Tooth decay is one of their most common dental problems. In Latin, the word "caries" means "putrefaction." Many of us have experienced tooth decay at least once in our lives. It seems to us that we know everything about how it appears, how to treat and prevent it. But there are interesting facts about tooth decay that many people don't know.
Due to the action of various external and internal factors, the process of gradual and consistent tooth decay is underway, while the stages of caries differ in their characteristics and have characteristic signs. In the absence of adequate oral hygiene, the carious cavity increases over time, which leads to tooth decay. But there are exceptions when the enamel is not susceptible to caries, this is called natural sanitation.
It is important to know that malnutrition, including excessive amounts of easily digestible carbohydrates (sweet juices, pastries, chocolate, alcohol, fast food, etc.), causes a decrease in tooth resistance to caries.
Suspended and acute caries
There is a suspended caries that does not develop, looks like a small black speck and can remain stable for years. The most frequently suspended carious process can be observed in the cervical region and in the natural recesses of the teeth (fissures and pits). Suspended caries does not always require treatment. In this case, we recommend preventive follow-up and professional dental examination twice a year.
Acute caries looks like a white or brown spot, develops rapidly and can destroy a tooth in a few months. Stressful situations and hormonal disruptions can affect the development of acute caries. If caries is not treated, bacteria enter the tooth pulp, resulting in pulpitis– an inflammation of the nerve.
It is important to have routine dental checkups every 6 months. Then we will be able to diagnose the slightest changes in time and carry out the necessary treatment.
In most cases, we use light-curing (photopolymer) filling materials to treat caries. They have a high degree of durability and help to achieve a good aesthetic result.
Pregnancy is not a contraindication to dental treatment. For expectant mothers, caries can be treated starting in the second trimester. But it is more correct to get examined by a dentist and carry out the necessary treatment before pregnancy at the planning stage of the baby.
It is a well-known fact that tooth decay can be transmitted from mother to baby through a kiss.
How to protect yourself from tooth decay?
There is a prevention of caries — it is professional oral hygiene, fluoridation, remineralization, sealing fissures in children and adolescents. If the fissures are very deep and pronounced, the food gets stuck between them, creating favorable conditions for the reproduction of bacteria.
For individual oral hygiene, it is necessary to use dental floss, a soft toothbrush, mouthwashers, toothpastes and an irrigator.As a rule, after professional oral hygiene, the dentist individually selects the necessary pastes and mouthwashers for each patient, adjusts individual oral care skills.
Take care of your teeth. Don't forget to come for checkups every 6 months. Remember that prevention is very important, because the disease is easier to prevent than to treat.
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