cavity and tooth decay/Optimal-Healthrash.blogspot.com

Almost everyone has cavities at some point in their life. Cavities are the result of a dental infection caused by bacteria that are found in large numbers in the mouth.

They attach to teeth in the form of dental plaque , a deposit that adheres to the enamel. Their development is favored by the sugar on which they feed and which they break down into acid. This deposit attacks the enamel, decalcifies the hard substance of the tooth and, in the long run, hollows out a cavity.

Cavities usually appear in children and young adults, but they can affect people of all ages because as we get older the exposed part of the roots is more susceptible to deterioration.

Cavities are the leading cause of tooth loss in young people. Good oral hygiene and a balanced diet help prevent tooth decay. The elderly are also prone to tooth decay, mainly from taking several medications.

Causes

Cavities begin to form when acids produced by bacteria in dental plaque attack tooth enamel. Plaque is a pasty substance made up of bacteria, acids, food residues and saliva that sticks to teeth. Bacteria turn food residues, especially sugars and starch, into acids. These acids dissolve the enamel of the tooth, resulting in tooth decay.The main factors that contribute to the formation of cavities is

1. dry mouth, which is caused by not enough saliva production;

2. fluoride deficiency;
3. dental malformations;.
4. poor dental hygiene.

Symptoms and Complications
The most common complication occurs when the deterioration affects the nerve, the root and then the base of the tooth. When this happens, the nerve in the tooth may die and, if this complication is not treated, an abscess may occur.
In the early stages of caries formation, symptoms are rare. However, when tooth decay has been present for a long time, the most common symptom is toothache or sensitivity to heat, cold, sugary products or pressure. Another symptom may be the presence of an unpleasant taste in the mouth
Diagnostic
The dentist can spot a cavity with a simple examination of the mouth. Cracks and small holes, which soften in the presence of cavities, can be spotted by the dentist.
An x-ray of the teeth is sometimes necessary to detect decay before symptoms appear or located between two teeth.

Treatment and Prevention
Cavities are treated according to their severity. However, if there is partial destruction of one or more teeth, the dentist will recommend treatment that aims to preserve the damaged tooth (s) in order to avoid any complications.
If the decay is recent, professional cleaning by a dentist and fluoride treatments can stop the destruction of the tooth. Fluoride helps enamel to recalcify and repair itself.
The usual treatment for a dental cavity is the filling. This procedure consists of removing the portion of decayed tooth and replacing it with a hard material, which can be an amalgam (mixture of several metals), gold, porcelain or a composite resin. Crowns are used when the cavity is very large and the base of the remaining healthy tooth is too insufficient. Crowns are made of gold, zirconia, porcelain or a mixture of porcelain and metal or porcelain and zirconia. Root canal treatment may be needed if the nerve in your tooth becomes infected or dies.
Teeth that are too decayed must be extracted and can be replaced by artificial teeth (bridge, implants, or dental prosthesis). Dental bridges are typically made up of three or more artificial teeth joined together. The bridges are fixed in place with cement and do not come off. With implants, a titanium root is inserted into the jawbone so that it attaches to it and becomes stable. Once firmly in place, it can accommodate a single artificial tooth. It is also possible to replace several teeth with implants. Dentures are a complete or partial set of teeth that can be removed from the mouth. They are usually attached to adjacent teeth with hooks or various types of chemical fixatives. Finally, implants can be used to retain dentures; these can be screwed or
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth decay from forming. Brush your teeth and floss daily, and remember to see your dentist regularly for a dental check-up.
Tips for brushing teeth:
- Brush teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Gently use a soft toothbrush for at least 2 minutes a day (most people don't brush their teeth long enough).
- Electric toothbrushes are more efficient than manual toothbrushes.
- The toothbrush should be tilted at 45 degrees from the junction between the teeth and the gum line.
- Brush teeth gently using a sweeping motion. Brushing too vigorously damages the gums and teeth.
- Be sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth.
- Remember to brush your tongue.
Babies' teeth can be wiped with a square of gauze while waiting for a toothbrush to be used.
Tips for using dental floss:
- Floss at least once a day.
- Gently insert the floss between your teeth so as not to injure your gums.
- If your gums are bleeding, it may be that you are flossing incorrectly or that your gums are in poor condition. Consult your dentist about this.
- A water flosser (eg Waterpik ® ) can replace the use of dental floss and control bacterial growth at the gum line.
Other tips to prevent cavities from forming:
- Eat nutritious meals and limit snacks. If you like sweet foods, eat them during meals, when your mouth has a higher amount of protective saliva.
- If you like to chew gum, choose a sugar-free brand. Chewing gum containing xylitol also helps prevent tooth decay.
- If the water in your municipality does not contain fluoride, ask your dentist for advice on fluoride supplements.