dental caries (redirected from Root caries)

caries /car·ies/ (kar´ēz) (kar´e-ēz) decay, as of bone or teeth.ca´rious

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dental caries  a destructive process causing decalcification of the tooth enamel and leading to continued destruction of enamel and dentin, and cavitation of the tooth.

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dental caries n. The formation of cavities in the teeth by the action of bacteria; tooth decay.

dental caries Top left: acid from bacterial action destroys enamel and forms a cavity Top right: unchecked decay spreads to the dentin Bottom left: an enlarged cavity allows bacteria to attack exposed dental pulp Bottom right: untreated and infected dental pulp causes the eventual death of the pulp and tooth

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Dental caries

A disease of the teeth in which microorganisms convert sugar in the mouth to acid, which then erodes the tooth.

Mentioned in: Tooth Replacements and Restorations, Toothache

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dental caries,

a tooth disease caused by the complex interaction of food, especially starches and sugars, with the bacteria that form dental plaque. The term also refers to the tooth cavities that result from the disease. Plaque bacteria produce acids that cause demineralization of enamel and enzymes that attack the protein component of the tooth. This process, if untreated, ultimately leads to the formation of deep cavities and bacterial infection of the pulp chamber, which contains blood vessels and nerves. The development of dental caries in a debilitated patient is a concern because of the danger that infections of the teeth or gingival tissues may spead to the rest of the body. In addition, teeth that are decayed or painful inhibit mastication and can lead to dietary changes, which may in turn cause nutritional and digestive disorders. Dental caries may be prevented by a reduction in the frequency of sugar consumption, use of dental floss between the teeth, regular brushing of the teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste, drinking of fluoridated water, topical application of fluorides to the teeth, and removal of plaque and calculus by a dental hygienist. Treatment of dental caries includes removal of the decayed material and restoration of the surface of the affected tooth with a silver amalgam or other restorative material. If the cavity has reached the pulp chamber, it may be necessary to remove the pulp tissues to alleviate pain, prevent the spread of infection to the rest of the body, and allow the continued use of the tooth. Alternatively, the entire tooth may be extracted. Kinds of dental caries include arrested dental caries, incipient dental caries, pit and fissure cavity, primary dental caries, secondary dental caries, smooth surface cavity. See also classification of caries. carious, adj.

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caries [kar´e-ēz, kar´ēz]

decay, as of bone or teeth. adj., adj ca´rious.

bottle mouth caries early childhood caries.

dental caries see dental caries.

dry caries (caries sic´ca) a form of tuberculous caries of the joints and ends of bones.

early childhood caries severe dental caries that are promoted by the sugars, acids, and sometimes Streptococcus mutans in a bottle of milk or juice left in contact with a child's primary teeth; this can also occur from contact with breast milk left in a sleeping child's mouth. The condition is preventable; no child should be permitted to fall asleep nursing on any liquid other than plain water. Called also bottle mouth caries.

recurrent caries dental caries beneath the margin of an existing tooth restoration.

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dental [den´t'l]

pertaining to the teeth.

dental assistant a specially trained health care worker who provides direct support to the dentist. An educationally qualified dental assistant may be delegated to do intraoral procedures that do not require the professional skill and judgment of a dentist. Although not all states require formal education for dental assistants, minimum educational standards include a program of approximately one academic year. Dental assistants may take the Certification Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board and earn the title of a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Some state boards of dentistry register dental assistants (RDA) after completion of a state-administered examination. Dental assistants may be members of their professional organization, the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), whose address is American Dental Assistants Association, 203 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60601.

dental caries a process of demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to destruction of enamel and dentin, with cavitation of the tooth. Decayed and infected teeth can be the source of other infections throughout the body, and decayed or missing teeth can interfere with proper chewing of food, leading to nutritional deficiencies or disorders of digestion. Called also tooth decay.

