Caries is the Latin word for rotten. Dental caries means rotten teeth. It's the professional name for dental cavities and tooth decay. Dental caries is a localized infection by bacteria that generate acids. The acids involved dissolve tooth structure. At first the damage caused appears as a white area on the tooth surface. Most often it grows and a soft dark brown area develops. As the destruction of the tooth continues, the decay eventually insults the nerve living inside the tooth and a root canal is needed.
The best thing to do is prevent dental caries. Dentists have done a great job of reducing the incidence of dental caries by promoting the use of fluoride in drinking water. When fluoride is available, the body uses the fluoride to make the hard part of the tooth. When dental caries causes the tooth to dissolve, it releases the trapped fluoride and kills the dental caries causing bacteria. If you drink well water or if your water is not fluoridated, consider asking your dentist to prescribe fluoride tablets to add to your water.
A popular method that prevents food from getting into the pits and fissures of teeth is to bond plastic material in these areas. These are pit and fissure sealants.
Dental caries is an infection and the infected part of a tooth must be removed to stop the progress of the dental infection. Modern dentists remove dental caries using high speed drills. After all of the decayed part of the tooth is removed, the tooth is restored. White colored materials improved tremendously over the past decade and are usually the material of choice to restore teeth damaged due to dental caries.
Most of the bacteria that cause dental caries love sugar. Carbohydrates are made up of long chains of connected sugars. Many authorities believe that carbohydrates were not a major part of out ancestors diet. Tooth decay became epidemic when Man began growing his own crops that were high in carbohydrate content. Decreasing carbohydrate intake, decreases the incidence of dental problems.
Carbohydrate rich foods that stick to teeth increase the likelihood of dental caries. Liquid foods can bath teeth in carbohydrates and promote dental decay and a common example is baby bottle mouth.
Unfortunately, dental caries can often destroy a tooth without any pain. The first sign for some patients is tremendous pain with the death of their tooth. At times a tooth that has a cavity will be sensitive to sweets or hot and cold. Because tooth decay can be silent, it is especially important to have regular dental check ups.
Many public health officials believe that with the decrease in dental caries, there is less need for dentists. This belief is short sighted and fundamentally fails to understand what dentists do. Periodontal disease strikes over 80% of people over the age of 35 and almost everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. Americans are now seeking orthodontic care even as adults and the whole area of TMJ Disorders is evolving. Cosmetic Dentistry has recently become fastest growing area of dental care. Dentists have lots and lots to do
Dental caries needs food to grow. By brushing and flossing your teeth several times a day, you remove food that feeds the infection. Since fluoride kills bacteria, choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Choose foods that do not stick to your teeth and that do not contain large amounts of carbohydrates. Learn to read the Nutritional Facts label posted on all foods and be particularly careful to look at the carbohydrate and sugar content of the food.
Professional dental care is important. Even with careful home care, it is difficult to remove all of the food. Sometimes a cavity forms and by having a dentist remove the infection early, you stand a better chance of keeping your teeth healthy. If you are having dental problems and would like to consult with a dentist, please call and make an appointment at 404-874-7428.