What are Dental Caries? What are the Symptoms?

 

What are dental caries?

Dental caries, often called cavities, are erosions of the surface of the tooth caused by the combined effects of bacteria, acids, plaque and tartar. Dental caries are common in both children and adults, and they occur most often as a result of poor dental hygiene. Dental caries are usually painless at first, but they may become painful if they spread to the nerve or root of a tooth. Left untreated, dental caries can progress to a tooth abscess, which is a more painful and potentially serious condition.

Dental caries are common, but they can often be prevented by practicing good dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. Dental caries usually do not require emergency medical care unless they become painful, do not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, or progress to a tooth abscess. Treatment includes removing the decayed material with a drill and filling in the resulting hole with a stable dental material.

What are the symptoms of dental caries?

Generally, you will not experience any serious symptoms from dental caries. When symptoms are present, they may include toothache or sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages.

Common symptoms of dental caries

You may experience symptoms of dental caries all the time or just occasionally. At times, any of these dental caries symptoms can be severe.

Symptoms of dental caries are usually localized to the mouth and include:

• Holes in the surface of a tooth

• Pain when chewing

• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages

• Toothache

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

In some cases, dental caries can be a serious condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Contact your dentist or seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms including:

• Severe swelling or pain in the jawbone

• Severe toothache that cannot be controlled by over-the-counter pain relievers

localhealth.com

Introducing Glo! The ZERO Sensitivity Whitening System

Introducing Glo!

The ZERO Sensitivity Whitening System

is now available at

Legacy Smiles of Southern Arizona!

Call our office at (520) 625-0131 

to receive $100.00 Off Glo Dual!

Legacy Smiles of Southern Arizona

Dawnie L. Kildoo, D.D.S., M.A.G.D.

267 W. Duval Road, Suite 105

Green Valley, AZ  85614

Office: (520) 625-0131

Fax: (520) 625-6998

Email: Office@LegacySmileesAZ.com

PREVENTING PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused when bacteria in plaque (a sticky, colorless film that forms in the mouth) builds up between the gums and teeth. When the bacteria begin to grow, the gums surrounding the tooth can become inflamed.

If left untreated, this inflammation can cause the gums and supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This can lead to gum recession or even tooth loss. In addition, research has shown that gum disease may be associated with other diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.  Luckily, periodontal disease can be preventable. Adding these habits to your daily routine can help. Brush your teeth. Brushing after meals helps remove food debris and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to include your tongue, bacteria loves to hide there.  Floss. Flossing at least once a day helps remove food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line that your toothbrush can’t quite reach. Swish with mouthwash. Using a mouthwash can help reduce plaque and can remove remaining food particles that brushing and flossing missed. Know your risk. Age, smoking, diet and genetics can all increase your risk for periodontal disease. If you are at increased risk, be sure to talk with your dental professional.  perio.org Legacy Smiles of Southern Arizona Dawnie L. Kildoo, D.D.S., M.A.G.D. 267 W. Duval Road, Suite 105 Green Valley, AZ 85614 Office: (520) 625-0131 Email: office@legacysmilesaz.com http://www.legacysmilesaz.com

The Jaw Is Also A Casualty When Bacterium Causes Gum Disease

The newly discovered bacterium that causes gum disease delivers a one-two punch by also triggering normally protective proteins in the mouth to actually destroy more bone, a University of Michigan study found.

Scientists and oral health care providers have known for decades that bacteria are responsible for periodontitis, or gum disease. Until now, however, they hadn't identified the bacterium.

"Identifying the mechanism that is responsible for periodontitis is a major discovery," said Yizu Jiao, a postdoctoral fellow at the U-M Health System, and lead author of the study appearing in the recent issue of the journal Cell Host and Microbe.

Jiao and Noahiro Inohara, research associate professor at the U-M Health System, worked with William Giannobile, professor of dentistry, and Julie Marchesan, formerly of Giannobile's lab.

The study yielded yet another significant finding: the bacterium that causes gum disease, called NI1060, also triggers a normally protective protein in the oral cavity, called Nod1, to turn traitorous and actually trigger bone-destroying cells. Under normal circumstances, Nod1 fights harmful bacterium in the body.

"Nod1 is a part of our protective mechanisms against bacterial infection. It helps us to fight infection by recruiting neutrophils, blood cells that act as bacterial killers," Inohara said. "It also removes harmful bacteria during infection. However, in the case of periodontitis, accumulation of NI1060 stimulates Nod1 to trigger neutrophils and osteoclasts, which are cells that destroy bone in the oral cavity."

Giannobile, who also chairs the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the U-M School of Dentistry, said understanding what causes gum disease at the molecular level could help develop personalized therapy for dental patients.

"The findings from this study underscore the connection between beneficial and harmful bacteria that normally reside in the oral cavity, how a harmful bacterium causes the disease, and how an at-risk patient might respond to such bacteria," Giannobile said. 

medicalnewstoday.com

Legacy Smiles of Southern Arizona
Dawnie L. Kildoo, D.D.S., M.A.G.D.
267 W. Duval Road, Suite 105
Green Valley, AZ  85614
(520) 625-0131
http://www.legacysmilesaz.com