Tooth Decay
School Age Kids K-5
Do Dental Sealants Replace Fluoride?
Tooth decay is the most common cause of missed school. Children are absent because of tooth aches and dental appointments. If children learn how to properly care for their teeth at a young age, problems such as missed school could be prevented.
Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors
- Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can effect any person. It is an important cause of tooth loss in younger people.
Bacteria are normally present in the mouth. The bacteria convert all foods -especially sugar and starch- into acids.
- Bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque that adheres to the teeth. It is most prominent on the back molars, just above the gum line on all teeth, and at the edges of fillings. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth forms into tartar. Plaque irritates the gums, resulting in gingivitis and ultimately periodontitis.
- Plaque begins to accumulate on teeth within 20 minutes after eating (the time when most bacterial activity occurs). If this plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely, tooth decay will not only begin, but flourish.
- The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface and create holes in the teeth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large inside the tooth and destroy the nerve and blood vessels in the tooth. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes the loss of the tooth.
- Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than nonsticky foods because they remain on the surface of the teeth. For example, candy such as caramel, tends to be worse for teeth than snacks that are quickly swallowed. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth. Drinking a sweet drink or cola over a long period of time increases the time in which acid is in contact with the teeth. Young children should not carry a bottle filled with a sweet drink.
Symptoms Experienced by Dental Caries
- Toothache -- after sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks. Visible pits or holes in the teeth.
Signs and Tests for Dental Caries
- Most cavities are discovered in the early stages during routine checkups. The surface of the tooth may be soft when probed with a sharp instrument. Pain may not be present until the advanced stages of tooth decay. Dental x-rays may show some cavities before they are visible to the eye.
|
