Tooth decay
DEFINITION
Decay, or caries, is destruction of the hard tooth, by acid
dissolving. As the destruction occurs, a small cavity or hole can
result.
dissolving. As the destruction occurs, a small cavity or hole can
result.
DESCRIPTION
Decay is caused by plaque. The bacteria in your mouth are
usually harmless. Food or drinks that are high in carbohydrates,
specifically a type of carbohydrate known as fermented
carbohydrate, cause this bacteria to turn the carbohydrates into
acid. The acid will then combine with the bacteria, and small
morsels of food, to produce plaque.
usually harmless. Food or drinks that are high in carbohydrates,
specifically a type of carbohydrate known as fermented
carbohydrate, cause this bacteria to turn the carbohydrates into
acid. The acid will then combine with the bacteria, and small
morsels of food, to produce plaque.
Plaque can result in the complete or partial destruction of
the tooth. In its early stages, caries is not usually painful, but
may later lead to tooth ache as the nerve inside that tooth becomes
involved. (See the Root Canal Filling topic). Caries may affect
more than one tooth at a time and may affect more than one site on
the same tooth. Teeth that have been previously filled can get
further decay (particularly around old fillings). Decay is still a
common condition in children and adults and may in some cases lead
to the loss of teeth due to extensive breakdown. Good oral hygiene
techniques are a quick, easy and effective way to prevent Decay and
to treat it in the earliest stages.
the tooth. In its early stages, caries is not usually painful, but
may later lead to tooth ache as the nerve inside that tooth becomes
involved. (See the Root Canal Filling topic). Caries may affect
more than one tooth at a time and may affect more than one site on
the same tooth. Teeth that have been previously filled can get
further decay (particularly around old fillings). Decay is still a
common condition in children and adults and may in some cases lead
to the loss of teeth due to extensive breakdown. Good oral hygiene
techniques are a quick, easy and effective way to prevent Decay and
to treat it in the earliest stages.
Grooves in teeth can be particularly difficult to clean, making
these areas prone to Decay. A Dentist may be able to seal these
grooves with a clear or tooth-coloured plastic (fissure sealing)
that will prevent bacteria from becoming caught in these
grooves.
these areas prone to Decay. A Dentist may be able to seal these
grooves with a clear or tooth-coloured plastic (fissure sealing)
that will prevent bacteria from becoming caught in these
grooves.
Most tooth and gum problems are due to poor oral hygiene. It is
essential to regularly remove the bacteria (plaque) that naturally
forms on teeth, to prevent Decay. A toothbrush with a small head
and soft bristles will more than adequately clean the teeth without
causing damage to the teeth or gums. Always make sure the teeth are
brushed both inside and out to ensure thorough
cleaning.
essential to regularly remove the bacteria (plaque) that naturally
forms on teeth, to prevent Decay. A toothbrush with a small head
and soft bristles will more than adequately clean the teeth without
causing damage to the teeth or gums. Always make sure the teeth are
brushed both inside and out to ensure thorough
cleaning.
Hold the brush with the bristles at an approximately 45 degree
angle to the teeth and gums and move the brush with a small
circular action (concentrating on one tooth at a time). When a
circular motion is too difficult to manage try using a small
horizontal scrubbing action. Use firm pressure but never press too
hard. It is important to clean both the teeth AND the gum next to
the teeth.
angle to the teeth and gums and move the brush with a small
circular action (concentrating on one tooth at a time). When a
circular motion is too difficult to manage try using a small
horizontal scrubbing action. Use firm pressure but never press too
hard. It is important to clean both the teeth AND the gum next to
the teeth.
Brushes can only clean some surfaces of the teeth. To clean
between teeth, it is important to use floss. Flossing can be a
little difficult to start with but after a few weeks practise it
becomes very easy. Most floss comes with instructions on the pack.
It is important for the floss to pass slightly below the gum line
to clean out the small crevice between the tooth and the gum.
Brushing and flossing will not remove good fillings. Only fillings
that are in poor condition may be removed by flossing and are best
replaced before any further decay has the chance to form.
between teeth, it is important to use floss. Flossing can be a
little difficult to start with but after a few weeks practise it
becomes very easy. Most floss comes with instructions on the pack.
It is important for the floss to pass slightly below the gum line
to clean out the small crevice between the tooth and the gum.
Brushing and flossing will not remove good fillings. Only fillings
that are in poor condition may be removed by flossing and are best
replaced before any further decay has the chance to form.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all dental conditions your Dentist should be
consulted. If decay is detected early enough it may be possible to
heal (remineralise) any damage without the need to fill the tooth.
Your Dentist will diagnose and treat your particular problem. Ask
your Dentist about how to brush and floss your teeth.
consulted. If decay is detected early enough it may be possible to
heal (remineralise) any damage without the need to fill the tooth.
Your Dentist will diagnose and treat your particular problem. Ask
your Dentist about how to brush and floss your teeth.
DIET HINTS
- Try not to snack between meals. Eating between meals without
brushing afterwards, allows plaque to build up which can result in
decay - After eating it is important to clean your teeth to remove food
particles which can help the bacteria to grow. The bacteria then
convert the food into acid which causes decay. - Food containing fermented carbohydrates are more likely to
cause plaque and Tooth decay. These include sweet and sticky
things, such as chocolate, sweets, sugar and fizzy drinks. Starchy
foods, such as crisps, white bread, pretzels, and biscuits also
contain high levels of fermented carbohydrates. - Remember that even drinks can be very acidic. Soft (fizzy)
drinks and sports drinks should not be used during or after
exercise. Saliva normally helps to protect against decay. Exercise
causes your saliva to dry up, allowing these drinks to dissolve
away the teeth. Water is much safer. - Make sure that you clean your teeth before going to sleep.
Going to bed without brushing allows plaque to grow on teeth and
gums during the night. - Because plaque bacteria convert most foods into acid, an apple
(or carrot) a day will not keep the Dentist away!
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
See the Australian Dental Association topic on the
Healthpoint.
Healthpoint.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice
- Follow the Diet Hints.
- Your Pharmacy stocks a wide range of suitable
toothbrushes. - Brushes can only clean some surfaces of the teeth. To clean
between teeth, it is important to use floss. There are many brands
and types of dental floss. Ask your Pharmacist for the type of
floss recommended by your Dentist. - Toothpastes containing fluoride help to prevent decay by
strengthening the tooth against acid attack. - Follow the Diet Hints.
- Sugarless chewing gum, available from your Pharmacy, can help
to increase the flow of protective saliva to the teeth and gums.
Saliva helps to neutralise acid which causes decay.
REFERENCE SOURCES
All information has been compiled in collaboration with
leading Dental Practitioners and Researchers.
leading Dental Practitioners and Researchers.
