Definition

Dental caries, commonly called cavities, are conditions marked by the destruction of teeth' enamel and dentin layers. They are a widespread problem that affects many people. Dental caries can be caused by various factors, including consuming sugary foods and drinks and poor dental hygiene practices.

Causes

Cavities are mainly caused by plaque, a film of bacteria and acids that form on teeth after eating or drinking sugary foods or beverages. Plaque forms when saliva combines with bacteria, acids, and food particles. If plaque accumulates on teeth over time, it may destroy enamel and lead to dental cavities.

Plaque may also accumulate on teeth due to poor oral hygiene practices, such as:

• Brushing the teeth infrequently
• Incorrect brushing technique
• Excessive consumption of sugary foods and beverages.

Risk factor

This dental problem could affect everyone. The following factors may contribute to an increased risk of dental caries:

1. Age

Both children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to dental caries. Children typically consume sugary foods more frequently and have infrequent brushing habits. Meanwhile, older people's teeth are more vulnerable to root damage. Additionally, various medications commonly taken by older people may inhibit the production of saliva, which is crucial for moisturizing, cleansing, and removing plaque and food particles.

2. Teeth position and density

Due to numerous grooves, holes, and gaps in the back teeth, food particles are frequently lodged there. Cavities are more likely to develop in some regions of the teeth, particularly in the molars and premolars.

3. Consumption of sugary foods and beverages

Excessive sweet foods and beverages may stimulate acid production by bacteria in the mouth. The acid and saliva combine to produce dental plaque, forming cavities on the tooth's surface.

4. Utilization of milk bottles for infants

Dental caries is a condition that may even affect infants. There is an elevated risk of dental caries in infants with teeth who are frequently breastfed from a bottle until they fall asleep. Bottle caries, or rampant caries, are cavities in breastfed infants.

5. Flouride deficiency

Fluoride is an essential mineral that protects the teeth against injury. Fluoride is commonly present in mineral water, toothpaste, and mouthwash.

6. Specific medical conditions

Several medical disorders may increase the susceptibility to dental caries, including:

• Dry mouth (xerostomia)

Xerostomia is a medical disorder characterized by inadequate salivary flow in the mouth. Saliva is essential for removing food particles and plaque from your teeth. Furthermore, the components present in saliva can fight the acids generated by bacteria. This syndrome typically occurs in individuals who are:

• • having diabetes
  • menopause
  • elderly
  • administering certain medications or undertaking a medical intervention, such as chemotherapy.

• GERD

GERD is a medical disorder characterized by the backflow of stomach acid from the stomach to the mouth through the esophagus. The erosion of teeth occurs due to the synergistic effect of gastric acid and acid generated by bacteria. This disorder has the potential to result in significant dental damage.

• Eating disorders

Eating disorders may affect salivary gland function, leading to an elevated susceptibility to dental caries. Furthermore, eating disorders can also lead to dental destruction and cavities.

Symptoms

Common manifestations of dental caries include the following:

• Halitosis
• Acute onset of toothache without any apparent cause
• Pain that ranges from mild to severe when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold
• Increasing dental sensitivity
• An easily noticeable cavity manifests in the tooth
• Brown, black, or white spots on the tooth surface

Diagnosis

Dental caries can be identified through routine examination of the oral cavity and teeth. The dentist will inquire about the patient's oral and dental hygiene. They may also search for soft regions that have the potential to develop into cavities. The dentist may, if necessary, perform an additional examination by checking the spaces between your teeth with a panoramic X-ray.

Management

Although treatment for dental caries varies according to its severity, the following are some options:

• Sealing cavities

The dentist may fill the tooth if the cavity is not extensive and the damage has not progressed excessively. Dental fillings prevent the further spread of holes by effectively covering the exposed surfaces of the teeth.

• Endodontic treatment

Root canal treatment can occur once the cavity has penetrated the tooth pulp. It is a minimally invasive procedure to treat an infection in the dental pulp. The objective is to preserve the tooth. If an infection in the pulp is not treated, it may lead to damage that may require the tooth to be removed. This procedure prevents the extraction of unsalvageable teeth.

• Dental extraction

In the end, if other methods don't work, dental extraction is the only option. The sedative or anesthetic administered depends on the number of teeth removed. Discuss this with your dentist.

• Specific medication

Medication relieves symptoms and treats or prevents infection. When taking drugs such as antibiotics, following a dentist's instructions is essential. Do not decrease, increase, or discontinue treatment without any recommendations.

Complications

The following are complications related to cavities that require your attention:

• Pain

The level of pain is dependent on the severity of the cavity or injury to the tooth. Cavities cause persistent or recurrent pain. You may have a pulsating sensation in the damaged tooth, which eventually stops suddenly. The pain may intensify and extend to the ears and jaw, potentially resulting in headaches.

• Abscess

Mouth abscesses, or pus-filled pockets, may develop when oral bacteria increase and the infection worsens. This disorder may develop when an untreated infection spreads to the soft tissue of the individual's pulp, mouth, or jaw.

• Periodontal disease

Dental caries can lead to gingival irritation. Medically, this condition is referred to as gingivitis. Inflammation can also spread to surrounding gingival areas, resulting in a visible manifestation.

of redness and swelling. Gums may bleed easily when brushing teeth, and if left untreated, this may lead to a more severe gingival infection called periodontitis.

• Structure of the mandible

Untreated infections continue to spread and result in severe dental damage, ultimately resulting in tooth loss. The absence of teeth may result in the displacement of surrounding teeth, leading to the improper position of both the teeth and the jaw bone.

• Dental fracture

Even though teeth are among the most resilient components of the body, they are susceptible to breaking, such as from a severe injury or an infection that is not appropriately treated.

• Cardiovascular disease

Prolonged, untreated cavities may lead to the development of cardiovascular disease. Untreated oral issues may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Cerebrovascular disease

Dental caries can potentially lead to stroke. Multiple studies have proven a correlation between the risk of oral infections and the occurrence of stroke.

Prevention 

To prevent cavities, it is essential to maintain proper dental hygiene. To maintain oral health, follow these recommended interventions:

• Brushing teeth twice daily
• Using fluoride toothpaste
• Using an appropriate toothbrush
• Flossing the teeth
• Dental checkups every six months

When to see a doctor?

See a dentist immediately if you're experiencing oral pain, including toothache. Even if your teeth aren't feeling bad, you should still visit the dentist for an examination and checkup every six months. The majority of individuals frequently remain unaware of the presence of cavities in their teeth. This causes the current cavity to enlarge, which results in severe discomfort. Regular examinations help with the prevention and early treatment of any existing damage.

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