Dental decay is the main disease of the teeth and can lead to their loss. Although there has been a noticeable decrease in its occurrence in several countries, it still represents a huge health and social problem. The greatest incidence of the disease is observed in childhood.
Tooth decay is caused by the action of dental plaque. The bacteria that make up plaque feed on food and drink ingredients. Such ingredients are mainly carbohydrates (sugars). Sugar and glucose are the most important. During the metabolism of sugars by the bacteria, acids are produced which attack the surface of the teeth, destroying it. The carious lesion begins as a small lesion on the surface of the enamel that may be invisible as it is located in crevices or on surfaces where the teeth touch each other. If not treated in time, carious damage progresses and goes from enamel to dentin.
When the damage is advanced, a cavity is created (carious cavity) which favors the further progression of the disease. If the caries finally reaches the pulp then it causes severe pain, inflammation, necrosis of the tooth and advancement of the damage outside the tooth to the periapical tissues (development of apical abscess).
Caries and dental abscess
The correct timing of a dentist’s intervention is necessary to stop the carious damage as quickly as possible by removing the damaged and infected substance and filling the tooth.
Tooth decay prevention:
- Fighting dental plaque with daily tooth care (proper brushing, flossing).
- Frequent use of fluoride (Fluoride toothpaste, fluoridation in the dental office).
- Regular visits to the dentist.
- Proper nutrition with reduced intake of sugars in the intervals between meals.
