Dorothy FarrarCaries
Caries (Caries dentium), often also referred to as tooth decay (lat. caries : decay), is one of the most common dental diseases caused by bacteria. Dental caries is a group of diseases of the hard tooth tissue in which dentin and tooth enamel are attacked and rot-related holes form in the affected areas of the tooth.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is one of the most widespread skin diseases. It is estimated that only 1% of the German population is free of caries. There are three stages of tooth decay.
Initial caries only affects the enamel, which is attacked by decalcification. However, the enamel layer can be built up again by fluoridation measures.
In dentin caries, the caries penetrates to the dentin, which can already lead to toothache. Caries can spread much faster on the dentin layer and eventually attack the pulp. One speaks of deep dental caries when the caries lesions directly damage the tooth surface and lead to cavities.
causes
According to recent findings, tooth decay is an infectious disease that occurs when various factors interact.Various streptococci and lactobacilli colonize the plaque with food intake. These produce organic acids from carbohydrates , which can leach minerals from the tooth substance and thus damage the tooth.
A decisive factor here is the consumption of sugar, because this is broken down into lactic acid. A particularly acidic environment develops in the mouth in which plaque- attacking microorganisms thrive.
However, the intensity of caries varies greatly and depends on the interaction of four factors.
First, individual requirements such as mineral quality, salivation, condition and hygiene of the teeth. Second, the composition of the plaque, which can be genetically different. Third and fourth, finally, the intake of low-molecular carbohydrates (especially sugar) and the time factor.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of tooth decay:
The typical caries-related symptoms include the visible brown tooth discoloration. In the early stages of caries, the person affected often complains about an increased sensitivity to pain when eating very cold and hot food. As tooth decay progresses, the enamel and nerve of the tooth are increasingly destroyed. As a result, this can lead to the complete death of the tooth.
Diagnose
There are several ways to diagnose caries. First of all, a dental examination is carried out, which should take place at least once a year. A combination of several methods is recommended for an accurate caries diagnosis.
When the tooth has been cleaned and dried, a visual diagnosis is made (the tooth is examined closely). With a dental mirror in good light, the dentist examines possible discoloration of the tooth and collapses in the tooth substance. The interdental spaces cannot be observed precisely enough. The severity of the caries disease can be determined using diagnostic systems.
The fiber-optic transillumination is carried out with a cold light probe, which illuminates the tooth substance. The light refraction behavior can be used to distinguish between healthy and carious substance (dark shadow). This method is very reliable.
With the help of an X-ray examination (bitewing image), lesions of the tooth enamel can also be detected in the interdental space with up to 90 percent accuracy. However, only demineralized, more radiolucent lesions are discovered here, the spread can be much larger. This technique is usually recommended around the age of 15. By then, most of the permanent teeth have erupted and hidden lesions (chewing surfaces, interdental spaces) can be detected very well.
Through laser fluorescence measurement, the light of a specific wavelength is absorbed (reflected) by organic and inorganic substances. Carious lesions glow (fluoresce), which triggers an acoustic signal. This method is ideal for assessing caries on occlusal surfaces.
With the electrical resistance or impedance measurement, the electrical resistance of saliva-moist tooth hard substances is determined. If the tooth is more porous (carious), then the resistance decreases due to the higher saliva content (improved conductivity).
complications
Caries can cause various symptoms and complications. First and foremost, those affected by caries suffer from severe toothache. This pain can also occur in the form of rest pain and in many cases spread to the ears or head. Pain can also occur when eating or drinking. Caries can also lead to inflammation of the gums or the root of the tooth . In this case, it is necessary to remove the root of the tooth in order to relieve the patient’s pain.
Caries can also spread to the neighboring teeth and cause problems there as well. Pain when eating and drinking can lead to weight loss or dehydration. Caries can usually be removed relatively easily. However, there is no guarantee that the complaint will not recur. There are no complications. In severe cases, the tooth may need to be removed entirely and replaced with an implant. Caries does not affect the life expectancy of the patient.
treatment and therapy
Caries in the early stages can be counteracted with intensive fluoridation of the affected teeth. Damaged tooth enamel can be remineralized with special toothpastes.
The later stages, where cavities (holes) have formed in the teeth, require dental care. The tooth substance affected by caries must be removed by drilling and the holes must be closed with filling material (eg amalgam, plastic, ceramic or gold inlays).
In the case of particularly badly affected teeth, dentures such as bridges and crowns may be necessary, or even complete removal of the tooth. One way to counteract tooth decay is to seal teeth with a plastic substance. In this way, caries is prevented from spreading in small fissures on the tooth surface.
Caries can be successfully prevented by preventive measures. First of all, it is necessary to regularly check the condition of the teeth by the dentist and to treat the affected areas promptly to prevent them from spreading. Regular professional tooth cleaning is helpful, during which tartar and plaque are removed and refluoridation can be initiated if necessary.
prevention
Eating the right diet is also very important to prevent tooth decay. In particular, the regular consumption of high-sugar foods and drinks should be limited. The time factor is of great importance here.If sugar is consumed immediately before brushing your teeth, this is less harmful than consuming sugar throughout the day, because brushing your teeth reduces the acid in the oral flora and immediately initiates a refluoridating effect.
On the other hand, if there is a long time between consuming sugar and brushing your teeth, the risk of carious damage to your teeth increases.
Regular and thorough dental care not only removes dirt, but also has a stabilizing effect on the tooth enamel. It is important to also cover the interdental spaces that can be easily reached when brushing your teeth in order to prevent caries from attacking
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.