Dental Cavity
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Dental Cavity
Humans have suffered from dental cavities since the times of the 'hominids'. Dental caries is the most prevalent disease afflicted by Americans. There is a varied range in symptoms from slight discomfort to agonizing pain. No wonder! Since the earliest of times, efforts have been made to cure the problem of dental cavities.
But before focusing our attention on the cure for dental cavities, it would be more worthwhile to look at the causes of dental cavities. Preventive treatment is far more effective in the long run. Education on preventive care is essential to prevent the onset of disease.
Causes
The primary cause of dental cavities is poor oral hygiene, and diet. The act of flossing and tooth brushing must be a regular activity. Cleaning of the mouth ensures the removal of bacteria and plaque. Plaque refers to the accumulation of biofilm bacteria which appears as a sticky white substance on the surface of the tooth. Food particles often remain embedded in crevices of the teeth. Without proper oral care, this provides a thriving breeding environment for bacteria and leads to plaque accumulation which then leads to development of cavities.
Bacteria present in the mouth act in a certain manner when they come in contact with food. Metabolism of sugar by bacteria takes place during food intake. This metabolism causes production of acidic matter. This acidic matter causes the mineral content of the teeth (that is the outer layer known as the enamel) to be degraded. Sugary foods, juices and carbonated drinks have especially high acidity content. Thus, the teeth become susceptible to the harmful impact of the acidic environment. Prolonged exposure to the acidic content enhances the risk of developing dental cavities. Carbohydrates and sugars are high in acidity and lead to enamel degradation and cavity formation.
Saliva is a natural buffer for the acidity content in our mouth based on diet and intake. Saliva dilutes the acidic content of the mouth and thereby helps fight dental cavities. The side effects of several medications can affect saliva production, thus making some individuals increasingly prone to developing caries. Additionally, genetics plays a significant role in decay rates. Studies have shown that pregnant women are at an increased risk for developing cavities.
If left untreated, cavities can progress to infections known as abscess, periodontal disease, and even toothloss.
Preventing Cavities
References
ABC Of Oral Health: Dental Damage, Sequelae, And Prevention
Ruth Holt, Graham Roberts and Crispian Scully
BMJ: British Medical Journal , Vol. 320, No. 7251 (Jun. 24, 2000), pp. 1717-1719
Published by: BMJ Publishing Group
Accessed from JSTOR online database
Forging a Link between Biofilms and Disease
Carol Potera
Science , New Series, Vol. 283, No. 5409 (Mar. 19, 1999), pp. 1837+1839
Published by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Accessed from JSTOR online database
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/tooth-decay-topic-overview
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cavities/DS00896/DSECTION=causes
Humans have suffered from dental cavities since the times of the 'hominids'. Dental caries is the most prevalent disease afflicted by Americans. There is a varied range in symptoms from slight discomfort to agonizing pain. No wonder! Since the earliest of times, efforts have been made to cure the problem of dental cavities.
But before focusing our attention on the cure for dental cavities, it would be more worthwhile to look at the causes of dental cavities. Preventive treatment is far more effective in the long run. Education on preventive care is essential to prevent the onset of disease.
Causes
The primary cause of dental cavities is poor oral hygiene, and diet. The act of flossing and tooth brushing must be a regular activity. Cleaning of the mouth ensures the removal of bacteria and plaque. Plaque refers to the accumulation of biofilm bacteria which appears as a sticky white substance on the surface of the tooth. Food particles often remain embedded in crevices of the teeth. Without proper oral care, this provides a thriving breeding environment for bacteria and leads to plaque accumulation which then leads to development of cavities.
Bacteria present in the mouth act in a certain manner when they come in contact with food. Metabolism of sugar by bacteria takes place during food intake. This metabolism causes production of acidic matter. This acidic matter causes the mineral content of the teeth (that is the outer layer known as the enamel) to be degraded. Sugary foods, juices and carbonated drinks have especially high acidity content. Thus, the teeth become susceptible to the harmful impact of the acidic environment. Prolonged exposure to the acidic content enhances the risk of developing dental cavities. Carbohydrates and sugars are high in acidity and lead to enamel degradation and cavity formation.
Saliva is a natural buffer for the acidity content in our mouth based on diet and intake. Saliva dilutes the acidic content of the mouth and thereby helps fight dental cavities. The side effects of several medications can affect saliva production, thus making some individuals increasingly prone to developing caries. Additionally, genetics plays a significant role in decay rates. Studies have shown that pregnant women are at an increased risk for developing cavities.
If left untreated, cavities can progress to infections known as abscess, periodontal disease, and even toothloss.
Preventing Cavities
- Flossing two times a day to prevent formation of interproximal cavities (those formed between the teeth)
- Proper brushing two times a day with a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
- Use of a fluoride rinse at night time prior to sleeping.
- Ensuring water fluoride content is sufficient – most city water contains fluoride. Many filters often eradicate fluoride through the filtration process.
- Visit a dentist every 6 months to ensure maintenance of proper oral hygiene
- Minimize intake of sugary foods including: candy, chocolate, juices, sodas, and other carbonated drinks.
- Minimize the intake of sticky foods which settle in the grooves of the teeth.
- Ask your dentist about sealants!
References
ABC Of Oral Health: Dental Damage, Sequelae, And Prevention
Ruth Holt, Graham Roberts and Crispian Scully
BMJ: British Medical Journal , Vol. 320, No. 7251 (Jun. 24, 2000), pp. 1717-1719
Published by: BMJ Publishing Group
Accessed from JSTOR online database
Forging a Link between Biofilms and Disease
Carol Potera
Science , New Series, Vol. 283, No. 5409 (Mar. 19, 1999), pp. 1837+1839
Published by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Accessed from JSTOR online database
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/tooth-decay-topic-overview
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cavities/DS00896/DSECTION=causes
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