Dumaguing: Caries or dental cavities

THIS columnist wants to apologize for the temporary “sidelining” of the topic on caries because of the urgency of disseminating useful information about the worrisome Japanese encephalitis, which made many a mother lose sleep for many nights.

Caries are decayed areas in the teeth, the result of a process that gradually erodes and dissolves the hard outer layer – enamel - and progresses toward the inner portion - dentine and pulp - of the teeth. If these caries or dental cavities are not properly treated, they continue spreading until there is actual tooth loss.

For tooth decay to develop, the tooth must be susceptible, which means there are circumstances that favor its development. Acid producing bacteria must be present and food particles must also be present for the microbe to thrive. Another factor would be a deficiency of fluoride (F-). Some teeth have pits, grooves and fissures that retain plaque, the collection of bacteria that accumulates in the teeth. At this juncture, it is well to establish the fact that the mouth has plenty of microbes but the most common decay-causing bacteria is the Streptococcus mutans.

Decays develop differently depending on the location in the tooth. Smooth surface decay, which is the most preventable and reversible type, grows slowest. A cavity starts as a white spot where bacteria are dissolving the calcium of the enamel, which is most commonly in between the teeth occurring between ages 20-30.

During the early teen’s years when the permanent teeth start to erupt and form, there is the so-called pit and fissure decay, which starts at the narrow grooves on the chewing surfaces and the cheek side of the back teeth, and sadly this decay progressive rather rapidly. Many people cannot adequately clean these cavity-prone areas because the grooves are narrower than the bristles of the tooth brush.

Root decay starts on the bone-like tissue covering the root surface-cementum that has been exposed by receding gums, which is common among folks past their middle age. This type of decay often results from difficulty cleaning the root areas and from a diet high in sugar. Dentists agree that this is the most difficult type of decay to prevent.

If a cavity is treated before it starts to hurt, the chance of damage to the pulp is reduced and more of the tooth structure is saved. To detect cavities early, a dentist inquires about pain, examines the teeth, probes the tooth with dental instruments to test sensitivity and softness and may take X - rays. By the way, not all tooth pain is caused by caries. Toothaches may result from roots which are exposed but not necessarily decayed, by excessive forceful chewing or fractured teeth.

Dentists all over the world agree and strongly recommend that a person should have dental examination every six months. A tall order? Wait till you have those bothersome toothaches!

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