Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Dental caries or cavities

Dental caries also known as tooth decay or a cavity, this can be caused by an bacterial infection, that causes demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues (enamel, dentin and cementum), usually by production of acid by bacterial fermentation of the food debris accumulated on the tooth surface. If demineralization exceeds saliva and other remineralization factors such as from calcium and fluoridated toothpastes, these once hard tissues progressively break down, producing dental caries (cavities, holes in the teeth).

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Two main factors causes tooth decay, bacteria and a diet high in sugar and starch. There are over 500 different types of bacteria that are normally present in the mouth. These bacteria combine with food and saliva to form a sticky substance called plaque that attaches to teeth. Foods rich in starches add to the stickiness of the plaque, which begins to get hard if it remains on the teeth after a couple of days and turns into tartar or calculus. Bacteria in the plaque convert sugar into acid that dissolves the tooth structure causing holes, or cavities. Because of these two contributing factors, dental caries have been described as a “dietobacterial” disease.

The parts of teeth that are most vulnerable to tooth decay are areas where plaque can accumulate most easily. Plaque tends to settle into the pits and fissures in the tops of teeth, into the areas in between the teeth, and next to the gum line. Where there is plaque, there are bacteria and acid, and eventually destruction of the tooth surface. The cavity starts in the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) and as it gets deeper, penetrates into the softer inner layer of the tooth (dentin.) Typically, it isn't until the decay reaches the dentin that a person will start to notice signs and symptoms of the cavity

Preventing from dental cavities
Regular dental check up with your near by dentist.

Brushing twice a day.
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Wash your mouth immediately after sweets and chocolates are taken.

Keep your mouth wet drink lot of water.

Saliva helps prevent plaque from attaching to teeth and helps wash away and digest food particles. A low salivary flow or dry mouth leaves the teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay. Genetic factors that affect tooth decay are tooth size and shape, thickness of enamel, tooth position, tooth eruption time and sequence, and the bite.

for more details on dental cares visit dental clinic

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