Abstracted by Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS
The topic for this week is a familiar dental problem – cavities. I am combining the information from the CDC and my friend from Lyon, France, Dr. Lucas NACCACHE.
Cavities (Tooth Decay) (from CDC)
Cavities are caused by a breakdown of the tooth enamel by acids produced by bacteria located in plaque that collects on teeth, especially along the gum line and in the crevices on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Eating and drinking foods high in carbohydrates cause this bacteria to produce the acids that can cause the outer coating of the tooth (enamel) or root surface to break down (demineralize).
Although cavities are largely preventable, they are one of the most common chronic diseases throughout the lifespan.1 Untreated tooth decay can lead to abscess (a severe infection) under the gums which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious, and in rare cases fatal, results.
- More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth.2
- Up to 10% of children aged 2 to 5 have untreated cavities.2
- More than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.2
- One quarter of adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated cavities.2
- More than 90% of adults have had a cavity.2
Community water fluoridation and school dental sealants programs are both cost-saving, proven strategies to prevent cavities.3, 4
From Dr. Lucas NACCACHE
Dr. en Chirurgie Dentaire Dr. en Sciences Odontologiques
CES De Prothèse Fixée et CES d’Anatomie-Organogénèse
Diplôme Universitaire d’Implantologie Paris VII Garancière
Ancien Assistant Hospitalo-Universitaire
Etiologies of tooth decay:
Caries is a bacterial disease, mainly dentin, which will be promoted by heredity, with more or less effective resistance to bacterial attacks. The level of completion of the protective enamel layer at the occlusal grooves of the teeth,
By diet. The diet can provide an excess of carbohydrates, sugars in all their forms, but also natural acids, fresh orange juice, or artificial, sodas. Acids will weaken the tooth surface by decalcifying it, and sugars will provide food for bacteria that will also produce other acids and attack dental matter.
And of course the patient’s oral hygiene. The patient’s oral hygiene will help clean up these food scraps in order to put oral bacteria on standby by depriving them of food and eliminate aggressive acids. When the teeth undergo carious attacks, it is necessary, then to remove the portions of infected and weakened teeth and to reconstitute them. These reconstructions can be made with composites, ceramic parts or prostheses combining metal with ceramic, or metal with hard resin teeth.
Your homework from the Care Ministry this week: describe 2 ways you can prevent cavities. Love to hear from you: kunlouis@gmail.com