Tooth decay is a pathological process. It is caused by microorganisms that break down food debris on the teeth (dental plaque) to acids. This results in a pH drop in the mouth and the extraction of minerals from the tooth surface. In this way, the enamel is demineralized. At a later stage, tooth structures are destroyed and a cavity formed. Tooth decay is the most widespread human chronic disease in the world.
There are different types of caries -
- Primary caries - first appeared on a tooth
- Secondary caries - where treatment has already taken place. For example, seals that have already been deleted, broken, where there is a gap between the old plate and the tooth, and so on. In such places, food is retained, saliva begins to enter, and over time there is a new caries. Remaining untreated, the caries progressively cover more wounds in width and depth, with the danger of penetrating into the dental pulp (the vascular nerve of each tooth). What is recommended by the dentist in the first place is to be performed regularly prophylactic examinations where the presence of caricultural education can be ascertained at an early stage. The earlier the dental intervention is done, the better because it avoids affecting more dental tissues than the process, as well as the more serious complications of caries - pulpitis and periodontitis.
There are different methods for caries prevention:
- sealants
- fluoride
Treatment of caries usually ends with the production of aesthetic seal of quality photopolymer.