Caries

From ArticleWorld

Caries is most commonly observed at the level of the teeth, which is why, in its every-day usage, it only denotes dental caries. The causes vary, but most often caries is caused by bacteria, in cases of osteomyelitis for example.

Causes of tooth caries

Tooth caries represents the most common disease in the world.

The cause of tooth decay is normally associated with the lack oral hygiene. Bacteria are normally present in the mouth, as they start a few initial food-transforming processes. However, after meals, the saliva, food debris, bacteria and acids form a sticky mixture, the plaque, that adheres to the teeth. If not removed, the plaque causes gingivitis and peridontitis, but they also attack the teeth surface, creating holes in it.

Symptoms

Cavities are not painful at first, but only after they grow large and deep enough to destroy the nerve and the blood vessels of the attacked tooth. Toothache may occur, though, even when the caries are not visible, after sweet, very cold or very hot foods and drinks.

Diagnostic and treatment

Normally, cavities will be discovered in the early stages, in routine checks. Many of them are not visible to the naked eye, but X-ray tests will reveal them. The destroyed structure cannot be regenerated, but further decaying can be at least stopped.

In addition, the tooth structure may be repaired by patching it artificially. Various restorative material, like silver alloy, porcelain or composite resin are used to replace the decayed material of the tooth. If the damaged surface is extensive and only a small part of the tooth structure remains available, a crown may be used to fill the remaining area.

In extreme cases, when the nerve dies because of the decay, a root canal is required. The center of the tooth (nerves and pulp) is removed completely, and sealing material is used to fill the roots.