DENTAL CARIESShahzadi Tayyaba Hashmi

DNT 243

DENTAL CARIESDefinition:Also known as tooth decay or a cavityIt is defined as an infection which is bacterial in

origin and causes demineralization and destruction of hard tissues of teeth (enamel, dentine and cementum)

ETIOLOGYDental caries is a multifactorial disease of

teethThe major factors in the etiology of dental

caries are as follows:DietBacteriaSusceptible tooth surfaceTime

1) SUCCEPTIBLE TOOTH SURFACEGenerally, non-self-cleansable areas are more prone to develop caries as they provide stagnation areas for bacteria in dental plaque:

1. Enamel pits and fissures on occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars: Pits and fissure have the highest prevalence of dental caries as they provide excellent mechanical shelter for microorganisms

Demineralization of enamel occur because food trapped inside pits and fissures on chewing surfaces (occlusal), and where brushing and even saliva cannot reach

Buccal pits of mandibular molars

Palatal pits of maxillary molars

Palatal pits of maxillary incisors

3. Proximal enamel smooth surfaces just gingival to contact areas:

4.Root surfaces following gingival recessions.

2) Bacteria Streptococci are essential for development of

dental cariesAcidogenicAble to produce a pH low enough (<5) to decalcify

tooth substanceAble to survive and produce acid at low levels of pHAble to produce polysaccharides (glucans)

3) Diet Diet has been shown to affect the caries rate in various ways:Composition: Carbohydrates like sucrose, fructose and glucose are cariogenic.sucrose is the most harmful sugar type.Consistency: Food which is soft and sticky accumulates on tooth surface more

than fibrous non-sticky foodFrequency: Another factor promoting caries is the consumption of snacks

between meals

4) Time Time is another significant factor in the development of dental caries If the tooth surface has been exposed to the acid produced by the bacteria of the dental plaque for a long period, this acid will harm and demineralize tooth surface