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Tooth
decay is the destruction of teeth due to the interaction of teeth
with bacteria and food. Plaque build-up can lead to tartar formation
and, eventually, cavities (dental caries) and/or gum disease. Tooth
injuries can involve a damaged, fractured or cracked tooth, as well
as trauma such as tooth loss.
Although tooth decay has declined among young children as a group, it can still be a problem for individual children, and even teens and adults. That’s because plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and after many such attacks, the enamel can break down and a cavity forms. |
# Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
# Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
# Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
# Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral
exams.
# Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating
that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where
decay often starts. . |
Aren't Cavities Just Kid's Stuff?
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No.
Changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too.
Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased
incidence of periodontal (gum) disease, can expose tooth roots to
plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than
enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to
touch and to hot and cold. The majority of people over age 50 have
tooth-root decay.
Decay around the edges, or margins, of fillings is also common to older adults. Because many older adults lacked benefits of fluoride and modern preventive dental care when they were growing up, they often have a number of dental fillings. Over the years, these fillings may weaken and tend to fracture and leak around the edges. Bacteria accumulate in these tiny crevices causing acid to build up which leads to decay. |
How do cavities form on the tooth?
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| The
microorganisms that exist in mouth along with the food remains form
a sticky thin, translucent layer on the tooth called dental plaque.
The plaque in initial stages can easily be removed by brushing and
flossing. If it is not removed, the plaque gets attached firmly
to the teeth and the bacteria multiply and in the process release
mild acids that destroy the tooth structure. The enamel gets destroyed
layer by layer and the bacteria gradually penetrate deeper into
the tooth. The affected part of the tooth gets weakened and breaks
during chewing and results in a cavity. The process is slow and
continues until proper treatment is executed. |
How do you detect decay in initial stages?
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dentist can detect initial decay by examination of the teeth and
by taking an X-ray. Usually decay in between teeth can be spotted
on a bitewing X-ray and on the grinding surface by probing these
areas. . |
Do' black spots' on the teeth indicate decay?
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| Grooves
and pits on the grinding surfaces easily get stained by food stuffs
and beverages Hence all black spots are not decay and only black
spots which have softened the tooth are the areas of decay .The
detection should be done by a dentist. |
How do you identify decay between teeth?
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| Initial
decay/ caries between teeth can be spotted on bitewing X-rays. In
later stages, when more destruction takes place food usually gets
impacted between teeth. A dental checkup will confirm the detection. |
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