Tooth decay: what is it?

The decay is an infection of the tooth damage the enamel and dentin, caused by bacteria in dental plaque. The plaque is produced by bacteria that harbor them and proliferate.

What are the risks and health issues?

The danger in the short term is the loss of one or more teeth, sometimes after a pulpits or abscesses. An untreated tooth infection can spread to distance because the dental nerve is connected to the blood and hence the vital organs. Patients with cardiac abnormalities are at risk of devastating infection (infective endocarditis). Athletes risk of joint and muscle problems. There is a risk of miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy. Cavities in teeth can contaminate teeth behind it. The untreated dental infections also cause sinusitis.



What are the mechanisms of decay?


The tooth enamel is colonized by hundreds of species of bacteria, the biofilm of dental plaque. In the absence of a regular brushing, plaque continues to grow while the bacteria in the biofilm using the sugar by the food provided to drill the tooth. If they cross the barrier of the enamel, dentin reach and penetrate the nerve dental caries is deep and reached the pulpits: an acute inflammation of the dental pulp, which translates into an unbearable pain. A deep cavities untreated can develop into abscesses.



How is tooth decay?


Untreated tooth decay grows up dentin (calcified tissue covered by enamel), susceptible to cavities and placed in contact with the dental nerve, consisting of tissue and nerve filaments. If reached, the vessels swell, compress the nerve net and cause pressure on adjacent tissues, resulting in intense pain. The filing of tartar is an aggravating factor: it is calcified plaque, produced from food residue in the saliva. In the absence of regular brushing, it hardens and turns into limestone matrix infected, which intensifies the inflammatory process induced by bacterial infection.



At what point when we see pain caries?


Dental consultation should take place as soon as possible to keep the tooth alive, even if the pain is mild and episodic. Sensitivity to sensations of hot, cold and sweet is an indication not to be neglected.
A white or brown stain on the enamel must alert. A deep cavity can not hurt when it has already crossed the barrier of dentin. These measures relate to young children because the seeds of teeth can be achieved by a cavity on a baby tooth.



What does the dentist?


It eliminates the source of infection by means of conservative treatment with rotary instruments and then fills the cavity formed with a sealing material, usually a composite or an amalgam Onlay.
If the decay has reached an advanced stage, the dentist should dévitaliser tooth (pulpectomy), plugging canals to prevent bacterial infection and lay a wreath.
If the destruction reached the stage of necrosis, it is necessary to extract and then ask:
- A bridge (which is based on the teeth adjacent said abutment teeth);
- Or implant (titanium artificial root placed in the jaw bone).



Are there any prevention of tooth decay?


Yes. Of simple hygiene measures to reduce the risk of over 90%, as brushing teeth at least twice a day and floss to clean interdental spaces.
A dental consultation is essential at least once a year, with a scaling to clean teeth in depth and access points difficult to reach with a toothbrush (molars and premolars, interdental spaces). Any panoramic X-ray detected anomalies invisible to the naked eye.
A balanced diet low in sugar and plays a protective role. On the contrary, the snacks and soft drinks develop caries risk. Smoking weakens the enamel and gums.



How to prepare for the consultation?


By clarifying the circumstances of dental pain, diet and oral hygiene.