Causes. The causes are not completely understood, but certain facts are known. Tooth decay seems to be a disease of civilization, possibly associated with refined foods. Lack of dental cleanliness is also closely associated. Decay occurs where food and bacteria such as Lactobacillus species and Streptococcus mutans adhere to the surface of the teeth, especially in pits or crevices, and form dental plaque. It is believed that the action of the bacteria on sugars and starches creates lactic acid, which can quickly and permanently dissolve tooth enamel. The acid produced in just 20 minutes after sugar comes into contact with plaque is enough to begin this process. In most people this occurs whenever sweet foods are eaten; thus, eating of sweet or starchy foods between meals or at bedtime can be harmful to the teeth unless they are thoroughly brushed and rinsed immediately afterward. Decay that is not treated will progress through the enamel and dentin into the pulp, which contains the nerves. When it reaches the pulp, it can cause intense pain. There is no relief until the pulp dies or is removed or the tooth is extracted.

Treatment. The treatment for tooth decay consists of elimination of the pathogenic microorganisms that cause it, along with regular dental care. Enamel that has been destroyed does not grow back. The decay must be removed and the cavity filled. fillings (or restorations) may be of gold foil, baked porcelain, synthetic cements, silver amalgam, or cast gold inlays. When decay has reached the pulp, formerly extraction was usually necessary. Whenever possible, however, the exposed pulp is re-covered, or capped, and the tooth is then filled. New techniques of root canal therapy are saving many teeth that would formerly have been lost.

Prevention.

Flossing and Brushing the Teeth. Cleanliness is the best weapon against caries and periodontitis. Bacteria and food particles must be removed before the enamel is penetrated. This means thorough brushing regularly each day, preferably after every meal. If it is impossible to brush after every meal, it is helpful to rinse the mouth by swishing water vigorously back and forth between and around the teeth. When the teeth are brushed, food particles that lodge between the teeth should also be removed with dental floss.

The dental floss should be strung tightly between the two index fingers or between the bows of a floss holder. Flossing and brushing should be done in an orderly sequence so that no area is neglected. The usual pattern is beginning at the upper right, progressing to the upper left, and then from the lower left to the lower right. The floss is gently inserted between the teeth and pulled against the surface of one tooth to a point slightly under the tissue of the gum. It is then moved up and down for several strokes. The adjacent tooth is cleaned in the same manner.

The “sulcular” technique for brushing the teeth is so called because the bristles of the brush are worked beneath the free gingival margin and into the space between the tooth and the gum (the sulcus). To accomplish this the bristles are placed at a 45 degree angle to the gum line. Pressure is then used to move the brush back and forth in a circular motion. The brushing is continued around the mouth in the same pattern as the flossing.

A disclosing dye may be used to determine the presence of plaque on the teeth. Flavored mouthwash does not reduce plaque formation and is useful only to moisturize the tissues and improve mouth taste. (See also mouth care.)

 

Proper Diet. In order to help maintain healthy teeth, the diet should include all the essential elements of good nutrition. Tooth decay can be reduced by limiting the intake of certain forms of sugar, especially the rich or highly concentrated ones such as in candy or rich desserts.

 

fluoridation is another important means of preventing caries. Many communities whose water is lacking in an adequate natural supply of fluoride add the chemical to their water supply. In communities that do not have fluoridation, dental professionals may add a fluoride solution directly to the teeth or may suggest other means of obtaining fluoride protection.

 

Correction of Malocclusion. Another factor leading to tooth decay is malocclusion (poor position of the teeth), which results in faulty closure of the jaws and uneven meeting of the teeth. This should be corrected early because it also can lead to inadequate nutrition because of difficulty in chewing, and if it is severe enough to distort the face, it may have psychologic effects.

