The Root of Dental Caries

Since they are young and mostly unaware of the risks and dangers of neglected oral health, children may be susceptible to oral health problems. Probably the most common dental problem experienced by children is dental caries, also called tooth decay, or cavities.

The human mouth normally has bacteria present in it. The bacteria change the carbohydrates left in the teeth from food into acid. The acid breaks down or dissolves the hard structures of the tooth, like the enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body. This is the process of how dental caries develop. If the enamel is dissolved, the other tissues are at risk of being dissolved by the bacteria as well. The bacteria believed to be the root of dental caries are Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli.

One of the main causes of tooth decay or cavities is the ingestion of sugar. The length of time that the sugar remains on the teeth is also a factor that causes dental caries. Frequency of sugar intake, and not necessarily the amount of sugar ingested, may increase the risk of contracting tooth cavities. Dental caries leads to tooth loss, and may also lead to gum infections.

Pediatric dentists most probably encounter numbers of children who have tooth decay. Most children are fond of snacking on sweets, and some are unaware of the effect the food has on their oral health. A dentist in Bartlett TN is well-trained and experienced to handle cases of children having dental caries.

Dentists in Bartlett not only look after their patients’ oral health, but they also educate parents on how to take care of their children’s mouth, teeth and gums. Since the parents or guardians are probably the authority that the children look up to, they must be informed so that they can stress to their kids the importance of oral health care.

Treatment for tooth cavities may be in the form of fillings, crowns, or root canals. Fillings are applied after the decayed tooth material is removed. Fillings may be made of materials such as silver alloy or porcelain. Crowns are a form of tooth replacement. Root canals are done if a nerve in the tooth dies because of decay. The decayed portions are removed, and the teeth are filled. These treatment methods are offered by the services of a dentist Bartlett patients rely on.