Dental caries is all too common. Rushing, bad meals, lack of hygiene or even stress are conducive to the appearance of these problems in our mouths. The problem with this fact is that cavities are the beginning of major problems such as root canals or extreme sensitivities in the dentition.
What is dental caries?
The deterioration of dental enamel can be due to wear and tear produced by use or due to age, but one of the main causes is the decrease in the pH of the mouth caused by the acids that form when bacterial plaque comes into contact with the sugars in some foods (mainly carbohydrates). The moment the pH of the mouth drops, the environment is created for acids to act, facilitating the destruction of the tooth surface (enamel) and the appearance of small holes or cavities, commonly known as caries.
Not all people are prone to caries formation, but there are some factors that are decisive in the appearance of caries:
- Genetics
- Tooth anatomy
- Saliva composition
These factors explain why two people with identical oral hygiene habits and following the same diet can be affected differently by this pathology.
On the other hand, although caries formation can occur at any age, it is more frequent in children and adolescents, since in this period the consumption of foods with a high sugar content, known as cariogenic, is greater and oral hygiene is usually more deficient. Elderly people are also particularly susceptible to caries.
Symptoms of caries
Some symptoms that indicate the presence of caries:
- Increased sensitivity to cold and/or heat (generally in the affected tooth).
- Presence of more or less intense discomfort.
However, it should be borne in mind that caries may not show symptoms until very advanced stages, once it has reached a large size and depth. For this reason, specialists in dentistry remind us that it is very important to have regular check-ups, as these can diagnose caries in its initial phase and treat it more easily.
How to treat caries
The most common treatment for caries is a filling, better known as a composite filling or restoration. This treatment removes the tissues damaged by caries and then fills the resulting cavity with a material that replaces the hard tissues that have been lost due to caries, guaranteeing the protection of the dentin.
Nowadays, fillings are highly durable and resistant, although they can deteriorate or fracture over the years. It is also common that, due to the passage of time, leaks occur around the fillings. In both cases, the deteriorated composite must be removed, the area cleaned again and a new filling made.
Prevention of dental caries
Tooth decay is caused by a number of factors, so the following preventive measures should be taken:
- At least 2 times a day, brush and clean the spaces between the teeth to eliminate bacteria.
- Control the consumption of potentially cariogenic foods rich in sugars, limiting them to the main meals.
- In addition to brushing, use fluoride toothpastes and rinses to protect tooth enamel and prevent the adhesion of acids.
- Perform fluoridations, both children and adults.
- Substitute chewing gum with sugar for chewing gum with xylitol.
- Periodically go for check-ups.
- In some cases it may be highly recommended to protect the occlusal tooth surface of premolars and molars by sealing the pits and grooves in the tooth.