Detecting caries at an early stage is not easy and usually requires a dentist’s expertise. Therefore, visiting your dentist regularly is the best way to prevent more serious lesions.
If you notice any color changes, such as white, yellow, brown, or black spots on the chewing surfaces (grooves and fissures), you should consult your dentist. Interproximal carious lesions can potentially be detected when using dental floss, as it may catch or fray in their presence.
When caries affects only the enamel and dentin, treatment involves removing the affected tooth structure and rebuilding it. Removal of decayed tissue is performed with rotary instruments.
Currently, composite resins (tooth-colored materials) are the aesthetic material of choice for restoring posterior and anterior teeth, often directly and in a single session. In posterior teeth, amalgam (a silver-toned alloy) may still be used.
Dental caries is an infectious disease caused by multiple factors, with Streptococcus mutans being the main cause. Oral bacteria convert food debris into acids through fermentation, which attack the mineralized tissues of teeth.
Insufficient brushing can cause food debris to accumulate on the surface of the teeth, helping bacteria to adhere to the teeth and form plaque or bacterial biofilms. This provides an ideal environment for bacteria to convert sugar in food into acid, which demineralizes tooth enamel and forms cavities.
Fluoride has the ability to inhibit the formation of cavities, but due to its toxicity, it should be used with caution. Cavities can affect:
To prevent tooth decay, the following factors should be considered:
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