by Christobel Rajesh

Created on: March 14, 2011

Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases affecting people of all ages throughout the world. It is medically called as dental caries. Though teeth is the strongest bone of the body, bacteria can attack teeth and cause this disease. They are caused by two different kinds of bacteria namely the Streptococcus mutans and the Lactobacillus. They start the infection in a particular tooth and if not treated properly, the infection spreads to the nearby organs through blood and can even lead to death.

 
The first stage of dental caries is gone unnoticed by the person himself because there is no pain or color changes or cavity. But if you notice keenly, you may see a white spot on the upper or the biting surface of the teeth. These white spots are due to demineralization of the teeth (enamel) which is the first sign of dental caries. At one point, as the demineralization worsens it turns brown and degenerates to form a cavity. The cavity acts a good place for the bacteria to settle and infect the tooth. This is when you notice you have caries but still won't seek a doctor because it still does not hurt you. The bacteria invades the tooth still further and erodes them where the cavity deepens and widens, and finally reaches the point it touches the nerve of the tooth and causes unbearable pain. This is when you normally seek a dentist. But at this stage much of the damage is already done.   
 
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some experience tooth sensitivity when the enamel is exposed and when extreme sweet or hot or cold foods come in contact with the enamel, brown discoloration (plaque), broken tooth, cavity, foul smelling breath, foul taste, pain etc. If infection is active, symptoms of infection fever, swelling and warmth on the affected site, redness, severe pain will be present.
 
There are different reasons for a tooth to decay. Firstly, the structure of the tooth itself contributes to the tooth decay. Some of our tooth (molars and pre-molars) have lot of pits and folds that retain food particles after our meal. Improper brushing will attract bacteria which feeds on the food particles and affects the tooth. Some people have problems with their tooth which lacks enamel either partially or completely which makes it easier for the bacteria to invade in easily.
 
Food rich in carbohydrates (sugars like glucose, fructose, sucrose) when left in the mouth for a longer period of time, get converted to lactic acid by the bacteria present in the mouth. This makes the tooth to lose its mineral content, which results in a cavity which is nothing but dental caries. It is also proved that diseases like diabetes mellitus, sarcoidisis and habits like smoking, tobacco chewing will result in tooth decay.
 
Diagnosis is made by taking x-rays of the teeth. The treatment varies depending upon the stage of dental caries. If it is diagnosed at an early stage, the teeth can be preserved by treating the infection with antibiotics and the cavity will need a filling. If the root of the tooth is affected nothing much can be done to preserve the tooth. An antibiotic coverage and extraction is the treatment. After the extraction, dentures and artificial implantation can compensate for the lost tooth depending on the person’s age, physical condition and financial status.
 
Since improper dental hygiene is the primary cause for tooth decay, proper brushing of teeth and cleaning the mouth well after meals are some simple steps by which we can prevent tooth decay. Also we tend to visit the dentist only when there is lot of pain caused by tooth decay. Regular dental checkups are recommended to prevent tooth decay.

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