WHAT IS TOOTH DECAY?
Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases today, affecting all age groups. It is believed to be caused by various bacteria, with Streptococcus mutans being the most significant. The formation of plaque on the teeth plays an important role in the development of tooth decay. Plaque is a soft deposit that firmly adheres to the tooth surface. Initially, a thin film called pellicle forms on the tooth surface, onto which bacteria settle and produce metabolic by-products that affect enamel demineralization. In the early stages of plaque formation, while it is immature, saliva products can penetrate it, preventing a low pH in the plaque that promotes the demineralization process. Saliva in immature plaque allows for remineralization processes, which means that our teeth are protected from the onset of decay.
If plaque continues to develop due to inadequate and neglected dental hygiene, mature plaque forms, preventing the penetration of saliva products into the plaque. As a result, the pH of the plaque becomes low, promoting enamel demineralization. Additionally, in such plaque, small acids from sucrose in saliva can penetrate, further supporting a low pH. A low pH prevents remineralization processes, paving the way for the initiation of cavitation in the enamel area. The first sign of enamel decay is a white spot, which has no symptoms other than being detectable during regular dental check-ups. This is called initial caries. Without treating initial caries, it progresses into deeper parts of the tooth, such as dentin, destroying it. The hole in the tooth enlarges, and this is a slow-developing process, but if left untreated, it leads to irreversible destruction of the hard dental tissues, enamel, and dentin.
In advanced decay, we have a large hole in the tooth, a lot of destroyed enamel and dentin tissue, and toothache occurs. This is the most common symptom when most patients visit the dentist. With toothache, infection has also penetrated the pulp, so such a tooth must be devitalized and the lost dental tissue replaced.
HOW TO DEAL WITH IT
We will not get rid of tooth decay; very few people do not suffer from tooth decay on their teeth.
It is important to start caring for dental hygiene from the eruption of the first tooth.
Pay attention to proper nutrition in adults and children, which would involve a diet rich in proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, and minimize the intake of carbohydrates, especially those from sweets.
In children, avoid drinking sugary liquids from bottles before bedtime, and if a child must do so, it is mandatory to brush the first teeth afterward to prevent the development of severe nursing bottle caries, which destroys all front milk teeth.
Children need to introduce fluoride-based toothpaste and regularly visit the dentist.
It is advisable that when the first permanent teeth erupt, fissure sealing should be done on permanent molars if the dentist assesses by fissure morphology that it is necessary.
In the adolescent period, there is a decrease in saliva pH, which also becomes suitable for caries development, so it is necessary to reintroduce fluoride-based toothpaste and apply gels to the teeth.
In the older population, teeth are worn out due to age, leading to gum recession and exposure of the tooth roots. In such a population, root and cervical caries most often occur. At least once a year, the dentist must remove dental calculus, examine old fillings and bridges, and if they are old and inadequate, they must be replaced, and the dentist provides instructions on proper hygiene.
Every missing tooth must be replaced because only a complete and proper dental arch ensures normal functioning of the chewing system and provides conditions for physiological tooth cleaning.
Proper nutrition plays a significant role in preventing diseases, including caries. Eat foods rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, rich in whole grains, food that does not stick to the teeth, and requires longer chewing, such as fruits and vegetables.
For adults, regular dental visits should be made at least once a year, and for children up to 18 years old, every 3-4 months.
