Tooth Decay: Dental Cavity

Dental cavity is an infectious disease characterized by the destruction of hard dental tissues. According to Dentist in Pitampura, it is produced by multiple factors among which stand out the bacteria that produce acids (streptococcus mutans), the susceptible teeth, the fermented carbohydrates present in the diet (cookies, sugar chocolates or pastries), the time that the teeth are exposed to these acids and the quality of oral hygiene.

Cavity, although a preventable and curable pathology, is the most common chronic childhood disease.

Why is cavity produced?

The cariogenic bacteria (streptococcus mutans) present in dental plaque use the carbohydrates of the diet as an energy source. By metabolizing these carbohydrates, acids are produced that lower the pH of the tooth surface. When the pH drops below a critical threshold, mineral loss or demineralization occurs. This mineral loss is recovered when the pH rises again producing a remineralization. In the absence of disease, the demineralization and remineralization processes alternate throughout the day.

When the balance between the two processes is broken and the demineralization processes increase, a loss of ore occurs. The result of mineral loss is the appearance or progression of the cavity lesion.

What does cavities look like?

The first sign is the appearance of a change of colour in the tooth that becomes whitish and dull. According to best dentist in Delhi, in this initial phase of white spot, the lesion is still reversible and cavitation can be avoided.

If the lesion persists, a yellow, brown or black border is observed at the level of the area covered. In the most advanced phase, a loss of dental tissue is already produced and the enamel ends up breaking, appearing a cavity in the tooth.

How is cavity diagnosed?

The diagnosis will be made at Dental Clinic in Rani Bagh by visual inspection, using a mirror and a dental probe, as well as with the help of a radiological examination, which will give us more information about the extension of the cavity and about the interproximal lesions.

What symptoms produce cavities?

When the cavities are small and only affect the enamel, they do not produce pain. But if the decay extends into the tooth, the intake of sweets or cold or hot drinks can cause discomfort and even pain.

When the infection progresses, the pain can be intense and continuous and complications such as dental phlegmon or more serious infections can appear.

How are cavities treated?

When the cavity is small, the infected tissue is removed and filled by filling by dentist in Rani Bagh. When the lesion is extensive and affects the pulp tissue, it is necessary to perform the nerve treatment.

If the decay has caused a great destruction of the tooth, metal crowns should be placed to restore the functionality of the tooth.

When there is no choice but to extract a baby tooth, a space maintainer must be placed to avoid the loss of space necessary for the eruption of the final tooth.

How can cavities be prevented?

Prevention is based on the following specific measures:

• The removal of dental plaque by brushing teeth daily after each meal.
• Avoid the intake of foods with high cariogenic potential such as sweets, soft drinks, industrial juices, pastries, sugary cereals, cookies, chocolate or potato chips
• Avoid snacking between meals.
• Increase the resistance of the teeth through the use of fluoride and fissure sealants.

Why do you have to fix your baby teeth?

Maintaining dental health in children is necessary to have a good general health and a good quality of life.

The early deterioration of milk teeth will negatively affect the chewing of food, preventing proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

A sufficient reason to treat children's cavities is to avoid the occurrence of infectious processes as well as to avoid the associated pain.

Untreated decay or early loss of milk teeth results in the loss of space for the eruption of definitive teeth.

The infection in the milk teeth that is not treated in an appropriate way can cause the final teeth to erupt with spots or malformations secondary to the infection.