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Definition
Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth material, which includes:
- Enamelthe hard outer surface of the tooth
- Dentinthe second softer layer beneath the enamel
- Pulpthe inside of the tooth containing the nerve and blood supply
- Rootthe area of the tooth anchoring it in the bone
Tooth Decay
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Causes
Tooth decay, also known as caries, is caused by bacteria interacting with food particles left on the surface of the tooth. Bacteria feed on the sugars in the food and produce acids. These acids and bacteria combine to form a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque clings to your teeth and gives the acids a chance to eat away at the protective enamel of the tooth, eventually causing tooth decay. The process is reversible in the early stages through intake of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride.
Risk Factors
All of us carry bacteria in our mouth which make us susceptible to tooth decay.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
- Poor dental hygiene
- High numbers of bacteria
- Insufficient fluoride
- Frequent use of medications containing sugar or causing dry mouth
- Diet high in sugars
- Malnutrition, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Medical conditions, such as Sjogren's syndrome , that decrease the flow of saliva in the mouth
- Children whose caregivers or siblings have severe caries have a greater chance for dental caries
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
Tooth sensitivity to hot or coldTooth discomfort after eatingDarkening of the tooth surfaceBad breath or a foul taste in the mouthThrobbing, lingering pain in tooth DiagnosisTooth decay or caries is diagnosed by monitoring over a period of time. This involves clinical examination as well as x-rays. A dentist checks for tooth decay by: Asking about pain in the teethVisually inspecting the surface of the teeth Probing teeth with dental instruments to check for: SensitivityPainSoftnessSurface defectsTaking x-rays of teeth TreatmentSometimes tooth decay that is stopped before it reaches the dentin (second layer of the tooth) will repair itself.Treatment for more severe decay includes: Fillings When decay reaches the dentin, your dentist will treat it by: Numbing the tooth and surrounding tissue areaRemoving the decay with instrumentsFilling the hole with a dental filling; the filling can be silver or tooth colored Root Canal Tooth decay that reaches the pulp and/or root of the tooth is treated with a root canal : The tooth is numbed and a hole is drilled through the top of the tooth.Pus and dead tissue are removed from the tooth.The inside of the tooth and the root (nerve) canals are cleaned and filled with a permanent filling.The root (nerve) canal is sealed.A crown is placed on the tooth to protect it. Tooth Extraction (Removal)Removal of the tooth is required if:
Tooth decay and/or tooth infection is too extensive for filling or root canal.A break or crack in the tooth that has allowed for decay is too severe to be repaired.An extensive infection exists between the tooth and gum. If the tooth is removed, it will be replaced with: A partial bridgeA dentureA tooth implant Prevention Measures that help prevent and stop tooth decay include: Proper dental hygiene, including: Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste after meals or at least twice per dayDaily flossing between teeth and gums. Bacteria living between the teeth can only be removed with floss or interdental cleaners.Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning Limiting the amount of sugar and carbohydrates you eat and drink, including: HoneySodasCandyCakesCookiesOther sweetsRinsing your mouth with water after eating sugarsReplacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 monthsAvoiding sugar-containing drinks (including fruit juices), especially in nursing bottles, and careful brushing can help prevent childhood tooth decayTalk to your dentist about the use of a sealant, a protective plastic covering which is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. This is the location where initial tooth decay starts. Sealants usually last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
Prevention is particularly important for children, especially after the permanent teeth come in. Supplemental fluoride in early childhood (with dose adjustment for the amount of natural or added fluoride in local water supplies) can prevent early caries. Fluoride can also be applied to permanent teeth as a long acting varnish, though revarnishing is usually necessary at least twice yearly RESOURCES: Academy of General Dentistryhttp://www.agd.org/consumer American Dental Associationhttp://www.ada.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Dental Associationhttp://www.cda-adc.ca The Canadian Dental Hygienists Associationhttp://www.cdha.ca/ References: American Dental Association website. Available at: http://www.ada.org . The Merck Manual of Medical InformationHome Edition . Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000. Murdoch-Kinch CA, Mclean ME. Minimally invasive dentistry. J Am Dent Assoc . 2003;134(4):412-414. National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.nih.gov/ . Selwitz RH, Ismail AL, Pitts NB .Dental caries. Lancet . 2007:369(9555):51-9. Last reviewed February 2008 by Laura Morris-Olson, DMDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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