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Dental caries - An overview

Author:

Dr. Suhail Latoo

Speaker

Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology,

Govt. Dental College, Sgr

Co-authors:

Prof (Dr.) Riyaz Farooq

Chief,

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics,

Govt. Dental College, Sgr.

Dr. Ajaz Shah A

Associate Professor and Director,

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial

Govt. Dental College, Sgr.

Dr. Amir Rashid Purr

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics,

Govt. Dental College, Sgr.

Kaul Dr. Rudra

Postgraduate Scholar

Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics,

Govt. Dental College, Sgr.

Mr. Ullah Shafai Khateeb

Department of conservative dentistry and endodontics

Govt. Dental College, Sgr.

Dr Shazia Qadir

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial

Govt. Dental College, Sgr.

Mr. Babar Ali Shah

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial

Govt. Dental College, Sgr

Altaf Malik HM

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial

Govt. Dental College, Sgr

Mr. Mubashir Mushtaq

Department of conservative dentistry and endodontics

Govt. Dental College, Sgr.

Dr. Aashiq Ali

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial

Govt. Dental College, Sgr

Dental caries - An overview

Summary

Dental caries is a pandemic disease affecting individuals of almost all age groups. It is a multifactorial disease, irreversible microbial calcified tissues of teeth characterized by demineralization of the inorganic and organic substance destruction of the tooth, often leading to cavitation. It involves complex and dynamic process with a multitude of factors that influence and initiate the progression of the disease. Although effective methods are known for the prevention and management of dental caries, it is a major health problem affecting mankind, in that its manifestations persist throughout life despite treatment. In this presentation, we discuss etiopathogensis, mode of presentation, diagnostic tests and various modes of treatment of dental caries.

Introduction:

Dental caries (tooth decay) is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to colds. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. It is a common cause of tooth loss among young people.

Bacteria are normally present in the mouth. Bacteria convert food especially sugar and starch into acids. Bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva in the mouth combining to form a sticky substance called plaque that adheres to teeth. Whether this plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely, tooth decay will not only begin, but flourish. The acid dissolves the enamel of the tooth and create holes into the teeth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they reach very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and Ultimat.