DENTAL

CARIES
Chexev Akien
Kurt Bilango
Kenneth Smith
History
 Evidences of dental lesions compatible with caries have been observed in
creatures old as Paleozoic fishes (570-250 million years) and Mesozoic
herbivores dinosaurs (245-65 million years).
 The oldest evidence of
dental caries is from a fossil
found in Kabwe, Zambia.
The fossil was identified as
a Homo rhodesiensis.
 The history of dental caries is
associated with the rise of
civilization. Several archaeo-
logical and historical works
have confirmed the relation-
ship between high caries fre-
quencies and prevalences
and the increase of carbohy-
drate intake in human popu-
lations from the advent of
agriculture.
Types
 The different types of dental caries are enamel caries, dentin caries, reversible
caries, irreversible caries, pit and fissure, smooth surface, acute dental caries, early
childhood caries, primary and secondary caries.
 ENAMEL CARIES
-effect of cavities on enamel is due to chemical processed caused by the acidic
environment produced by bacteria. The bacteria consume the sugar content of the
food eaten to get energy. While doing so, they also produce lactic acid. This acid
results in the demineralisation of crystals in the enamel. The damage is
continuously caused until the bacteria physically penetrate the dentin.
 SECONDARY CARIES
-The common locations of occurrence of secondary caries are the edges of
restorations and fracture places in the mouth. This type of caries can result from
inappropriate adjustment of a restoration or inadequate restoration extension.  For
complete treatment of secondary caries, there has to be complete removal of the
original lesion, which  may later appear as recurrent caries.
 ACUTE CARIES
- is a rapid process, which affects a large number of teeth. Lesions of acute caries are light
brown or grey than the lesions caused by other types of caries.  The caseous consistency of acute
caries makes the excavation of the infected teeth difficult. Common effects seen in patients of
acute caries are pulp exposure and sensitive teeth.
 ARRESTED CARIES
-Caries that becomes static without showing any tendency to progress further is called arrested
caries. With the improvement of oral hygiene, even advanced lesions may be arrested. One can
note arrested caries by dark pigmentation without any breakdown of tooth tissues.
 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES
-occurs in young children.  It occurs when a baby is fed with a milk bottle at bedtime and few
drops of milk remain in the mouth for a longer time resulting in tooth decay. This type of dental
caries causes yellowing of the teeth, inflammation of the gums and excessive pain in the teeth
causing difficulty in eating, speaking and sleeping. Usually, two the upper  front teeth are affected.
Causes
 Cavities are caused by tooth decay – a process that occurs
over time. Here’s how tooth decay develops:

• IMPROPER HYGIENE
- if this becomes a habit, cavities start to form in between the
teeth, because molars are prone to cavity build-ups.
• TOO MUCH IN TAKE OF SUGAR
-when sugars aren’t cleaned off your teeth, bacteria quickly
begin feeding on hem and form plaque. Plaque that stays on your
teeth can harden under or above your gum line into tartar (calculus).
Tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove and creates a shield for
bacteria.
Signs and
Symptoms
 The signs and symptoms of cavities vary depending on their extent
and location. When A cavity is just beginning, you may not have any
symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and
symptoms such as:

 Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent

cause
 Tooth sensitivity
 Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or
cold
 Visible holes or pits in your teeth
 Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
 Pain when you bite down
Prevention
 Good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid
cavities and tooth decay. Here are some tips to help
prevent cavities:
 Brush teeth
-brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after
meal. To clean between your teeth, you may use floss or
use an interdental cleaner.
 Eating lesser sugar
-sugar is one of the main causes of cavity. Especially
when not cleaned. When taking in lesser sugar, there are
lower chances of cavity.
 Drink some tap water
-drinking water help reduce tooth decay significantly. Water
may flash away some sugars left in the mouth.
 Eat tooth- healthy foods
-Some foods and beverages are better for your teeth than
others. Avoid foods that get stuck in grooves and pits of your
teeth for long periods. However, food such as fresh fruits and
vegetables increase saliva flow, and unsweetened coffee, tea and
sugar-free gum help wash away particles.
Complications
 Cavities and tooth decay are so common that you may not take
them seriously. And you may think that it doesn’t matter if children get
cavities in their baby teeth. However, cavities and tooth decay can have
serious lasting complications, even for children who don’t have their
permanent teeth yet.
Complications of cavities may include:
• Pain
• Tooth abscess
• Swelling or pus around the tooth
• Damage or broken teeth
• Chewing problems
• Positioning shifts of teeth after tooth loss
 When cavities and decay become severe, you may have:
• Pain that interferes with daily living
• Weight loss or nutrition problems from painful or difficult
eating or chewing
• Tooth loss, which may affect your appearance, as well as your
confidence and self-esteem
• In rare cases, a tooth abscess – a pocket of pus that caused by
bacterial infection – which can lead to more serious or even life
– threatening infections
Parts of
a Tooth
Thanks
for
listening!