Decay (Caries)

Why do I always need fillings?

Caries is the end result of a number of different factors occurring in the mouth. The main two factors are demineralisation and remineralisation.

 

Demineralisation is the loss of mineral from the tooth and occurs following ingestion of certain foods.  The amount of demineralisation depends on the type of food and the amount and type of plaque.  After ingesting certain foods certain bacteria in the plaque feed on the food  and produce acid as a waste product.  The acid produced by the bacteria dissolves away mineral from the teeth.

 

Remineralisation (the tooth regains minerals from the saliva) occurs after demineralisation.  The amount and rate of remineralisation depends on the type of saliva and other factors such as fluoride.  At any one time teeth are either losing or gaining mineral.   It is the balance between these two processes that will either lead to decay or not lead to decay.

 

If demineralisation progresses beyond a certain point, small porosities develop in the tooth.  If the process progresses these porosities will join and develop into a cavity or hole. Once you have a hole you a place that cannot be cleaned and cannot remineralise.  Plaque will form in the hole and the hole will become bigger and bigger.

 

Caries is not as common in Australia as it was 30 years ago but is still a significant problem. It is most common:

             In early childhood

             Between the ages of 15-30 years

             In the elderly

             In people with medical problems or physical disabilities

             Amongst the socio-economically disadvantaged

 

 

The main factors in determining whether or not you will get decay are

· Diet: The important factors here are frequency of sugar attacks, length of attack (stickiness ), acidity of the food and what else is eaten at the same time (milk tends to protect teeth from decay).

· Plaque: Bacteria in the plaque digest sugars and release acids as a by-product.  The acids dissolve away tooth structure.

· Fluoride: Two things are important.  Your history of fluoride exposure and your present every day exposure to fluoride.  Chronic exposure to low doses is best.

· Saliva: Both amount and type are important. The more the better. Drooling bucket loads of the stuff may not help  you find a partner but it is great for your teeth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some decayed teeth. Most decay is not  this obvious.

 

 

 

http://www.ada.org.au/faqs/faqsCategory,category,Dental_Caries.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some more highly visible decayed teeth.