Cavities & Caries
- Author Monica Quinn
- Published June 28, 2018
- Word count 606
Dental caries is the scientific term that dentists’ use for cavities or tooth decay. Dental caries is formed by specific types of bacteria found in your mouth. They form an acid that harms your tooth’s enamel and the layer under your tooth’s enamel called the dentin. There are a lot of different types of bacteria that live in the human mouth. These bacteria form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque.
Plaque also contains different natural substances, bits of food, and saliva. There are certain places in the mouth where plaque can easily form.
This includes:
-Close to your gum line
-Around bridgework or dental fillings
-Between your teeth
Inside grooves, pits, or cracks in your back teeth
When we eat, bacteria turn carbohydrates (starches) and sugar into acids. This acid then breaks down the minerals within your tooth’s hard enamel that covers your tooth’s crown.
The tooth enamel is the part of the tooth that you can see. The tooth enamel then starts to develop pits or erodes. At first, when they form, they will be too small to see but over time they will become larger.
The acid can also leak through pores in your enamel. This is how your teeth begin to decay in the softer dentin layers. They start to decay in the main body of your tooth.
When the enamel and dentin breakdown, a cavity is then created in your tooth. If you do not remove the decay the bacteria will continue to spread and produce more acid. When this happens the acid will eventually start to dissolve the inner layer of your tooth.
The inner layer of your tooth contains the sensitive nerve fibers and soft pulp.
Diagnosis
At every dental appointment, your dentist will ensure to check for any caries. Your dentist will use a tool called an explorer to make sure that you do not have any damage areas or any pits. While your dentist does this he/she will probe your teeth with the tool. The main problem with these types of methods is usually the fact that dentists do not often catch these cavities when they just start to form.
Sometimes when too much pressure is used, the explorer tool can actually hurt your tooth’s enamel. When this happens, it can actually allow the cavity-causing bacteria to infest the perfectly healthy tooth.
Your dentist will have you take x-rays if he/she suspects a problem and on a set schedule. X-rays can show your dentist where newly forming decay is starting, it works especially well when showing them between your teeth.
Expected duration
When caries is caught as they just start to form they can be removed completely. White spots on your teeth can indicate newly forming caries that has not yet worn through your tooth enamel.
Dentists can stop caries when they just start to form, yet, they can only do this if the acid damage has stopped. When there is no more acid damage happening on your tooth, it can start to heal itself, on its own.
Caries cannot easily be stopped if it has destroyed your tooth enamel. A lot of caries will continue to worsen and become deeper. It does not take long before your tooth has been destroyed due to decay.
Prevention
By reducing the amount of bacteria and plaque in your mouth, you can reduce your chances of getting cavities. The best way to do this is by flossing and brushing your teeth every day. Using antibacterial mouthwash will assist to reduce the bacteria in your mouth, fewer bacteria, fewer chances of getting cavities.
If you have cavities, consult with a dentist today!
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Find In-Home Senior Care Services Near You in Alabama: Expert Respite, Personal, and Dementia Care Solutions
- Elevate Your Entryway with a Statement Wall: Carved Wood Panels
- What Are the Comprehensive Senior Home Care Services in Prichard, AL for Trusted Respite and Dementia Care?
- Electronic Document Management System: Efficiency and Challenges in the Digital Age
- Best Air Conditioning Repair Service Queen Creek Florence Arizona
- How to Choose an Airport Transfer Service: A Guide for Stress-Free Travel
- Wirral Private Airport Transfers: Comfort, Convenience, and Class
- North Wirral Airport Transfers by Ventus: Trusted Travel from Coast to Terminal
- The Importance of Reliable Airport Transfer Services
- Find the Perfect Fireplace for Your Home
- The Pros, Cons, and Ethical Dilemmas of Employee Computer Activity Monitoring Software
- Over 40 and Ready to Mingle? Why Now Is the Best Time to Start Dating Again
- Whu buy an apartment in Manilva
- Best Electric Humidor: Top Picks for Effortless Cigar Storage in 2025
- They Tried Magic Mushrooms for Mental Health
- Sacred Balance: 5 Elements Chakra Healing with Mala Beads & Yantras
- Rooted in Heritage: The Rich Ranch Aesthetic with Antique Doors and Rustic Soul
- Carved Floral Barn Doors: A Shabby Chic Statement for Your Pantry & Laundry Room
- Confusion and Anxiety: Lincoln and the Days Before the Civil War
- How Website Maintenance & Security Protects Your Online Presence
- 5 Best Mortgage Brokers for Bad Credit UK
- 7 Best Mortgage Brokers in Derby
- Maximising Space and Efficiency: The Power of Dual-Purpose Fitness Machines
- Types of Eco Friendly Food Packaging
- Where Can You Find Lighting Stores in Brampton to Illuminate Your Home & Office?
- What Are the Top Real Estate Videography and Photography Services in CA?
- The Rise of Employee Performance Monitoring Tools: Balancing Productivity and Privacy
- **My Vietnam Trip in a Nutshell: A Journey Through Youth, Chaos, and Discovery**
- How to Find a Reliable Magnetic Lash Manufacturer: A Guide for Beauty Entrepreneurs and Salon Professionals
- How the IRS Is Cracking Down on Tax Debt (And What You Can Do About It)