Dental Caries – Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Dental caries, the technical term for cavities, is one of the most common dental concerns of every generation. It is essentially a scientific term for defining tooth decay, caused by specific types of bacteria that produce acid which eventually destroys the tooth’s enamel and the underlying layer, dentin. There are many different types of bacteria that build up on the teeth in a sticky film known as plaque. This plaque is a combination of saliva, bits and pieces of food particles, and other natural substances.

Plaque forms on the easiest of spaces such as in cracks, pits and grooves in the back teeth, between teeth, around the dental fillings or bridge, and near the gum line. These bacteria essentially turn sugar and carbohydrates present in the food into acids which are  harmful for both the enamel and the dentin. The acid works to dissolve minerals in the hard enamel, makes it erode and decay. These pits, or cavities, are too small to see with naked eye at first, but with time they grow larger. All the dentists in Pakistan agree on point that poor dental hygiene is a leading cause of dental caries.

Symptoms

While it may be quite difficult to have any initial symptoms to identify and relate to dental caries, with time the patient develops teeth sensitivity towards hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks. In more aggravated cases, the patient may suffer from sharp pain and difficulty in chewing food.

Diagnosis

Your dentist will look for the tiniest signs of dental caries at each of your visits to clinic and intervene wherever necessary and make you caries- free.

Treatment

Although dental care is a process; rather than a one-time instance, it can still be stopped in its early stages by fixing an appointment when intervened by the best dentist in Pakistan.

Prevention

Dentists in Pakistan recommend the following to prevent dental caries:

●       Reduce the amount of plaque that builds up in your mouth by brushing and flossing daily.

●       Eat less of sugary and starchy foods.

●       Use chewing gums that contain xylitol; they help prevent bacterial growth.