) is the substance between the enamel (substance in the crown) or cementum (substance in the root) of a tooth and the pulp chamber. ...

Plaque and bacteria begin to accumulate within 20 minutes after eating, the time when most bacterial activity occurs. If plaque and bacteria are left on the teeth, cavities can develop, and untreated tooth decay can result in death of the internal structures of the tooth and ultimately the loss of the tooth.

Dietary sugars and starches (carbohydrates) increase the risk of tooth decay. The type of carbohydrate and the timing and frequency of ingestion are more important than the amount. Sticky foods are more harmful than nonsticky foods because they remain on the surface of the teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth. Carbohydrates (literally hydrates of carbon) are chemical compounds that act as the primary biological means of storing or consuming energy, other forms being fat and protein. ...

Symptoms

• toothache -- particularly after sweet or hot or cold foods or drinks
• visible pits or holes in the teeth - for picture, see link http://www.db.od.mah.se/car/data/cariesser.html

A toothache, also known as odontalgia, is an aching pain in or around a tooth. ...

Signs

An examination of the teeth reveals dental caries (cavities). Most dental caries are discovered in the early stages during routine checkups. The surface of the tooth may be soft when probed with a sharp instrument, such as a dental explorer. Pain may not be present until the advanced stages of tooth decay. Dental X-rays may show some cavities before they are visible to the eye. A No. ...

A Picture showing various stages of dental caries is shown [1]here.

Treatment

Destroyed tooth structure does not generally regenerate, although remineralization of very small cavities may occur if dental hygiene is kept at optimal level. However, the progression of dental caries can be stopped by treatment. The goal of treatment is to preserve the tooth and prevent complications.

In filling teeth, the decayed material is removed (by drilling) and replaced with dental fillings, made of a restorative material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or composite resin. Porcelain and composite resin more closely match the natural tooth appearance, and may be preferred for front teeth. Many dentists consider silver amalgam (alloy) and gold as stronger, and these materials are often used on back teeth, although there is a trend to use high strength composite resin in the back teeth as well. Types Gold Mercury Amalgam Non-Metallic Synthetic. ... An alloy is a combination, either in solution or compound, of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, and where the resultant material has metallic properties. ... Insect trapped in resin. ...

Crowns are used if decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure which may cause weakened teeth. Large fillings and weak teeth increase the risk of the tooth breaking. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired and a covering jacket or "cap" (crown) is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are often made of gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.

A root canal is recommended if the nerve (pulp) in a tooth dies from decay or from a traumatic blow. The center of the tooth, including the nerve and vascular (blood vessel) tissue (pulp), is removed along with decayed portions of the tooth. The roots are filled with a sealing material. The tooth is filled and a crown may be placed over the tooth if needed. Root Canal procedure: unhealthy tooth, drilling, filing with endofile, rubber filling and crown. ...

Removal of the decayed tooth extraction is performed if the tooth is too far destroyed from the decay process to effectively restore, or if the tooth considered non-functional (lack of opposing tooth, or tooth is in a non-useful position) or the patient does not wish to undergo the expense or procedure of restoring the tooth. In chemistry, liquid-liquid extraction is a useful method to separate components (compounds) of a mixture. ...

Expectations

Treatment often preserves the tooth. Early treatment is less painful and less expensive than treatment of extensive decay. Anesthetics -- local, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or other prescription medications -- may be required in some cases to relieve pain during or following drilling or other treatment of decayed teeth. For those who fear dental treatment, nitrous oxide anesthesia may be preferred. Anesthesia (AE), also anaesthesia (BE), is the process of blocking the perception of pain and other sensations. ... Nitrous oxide, also known as dinitrogen oxide or dinitrogen monoxide, is a chemical compound with chemical formula N2O. Under room conditions it is a colourless non-flammable gas, with a pleasant slightly sweet odor. ...

Prevention

Oral hygiene is the primary prevention against dental caries. This consists of personal care (proper brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least daily) and professional care (regular dental examination and cleaning, every 6 months). Select X-rays may be taken yearly to detect possible cavity development in high risk areas of the mouth. Oral hygiene is keeping the mouth clean. ...

Chewy, sticky foods (such as dried fruit or candy) are best if eaten as part of a meal rather than as a snack. If possible, brush the teeth or rinse the mouth with water after eating these foods. Minimize snacking, which creates a constant supply of acid in the mouth. Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks or frequent sucking on candy and mints.

The use of dental sealants is a good means of cavity prevention. Sealants are thin plastic-like coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This coating prevents the accumulation of plaque in the deep grooves on these vulnerable surfaces. Sealants are usually applied on the teeth of children, shortly after the molars erupt. Older people may also benefit from the use of tooth sealants. Dental sealants are a dental treatment consisting of a plastic material to one or more teeth, for the purpose of preventing dental caries (cavities) or other forms of tooth decay. ...

Fluoride is often recommended to protect against dental caries. It has been demonstrated that people who ingest fluoride in their drinking water or by fluoride supplements have fewer dental caries. Fluoride ingested when the teeth are developing is incorporated into the structure of the enamel and protects it against the action of acids. A fluoride ion is the ionic form of fluorine. ...

Topical fluoride is also recommended to protect the surface of the teeth. This may include a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Many dentists include application of topical (applied to a localized area of the skin) fluoride solutions as part of routine visits. Modern toothpaste Toothpaste is a paste used to clean teeth, almost always in conjunction with a toothbrush. ... Antiseptic mouth rinse, often called mouthwash, is an oral hygiene product that claims to kill the germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. ...

Chewing gum containing xylitol, wood sugar, is widely used to protect teeth in some countries, being especially popular in Finnish candy industry. Its effect on reducing plaque is believed to be based on bacteria not being able to utilize it like other sugars. Xylitol, also called wood sugar, is a polyol used as a sugar substitute. ...

It has also been found that certain kinds of cheese like cheddar can help counter tooth decay if eaten soon after having eaten foods potentially harmful for teeth. Cheese is a solid food made from the curdled milk of various animals—most commonly cows but sometimes goats, sheep, reindeer, and water buffalo. ... Cheddar cheese is a pale yellow, sharp-tasting cheese originally made in the English village of Cheddar, in Somerset. ...

External links

• NIH site on Dental caries

See Also

• Fluoride therapy