Dental Caries

As we know, good oral hygiene is a very important thing to have. It is crucial to take care of our teeth and gums to prevent dental caries, cavities and gum diseases even if we do not have braces. Dental caries, cavities or tooth decay is the most common problems that can attack everyone. However, not all of us understand the process of the dental caries. Based on experts, there are some factors that can lead to dental caries or tooth decay and there are also some things we can do to prevent them from occurring.

Dental caries or also known as cavities are a form of tooth decay that happens in the tooth because the bacteria attack in particular area. The area that is attacked by the bacteria is usually hidden and foods are easily stuck in it. Food particles that are left in the mouth will be eaten by the bacteria. Some minutes after they eat the foods, the bacteria produce residue namely lactic acid. The bacteria and the acid in the mouth will slowly start to damage the outer layer of our tooth and it leads to further decay and starts the formation of dental caries.

Several factors contribute to the formation of dental caries. The most obvious factor is the condition of the teeth. There could be particular conditions that can lead caries to form easily, such as weak enamel. It is the outer layer of tooth that is protecting the delicate layers. Sugars and acids gotten from drinks and foods can also speed up the dental caries process. Sugars and acids often stay on the teeth long after they are ingested; it will start the fermentation process on the enamel and cause dental caries.

Dental caries expose the inner layers of the teeth and in some cases, they also expose the nerves. In further cases, the tooth may have to be removed. In cases where the root is exposed, a root canal will be implemented. However, in most dental caries cases, such advanced procedures do not have to be used because it can be treated using simple filling technique. To repair the damage, amalgam or porcelain will be used to fill the cavity. This simple procedure requires some basic anesthetic and can be completed with just one visit.

However, the best way is always doing the prevention. Experts suggested that those who do not have dental caries should brush at least twice a day. Then, we are asked to keep good dietary habits, stay away from smoking and alcohol. Visiting dentist twice a year will be useful because he or she will find if there is an indication of dental caries so the prevention procedure can be taken before it is too late.