Dental carries is an endemic disease "means that the disease is:
- a. Occurs clearly in excess of normal expectancy.
- b. Is habitually present in human population.***
- c. Affect large number of countries simultaneously.
- d. Exhibit a seasonal pattern.
Tooth decay.. Facts and guidelines
Oral and dental health is an integral part of public health, affected by it and affecting it negatively or positively, and because the incidence of oral and dental diseases in the GCC countries - and in particular in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - is much higher than that of developed and developing countries alike, it has This necessitated concerted efforts, and doing everything that would reduce the incidence of these diseases, especially dental caries among young sons and daughters of the GCC countries.
The percentage of children with dental caries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the age groups is:
6 years old: 96%, 12 years old: 93.7%.
Definition of tooth decay:
Tooth decay is damage to the outer surface of the tooth (enamel) that leads to the appearance of cavities and holes. Due to a combination of factors such as bacteria, frequent snacking and sugary drinks, tooth decay is one of the most prevalent health problems worldwide and in all age groups. In the event that tooth decay is not treated, the cavities and holes may grow and expand, causing severe pain, infections, or even tooth loss and other complications.
the reasons:
Bacteria start attacking the first layer of teeth, which is the enamel layer:
- Plaque formation: The mouth, like many other parts of the body, contains many types of bacteria that multiply on food and drinks that contain certain forms of sugar and fermentable carbohydrates. When these sugars are not cleaned from the teeth, bacteria quickly begin to feed on them and produce acids (in the presence of Bacteria, food residues, acids and saliva form a hard layer on the teeth called plaque.
- The effect of plaque on the teeth: the presence of plaque on the teeth leads to the loss of minerals in the enamel layer and its erosion, after which holes begin to form, and then the acids and bacteria move to the second layer of the tooth (dentin).
- Complete decay of the tooth: when the damage from bacteria and acids reaches the third layer of the tooth (the pulp) that contains blood vessels and nerves, and then symptoms begin such as pain when biting on the tooth or sensitivity to hot or cold food..then the body begins to resist these bacteria by forming white cells forming the abscess.
Symptoms:
- teeth pain.
- Mild to severe pain when consuming sweets or sugary drinks.
- Teeth sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
- pain when biting
- Holes or pits in the teeth.
- Pus around the teeth, especially when pressing on the gums.
Risk factors leading to tooth decay:
- Back teeth (molars) are more susceptible to decay due to prolonged exposure to foods; This makes it more likely to form plaque compared to the front teeth such as canines and incisors. Its location also makes it more difficult to brush and other care.
- Sugar-containing foods such as sweets and sugary juices.
- Frequent eating of food or small meals, this gives the bacteria a continuous source of sugars to digest, producing acids.
- Night feeding for children: It is represented by the mother feeding her child before bedtime and leaving a bottle of milk in his mouth while he sleeps, and this leads to the occurrence of caries in infants.
- Not taking proper care of the teeth, by not brushing them regularly after meals and using medical floss.
- not using fluoride; As it protects the teeth; Because it fights the effect of acids, by stimulating the return of lost minerals to the tooth enamel.
- Dry mouth: a condition characterized by decreased saliva secretion, and decreased saliva secretion in the mouth increases the risk of tooth decay. Because saliva contains antibodies that resist acids and bacteria.
- Poor dental fillings and coatings can lead to tooth decay due to the accumulation of bacteria in them.
- Heartburn, as the gastroesophageal reflux of stomach acids towards the mouth leads to erosion of enamel, and this destroys it and weakens it in front of the acid attack of bacteria.
- Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, increase the likelihood of cavities; As the patient vomits, exposing the teeth to stomach acids, which increases the risk of caries.
Complications:
- Difficulty chewing.
- Teeth break.
- Dental nerve inflammation.
- abscess
- Tooth extraction.
- Gingivitis
Tooth decay prevention:
- Brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Use dental floss to clean your teeth at least once a day.
- Visit the dentist regularly.
- Stay away from foods containing sugar, such as sweets and sweetened juices.
- eating healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables and cheese; Because it stimulates the secretion of saliva, which keeps the teeth from the effect of acids.
- reduce snacking; This reduces the food available to bacteria in the mouth.
- If you are one of the groups most susceptible to caries, the doctor may recommend using a fluoride rinse.
treatment:
- Fluoride treatment: works to preserve the minerals on the enamel to strengthen the teeth against decay.
- Fillings: When there are holes in the teeth, fillings (composite fillings or compensatory fillings) are made for them.
- Covering the tooth (crown): It is used in case the tooth is damaged, broken, or there is a crack in the tooth, or for cosmetic purposes.
- Tooth extraction.
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