Everything About Dental Caries That You Should Know
Dental fillings can be used to treat dental caries, which is a common problem. This procedure involves drilling into the affected area of teeth and packing the cavity with the correct dental filling material. Different types of filling materials are used for different types of cavities. Composite resin is the most popular filling material for visible tooth in the developed world. For back teeth, however, you will need other types of filling material.
Treating Dental Caries
Dental caries can be treated by filling and cleaning cavities. Cavities develop when plaque and acids buildup in the mouth. These acids cause tiny holes in the teeth and dissolve the enamel. The cavities grow bigger and larger until they reach a point where filling becomes necessary. Fortunately, the process of filling a cavity is simple.
Dental caries is caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria that metabolize fermentable carbohydrates and produce acids as waste products. Two of the principal bacteria species involved in this disease are Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria produce acid that dissolves the minerals below the tooth surface and forms a cavity. Unfortunately, the early stage of caries is difficult to detect with today’s technology.
Numerous studies have shown that children can benefit from dental treatment. One study found that treatment improved children’s appetite and satisfaction with their teeth. However, anthropometric outcomes did not show significant improvement.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for dental caries can include dental fillings or restorations. Dental fillings are a popular way to treat tooth decay. This involves a dentist drilling into the affected area and filling it with dental filling material. The type of caries and the location will determine which filling material is used. Composite resin is the most popular filling material in the developed world. Composite resin is used to fill cavities in the front teeth, while other fillings are used in the back teeth.
Fluoride varnish is another preventive measure against dental caries. Fluoride varnish can be applied by your primary care provider. Fluoride supplements can also be used to treat tooth decay. These preventive measures can prevent dental caries from occurring, enabling early intervention.
Prevention
One of the most important factors in the prevention of dental caries is adequate exposure to fluoride. This mineral is found in fluoridated water, salt, milk, and toothpaste. Fluoride-containing toothpaste should be used twice daily to clean your teeth. This also helps to prevent the onset of early caries lesions.
While the cause of dental caries is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of dietary and genetic factors. Poor oral hygiene and eating sugary foods can both increase the risk of developing cavities. Children with poor oral hygiene can even develop cavities at a young age. To protect their gums and teeth, it is important that children have regular dental checkups.
The oral microbiome is unique to each individual. It contains between 200 and 700 species of bacteria. The natural resilience of a healthy person’s oral microbiota to external stressors is high. However, environmental stressors can cause this microbiota to become susceptible. Numerous factors can lead to dysbiosis such as increased bacterial acid production, socioeconomic factors, and diet.
