Chinthamani Laser Dental Clinic
Introduction
Dental Caries is a disease in which the calcified tissue of the tooth undergo modification.
It is characterized by demineralization of the inorganic components of the tooth, leadin to cavity formation and loss of tooth
ETIOLOGYFour Factors
1. Host 2. Diet 3. Time 4. Microbial Flora
Host Structure of enamel and the nature of saliva
plays an impotant role in dental caries.Structure of enamel make some areas of the
enamel susceptible to caries.The continous flow of saliva prevents
accumulation of micro organisms and also it neutralizes the acid produced by bacteria.
Diet Microflora in the oral cavity ferment dietary
carbohydrates with the production of acid which destroys the dental tissue.
All carbohydrates are carcinogenic but some havehigh carcinogenicity, such as sucrose.
It prolongs the maintenance of a low ph on the tooth surface.
TimeThe Length of time that this acidic
environment(low ph) is sustained to damage the enamel is extremely important in occurrence of dental caries.
Microbial Flora
Dental caries is caused mainly due to Streptococcus mutans.
Also caused by Lactobacillus
Streptococcus mutans
Lactobacillus acidophillus
PreventionIt is based on the control of one or more
components of dental caries.1.Reduction of microbial flora by oral hygiene
and use of antimicrobials.2.Regular Brushing may prevent stagnation of
food debris.3.Control the dietary intake of Carbohydrates.4.Removal of dental plaque by mechanical
methods(scaling)
Test To Assess Dental CariesThere Is no specific test for assessment of
dental caries.However , salivary counts of S.mutans and
Lactobacillus have been used for the detection of patients who are at higher risk for developing caries.
It can lead to prevention and may reduce the extensive costly oral treatment.
