Tooth Decay: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Tooth decay is caused when bacteria,acid, food particles and saliva mix together and form plaque that sticks to the teeth. If this plaque is not removed, it can lead to the complicating factors such as a cavity, a tooth abscess, tartar, gingivitis, and possibly periodontitis. This article will provide a look at the causes of tooth decay, the symptoms and also how you and your dentist can work to prevent and/or treat this condition.

Tooth Decay Causes And Symptoms

Tooth decay is a very common condition and can occur at any age but is more common in children and young adults. It comes about when normal bacteria of the mouth combines with acids, food particles and saliva resulting in plaque, a sticky substance that sticks to the teeth.

The acids in the plaque cause continual destruction of the enamel (outer layer of tooth) and dentin (layer below the enamel) with the formation of a cavity being seen. The tooth may continue to decay until it involves the pulp (layer below the dentin that contains the blood vessels and nerves), which can result in pain and cause the tooth to be destroyed and lost.

If the plaque is not removed it can mineralize into tartar and lead to irritation and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and possibly periodontitis, which is the inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.

Foods that contain carbohydrates such as sugar and starch put a person at higher risk for tooth decay.

Symptoms may include a dark spot or visible hole on the tooth surface, and the tooth may be painful or sensitive to heat or cold.

Tooth Decay Diagnosis And Treatment

Observation of the aforementioned symptoms may be noted and should be evaluated by a dentist. However, most cavities are discovered during a routine dental examination. The examination may include x-rays, which can detect cavities before they are visible on the surface of the tooth.

Treatment starts with preventative measures, which include good dental hygiene such as regular brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups by a dentist. A dentist or physician may prescribe fluoride tablets to be taken while the teeth are developing in a young child. Daily intake of refined carbohydrates or sugars should be minimized since they promote tooth decay.

If a cavity is found, the decayed tissue is removed from the tooth and replaced by a filling that is typically a material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain or composite resin.

A crown or “cap” may be used by a dentist to treat tooth decay if the damage to the tooth is extensive or there is only a small amount of the normal tooth structure present.

A root canal is used when the nerve of the tooth dies. In this case, the pulp and the decayed section of tooth are removed and filled with a sealing material.

Take an active role in your health by learning all you can about Tooth Decay and Cavities.  Also, visit your dentist every six months!

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Dental Care for Seniors

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as:

• Darkened teeth. . Caused, to some extent, by changes in dentin -- the bone-like tissue that underlies the tooth enamel -- and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages.
• Dry mouth. Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, as well as certain diseases, such as Sjogren's Syndrome, and medication side effects.
• Diminished sense of taste.  While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.
• Root decay.  This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth.
• Gum disease. Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes, this is often a problem for older adults.
• Tooth loss. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
• Uneven jawbone.  This is caused by tooth loss.
• Denture-induced stomatitis.   Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans cause this condition, which is inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture.
• Thrush.  Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth.

Age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health. However, certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to impossible to perform. Drugs can also affect oral health and may make a change in your dental treatment necessary.

WebMD.com

GUM DISEASE AND WOMEN

A woman's periodontal health may be impacted by a variety of factors.

PUBERTY

During puberty, an increased level of sex hormones, such as progesterone and possibly estrogen, causes increased blood circulation to the gums. This may cause an increase in the gum's sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums may become swollen, turn red and feel tender.

MENSTRUATION

Occasionally, some women experience menstruation gingivitis. Women with this condition may experience bleeding gums, bright red and swollen gums and sores on the inside of the cheek. Menstruation gingivitis typically occurs right before a woman's period and clears up once her period has started.

PREGNANCY

Some studies have suggested the possibility of an additional risk factor – periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small. However, more research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes.

All infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby. The Academy recommends that women considering pregnancy have a periodontal evaluation.

MENOPAUSE AND POST-MENOPAUSE

Women who are menopausal or post-menopausal may experience changes in their mouths. They may notice discomfort in the mouth, including dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour.

In addition, menopausal gingivostomatitis affects a small percentage of women. Gums that look dry or shiny, bleed easily and range from abnormally pale to deep red mark this condition. Most women find that estrogen supplements help to relieve these symptoms.  perio.org

GUM DISEASE RISK FACTORS

The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums.