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dental,

adj relating to the teeth.

dental abutment,

n See abutment.

dental alloy,

n See alloy.

dental amalgam,

n See amalgam.

dental ankylosis

(ang´klō´sis),
n See tooth, ankylosed.

dental anxiety,

n See anxiety.

dental arch,

n See arch, dental.

dental articulator,

n See articulator.

dental assistant,

n See assistant, dental.

dental auxiliary,

n See auxiliary personnel.

dental benefits organization,

n an organization offering a dental benefits plan. Also known as dental plan organization.

dental benefits plan,

n the plan entitles covered individuals to specified dental services in return for a fixed, periodic payment made in advance of treatment. Such plans often include the use of deductibles, coinsurance, or maximums to control the cost of the program to the purchaser.

dental benefits program,

n the specific dental benefits plan being offered to enrollees by the sponsor.

dental biofilm,

n See biofilm, dental.

dental bonding,

n See bonding.

dental calculus,

n See calculus.

dental care,

n the treatment of the teeth and their supporting structures.

dental care for children,

n See pedodontics.

dental caries,

n See caries.

dental caries susceptible,

n See susceptible.

dental cavity lining,

n See cavity lining.

dental cement,

n See cement, dental.

dental cementum,

n See cementum.

dental chart,

n See chart, dental.

dental clinic,

n See clinic.

dental cooperative,

n a dental facility organized to provide dental services for the benefit of subscribers and not for profit. There is no discrimination as to who may subscribe, and each subscriber has equal rights and voice in the control of the cooperative. The operation of the cooperative usually rests with a lay board of directors elected by subscribers.

dental deposit,

n See calculus.

dental dysfunction,

n See dysfunction, dental.

dental enamel,

n See enamel.

dental enamel, hypoplastic,

n See hypoplasia.

dental engine,

n See engine, dental.

dental equipment,

n See equipment.

dental fissure,

n See fissure.

dental fistula,

n See fistula.

dental floss,

n a waxed or plain thread of nylon or silk used to clean the interdental areas; an aid in oral physiotherapy. Shredproof Teflon expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), or nylon flosses are still believed to be the best materials for removing plaque from the teeth.

dental fluorosis,

n See fluorosis, dental.

dental geriatrics,

n See geriatrics.

dental granuloma,

n See granuloma, dental.

dental handpiece,

n See handpiece.

dental health services,

n the sum of the diagnostic, preventive, consultative, supportive, and therapeutic dental care offered by the dental profession or that portion provided a member of a dental health plan.

dental health surveys,

n the use of questionnaires and oral examinations of a target population to determine the need or demand for dental care or the opinions or attitudes of patients or consumers.

dental history,

n See history.

dental hygiene armamentarium,

n See armamentarium.

dental hygiene diagnostic model,

n one of four approaches to patient care. Its purpose is to arrive at a plan for recommended treatment by the systematic use of six steps that cover the major aspects of care, from initial inquiry to problem solving to patient education.

dental hygiene instrumentarium,

n See instrumentarium.

dental hygiene process model,

n one of four approaches to patient care, characterized by the documentation of a patient's expressed needs as they relate to a range of possible causes. Patient is questioned about various areas of concern, including overall health care.

dental hygienist,

n See hygienist, dental.

dental identification,

n the process of establishing the unique characteristics of teeth and dental work of an individual, leading to the identification of an individual by comparison with the person's dental charts and records. Used in forensic dentistry.

dental implant,

n See implant.

dental impression material,

n See impression.

dental instrument,

n See instruments.

dental insurance,

n a policy that insures against the expense of treatment and care of dental disease and accident to teeth.

dental jurisprudence

n the application of the principles of law as they relate to the practice of dentistry. See also jurisprudence, dental.

dental laboratory technician,

n See technician, dental laboratory.

dental lamina,

n See lamina, dental.

dental material,

n See material, dental.

dental model,

n See model.

dental neglect,

n the purposeful denial of the minimum amount of oral health care or maintenance required to sustain functioning periodontium and teeth. The caretaker may exhibit a disregard for the patient's health and may focus primarily on pain relief for the patient. It is considered a warning sign of possible child or elder abuse.

