Dental Caries By Destin Hurt What are Dental
Dental Caries By: Destin Hurt
What are Dental Caries? Dental caries, often referred to as cavities, are demineralized areas of the tooth caused by the combined effects of bacteria, acids, plaque, and tartar.
The Dental Carries Process � Plaque biofilm is a collection of bacteria present on teeth. Streptococcus mutans is one type of caries causing bacteria present. �A carbohydrate is ingested, causing the p. H to decrease. Demineralization of enamel occurs when the “critical p. H of 5. 5 is reached. � Acid formation on the tooth allows for demineralization to take place.
The Process of Tooth Decay BACTERIA + {ACID} + SUGAR TOOTH = {ACID} = CAVITY
The Role of Saliva � Saliva acts as a buffer by neutralizing much of the acid produced by plaque biofilm. � Saliva decreases the length of time that harmful bacteria and food particles remain in contact with the tooth surface. � Ions present in saliva allow for remineralization of the enamel. � While saliva neutralizes the acidity of the oral cavity, if an acidic drink is consumed frequently or for a long duration, saliva cannot continuously act as a protective buffer.
High Caries Risk Factors childhood caries �Tobacco usage �Poor oral hygiene �Root caries �Bulimia �Xerostomia �Nonfluoridated water �Older adults �Periodontal patients �Unsealed pits and fissures �Radiation therapy �Genetics patients �Levels of cariogenic �Gingival recession bacteria �Candy consumption �Early
Suggestions for Caries Reduction � CHOOSE THESE � Cheeses � Yogurt � Nuts � Chewing gum with xylitol � Cocoa products � Proteins (meat & eggs) � Fats (butter & oils) • AVOID THESE • Alcohol • Bread • Candy • Chips • Energy drinks • Flavored coffees • Pasta • Snack cakes • Soft drinks
Considerations for Overall Oral Health Use nonnutritive sweeteners as a substitute for sucrose. Choose water, skim milk, and 100% vegetable or fruit juice instead of sugary drinks and avoid caffeine. Avoid frequent usage of antacids and cough drops. Chew gum containing xylitol after eating when brushing isn’t an option. Limit the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods. Limit sugar intake to 25% or less of total kilocalories consumed.
My. Plate. gov is a great resource for advice in balancing calories and in deciding which foods to increase and which foods to decrease.
Cariostatic Foods Cariostatic foods are foods that do not contribute to decay. Some foods can protect the teeth by decreasing demineralization, increasing remineralization, or increasing salivary flow. Sugar alcohols are good alternatives to sugar because of their sweet taste and their noncariogenic characteristics. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is found in chewing gum and inhibits demineralization.
Cariostatic Foods Nonnutritive Sweeteners are not metabolized by microorganisms and do not promote dental caries. Some examples of nonnutritive sweeteners are aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose. Protein and fat may be considered cariostatic because they do not lower p. H. Phosphorus and Calcium act as buffers, limiting the demineralization process.
Oral Hygiene Preventative practices such as regular recare appointments, proper brushing and flossing, sealants, and fluoride usage are the key to oral health!
References Health. Grades Editorial Staff. (2013). Dental Caries. http: //www. healthgrades. com/conditions/dental-caries Stegeman, C. , & Davis, J. (2015). The Dental Hygienist’s Guide to Nutritional Care. Nutritional Aspects of Oral Health. Vernetti-Callahan, D. (2015). Nutritional & Oral Health: Eating Well for a Healthy Mouth. Web. http: //www. dentalcare. com/en. US/dental-education/continuing-education/ce 301.
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