Summary about Disease
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is the breakdown of tooth enamel caused by acids produced by bacteria in plaque. Over time, this process can lead to holes or pits in the teeth. It's a very common chronic disease, especially among children and adults.
Symptoms
Toothache, spontaneous pain, or pain that occurs without any apparent cause
Tooth sensitivity
Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold
Visible holes or pits in the teeth
Brown, black, or white staining on the surface of a tooth
Pain when you bite down
Causes
Tooth decay occurs due to:
Plaque formation: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.
Eating and drinking: When you eat or drink sugary or starchy foods and drinks, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack your enamel.
Frequency of eating/drinking: Frequent snacking or sipping on sugary/acidic drinks exposes your teeth to acid attacks more often.
Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque to accumulate.
Dry mouth: Saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles, so a lack of saliva increases the risk of decay.
Medicine Used
Fluoride treatments: These treatments can help repair weakened enamel and reverse early decay. They come in various forms, including gels, varnishes, and mouth rinses.
Fillings: Used to repair cavities after the decay has been removed. Common filling materials include composite resin (tooth-colored), amalgam (silver-colored), and glass ionomer.
Crowns: If decay is extensive and has weakened the tooth significantly, a crown (a cap that covers the entire tooth) may be necessary.
Root canals: If the decay reaches the pulp (the inner part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), a root canal may be needed to remove the infected pulp and seal the tooth.
Extraction: In severe cases, if the tooth is too damaged to be saved, it may need to be extracted (removed).
Antibiotics: Usually not required unless there is a severe infection associated with the tooth decay.
Is Communicable
Tooth decay itself is not directly communicable like a cold or the flu. However, the bacteria responsible for tooth decay can be transmitted from one person to another, typically through saliva. This often happens between parents and children (e.g., sharing utensils, cleaning a pacifier in the mouth).
Precautions
Brush your teeth thoroughly: Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially after meals and before bed.
Floss daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gum line.
Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks: Reduce your intake of sodas, candies, juices, and processed foods.
Visit your dentist regularly: Regular checkups and cleanings can help detect and treat tooth decay early.
Consider fluoride treatments: Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments, especially if you are at high risk for tooth decay.
Use antimicrobial mouthwash: Can help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help stimulate saliva flow.
How long does an outbreak last?
Tooth decay is not an "outbreak" in the sense of a sudden, acute illness. It's a chronic process that develops gradually over time. The rate at which decay progresses depends on factors such as diet, oral hygiene, and saliva flow. If left untreated, decay will continue to worsen.
How is it diagnosed?
Visual examination: A dentist can visually inspect your teeth for signs of decay, such as pits, holes, or discoloration.
Dental X-rays: X-rays can reveal decay that is not visible to the naked eye, particularly between teeth or under existing fillings.
Dental probes: Dentists use a dental probe to feel for soft spots or defects in the enamel.
Laser fluorescence: Devices that use laser fluorescence can help detect early decay by measuring changes in the tooth's fluorescence properties.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline can vary greatly depending on individual factors. Here's a general progression:
Early stage: White spots on enamel (may be reversible with fluoride). No pain.
Progression: Enamel breakdown, small pit or hole forms. May experience sensitivity to cold or sweets.
Moderate decay: Larger cavity forms, pain when eating or drinking sweet, hot, or cold foods.
Advanced decay: Decay reaches the pulp. Severe toothache, especially with pressure or temperature changes. Possible infection.
Important Considerations
Early detection is key: The earlier tooth decay is detected and treated, the less damage it will cause and the simpler the treatment will be.
Diet plays a major role: Frequent consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks significantly increases the risk of decay.
Prevention is paramount: Good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups are the best ways to prevent tooth decay.
Tooth decay is preventable: With proper care, it's possible to prevent tooth decay from developing or progressing.
Untreated tooth decay can lead to other health problems: Severe tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, difficulty eating, and even systemic health problems.