Dental neglect.

dental occlusion,

n See occlusion.

dental papilla,

n See papilla.

dental pathology,

n that branch of dentistry that deals with all aspects of dental disease. See also pathology.

dental perioscopy

(per´ēos´kpē),
n See endoscopy, periodontal.

dental pin,

n See pin.

dental plan,

n an organized method for the financing of dental care.

dental plaque,

n See plaque.

dental porcelain,

n See porcelain, dental.

dental prepayment,

n a system for budgeting the cost of dental services in advance of their receipt.

dental prophylaxis,

n See prophylaxis.

dental prosthesis,

n See prosthesis.

dental prosthetic restoration,

n See prosthesis, dental.

dental public health,

n may also be called
public health dentistry. The science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts. It is that form of dental practice that serves the community as a patient rather than the individual. It is concerned with the dental health education of the public, with applied dental research, and with the administration of group dental care programs as well as prevention and control of dental diseases on a community basis. See community dentistry.

dental pulp,

n See pulp.

dental pulp capping,

n See capping, pulp.

dental pulp cavity,

n See cavity, pulp.

dental pulp exposure,

n See exposure.

dental record,

n a confidential document containing the clinical and financial data of the dental patient, including the patient's identity, pertinent history, medical and dental conditions, services rendered, and charges and payments made.

dental research,

n the formal scientific study of issues related to dentistry.

dental review committee,

n a group of dental professionals and administrative personnel that reviews questionable dental claims and can suggest policy decisions regarding dental care.

dental sac,

n a portion of the tooth germ consisting of ectomesenchyme surrounding the outside of the enamel organ, which produces the periodontium of a tooth. Older term is
dental follicle.

dental scaling,

n See scaling.

dental sealant,

n See sealant.

dental senescence,

n See senescence, dental.

dental service corporation,

n a legally constituted, not-for-profit organization that negotiates and administers contracts for dental care. Delta Dental and Blue Cross/Blue Shield corporations are two such organizations.

dental service, hospital,

n 1. the location of the dental facility within a hospital.
n 2. the array of dental procedures offered within a hospital setting.

dental splint,

n See splint, dental.

dental staff,

n the personnel employed or engaged by the dental professional to conduct the assignable professional and management functions of the dental clinic, office, or practice.

dental stone,

n See stone, dental.

dental tape,

n See tape, dental.

dental technician,

n See technician.

dental unit,

n See unit, dental.

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caries

decay, as of bone or teeth.

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dental caries

demineralization and loss of substance of the hard tissues of the teeth, leading to continued destruction of enamel and dentine, and cavitation of the tooth. It is a very rare disease in animals. Occurs occasionally in sheep. May occur as pits or fissures. Called also a cavity.

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Patient discussion about dental caries.

Q. Dental Caries and Stress are related? Can it be possible that dental caries (cavities) be caused by stress? It seems to me that it can, because stress can cause all kinds of other health problems then why can't it also cause cavities. I have tried to find answers to question online, but have been unsuccessful. Sure would be great to know the answer to this.

A. if you understand the question "dental carries and stress are related?"

there are many factors that cause cavities ...

- poor hygiene
- poor diet
- malnutrition
- disease or illness
- and stress

it is well documented in the medical and alternative fields

Q. How can I prevent baby caries? Hi, I’m pregnant on my 34 week and my older son had baby caries, I would like to prevent that this time.

A. First of all you might want to know that sweetening his formula would do that. And it’s not healthy in general. So don’t do that. After feeding- clean his moth. How to do that? Here is an article about early tooth decay:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000101/20000101b.html

Q. Is there a way stopping caries progress? I'm 17 and I've recently noticed I have chalky white spots on the back of two of my teeth at the bottom. I go to the dentist regularly (I have braces at the minute) and I'm assuming he's seen them but he hasn't mentioned them. I'm just curious as to weather caries are treatable? Is there anything my dentist can do to stop it progressing into something worse?

A. Caries starts by demineralization of the enamel. The enamel is the hardest material in our body. The bacteria gets the mineral out of it and it becomes weak. Start as white color and continues to a black unpleasant color as it progresses into the tooth. If you rinse your mouth often with fluoride and brush your teeth properly- it will stop the demineralization and the fluoride will take the place of other minerals in the enamel. This will stop the caries and the white spot will slowly becomes black. This is a good situation- it’ll be harder then before.