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( Tooth decay)
Dental caries is a disease that damages tooth structures, resulting in what is commonly called tooth decay or cavities, which are holes in the teeth.[1] This damage first affects the hard tissues of the teeth (enamel, dentin and cementum). As the destruction progresses, these tissues begin to break down, which can eventually lead to holes in the teeth. If left untreated, the disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, and, in severe cases, death.[2] There is a long history of dental caries over a million years ago, hominids such as Australopithecus suffered from cavities. However, the incidence of cavities was very low well into the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods.[3] The largest increases in the prevalence of caries have been associated with dietary changes.[3][4] Today, caries remains one of the most common diseases throughout the world. There are numerous ways to classify dental caries.[5] Although the presentation may differ, the risk factors and development among distinct types of caries remain largely similar. Initially, it may appear as a small chalky area but eventually develop into a large, brown cavitation. Though sometimes caries may be seen directly, radiographs are frequently needed to inspect less visible areas of teeth and to judge the extent of destruction. Tooth decay is caused by certain types of acid-producing bacteria (specifically Lactobacillus species, Streptococcus mutans, and Actinomyces species) which cause damage in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose.[6][7][8] The resulting high levels of acidity from lactic acid in the mouth affect teeth because a tooth's special mineral content causes it to be sensitive to low pH. Specifically, a tooth (which is primarily mineral in content) is in a constant state of back-and-forth demineralization and remineralization between the tooth and surrounding saliva. When the pH at the surface of the tooth drops below 5.5, demineralization proceeds faster than remineralization (i.e. there is a net loss of mineral structure on the tooth's surface). This results in the ensuing decay. Depending on the extent of tooth destruction, various treatments can be used to restore teeth to proper form, function, and aesthetics, but there is no known method to regenerate large amounts of tooth structure. Instead, dental health organizations advocate preventive and prophylactic measures, such as regular oral hygiene and dietary modifications, to avoid dental caries.[9] Archaeological evidence shows that dental caries is an ancient disease dating far into prehistory. Skulls dating from a million years ago through the neolithic period show signs of caries, excepting those from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic ages.[3] The increase of caries during the neolithic period may be attributed to the increase of plant foods containing carbohydrates.[10] The beginning of rice cultivation in South Asia is also believed to have caused an increase in caries.
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Tooth decay Subcategories
Tooth decay Articles
Tooth Care: All About Tooth Decay by Nicholas Tan
In order for tooth decay to be developed in a tooth, that tooth must have acid producing bacteria around it, along with food for the bacteria to feed upon. Teeth that are susceptible to decay will have little to no fluoride in the enamel to fight th...
Tooth Decay - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention by Cristian Stan
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay also known as dental caries or cavities is a common disease which affects a large percentage of the world population. It is widespread and generally occurs due to poor oral habits. Tooth decay is the demineral...
Hairballs and Tooth Decay by Troy Foote
Hairballs
While hairballs are normal for a cat to some extent, you should contact you veterinarian immediately if you think the problem is out of control.
Cats get hairballs mainly because they spend so much time cleaning themselves. ...
Top 5 Causes of Tooth Decay by Robert Melkonyan
If you have ever experienced toothache, you'll know how great its impact is on your functionality for the day. The affected area may be small but the pain felt in that specific part of your mouth renders you incapable of finishing whatever task is at...
Tooth Decay In Children By Feeding Through Bottle by Angela Rogers
Children are the most vulnerable to suffer from teeth problems. Tooth decay is one of the most common problems among children. The children lose their temporary teeth and later on get permanent teeth, but it is of true importance that parents take ...
Ways to Get a Healthy, Brilliant Smile by Matt Wittchow
It’s important that you can take care of your beautiful set of teeth not only to prevent tooth decay but to help you keep that healthy, brilliant smile. If you don’t know where to start, you can take note of these following 5 basic ways:
1. B...
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Sealants by Robert Melkonyan
A dental sealant is a professionally applied material that is put on the surface of the teeth in order to prevent decay caused by bacteria. Dental sealants are usually placed on the surface of the back teeth (molars) because they are the ones that s...
Candies which Help Fight Dental Cavities by I C
Out of all the dental treatments available to fight cavities and tooth decay, licking a lollipop is sure to be the least expected method. As we all know lollipops and all other sorts of candy contain high levels of sugar which promote tooth decay so...
Mouth Cancer and Tooth Decay--Only A Chew Away by Don Robertson
Chewing tobacco provides a slippery slope to mouth cancer and tooth decay. Many people hold on to the mistaken belief that good dental hygiene provides suitable protection from mouth cancer. It just isn’t so!
According to the National Insti...
Reverse Tooth Decay with a Few Healthy Habits by Robert Bell
Tooth decay is the breakdown of tooth structure by bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria in the mouth produce acids which cause tooth structure to break down. In order for tooth decay to occur there needs to be a combination of bacteria, tooth material...
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