AGE

Studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis.

SMOKING/TOBACCO USE

Tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. Tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

GENETICS

Research has indicated that some people may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early intervention treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

STRESS

Stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. Stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.

MEDICATIONS

Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.

CLENCHING OR GRINDING YOUR TEETH

Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.

OTHER SYSTEMIC DISEASES

Other systemic diseases that interfere with the body's inflammatory system may worsen the condition of the gums. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

POOR NUTRITION AND OBESITY

A diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body's immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease begins as an infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums. In addition, research has shown that obesity may increase the risk of periodontal disease

Tooth Enamel May Be Damaged By Early Exposure To Bisphenol A

Are teeth the latest victims of bisphenol A? Yes, according to the conclusions of work carried out by the research team led by Ariane Berdal of the Universite Paris-Diderot and Sylvie Babajko, Research Director at Inserm Unit 872 "Centre des Cordeliers". The researchers have shown that the teeth of rats treated with low daily doses of BPA could be damaged by this. Analysis of the damage shows numerous characteristics that are common with a recently identified pathology of tooth enamel that affects roughly 18% of children between the ages of 6 and 8.

These results have been published in the American Journal of Pathology.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound used in the composition of plastics and resins. It is used for example to manufacture food containers such as bottles or babies' bottles. It is also used for the protective films inside drinks cans and food tins, or as developers on sales receipts. Significant amounts of BPA have also been found in human blood, urine, amniotic liquid and placentas. Recent studies have shown that this industrial compound has adverse effects on the reproduction, development and metabolism of laboratory animals. It is strongly suspected of having the same effects on humans.

As a precautionary measure, the manufacture and commercialisation of babies' bottles containing bisphenol A were prohibited in Europe in January 2011. The prohibition will be extended to all food containers in France as from July 2015.

So this study shows that teeth are the latest in an already long list of victims of BPA.

The Inserm researchers have shown that the incisors of rats treated with low daily doses of BPA (5 microgrammes/kg/day) could be damaged by this. This effect has also been observed within a development window of no more than 30 days post-birth in rats, thus demonstrating a range of sensitivity to exposure.

Analysis of these teeth showed numerous characteristics that are common with a tooth enamel pathology known as MIH (Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation) that selectively affects first molars and permanent incisors. This enamel pathology is found in roughly 18% of children between the ages of 6 and 8. Children affected by this pathology present with teeth that are hypersensitive to pain and liable to cavities. It is interesting to note that the period during which these teeth are formed (the first years of life) correspond to the period during which humans are most sensitive to bisphenol A.

Amongst the earliest observations made was the appearance of "white marks" on the incisors of rats treated with endocrine disruptors, one of which was bisphenol A (BPA). The researchers decided to define the characteristics of incisors of rats treated with low doses of BPA and to compare these with the characteristics of teeth in humans suffering from MIH

Macroscopic observation of marks on both series of teeth showed similarities, in particular fragile and brittle enamel.

Microscope observation of the enamel showed a significant reduction of the Ca/P and the Ca/C ratios in affected teeth. This leads to mineral depletion, making the teeth more fragile and more liable to cavities.

Finally, analysis of the proteins present in the tooth matrix of rats showed an increased quantity of enamelin, a key protein for enamel formation, and a buildup of albumin leading to hypomineralisation. Analysis of the expression of key enamel genes highlighted two BPA target genes: enamelin and kallicrein 4.

According to Sylvie Babajko, the latest author of this article, "Insofar as BPA has the same mechanism of action in rats as in men, it could also be a causal agent of MIH. Therefore, teeth could be used as early markers of exposure to endocrine disruptors acting in the same way as BPA and so could help in early detection of serious pathologies that would otherwise have occurred several years later". 

medicalnewstoday.com

Gum Disease and Heart Disease

Heart Disease

Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease. While a cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven, research has indicated that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease.
Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association.
Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Stroke

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.  perio.org

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications.

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those people who don't have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.
Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways - periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.
Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications. perio.org