What is tooth decay (caries or cavities)?

Smart snacking

When you are deciding which snack to "snack" on, the National Institute of Dental Research, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), reminds you to think about the following: 1. the number of times a day you eat sugary snacks. 2. how long the sugary food stays in your mouth. 3. the texture of the sugary food -- is it chewy or sticky? Damaging acids form in your mouth every time you eat a sugary snack. Why not consider an alternative, such as raw vegetables, fresh fruits, or whole-grain crackers next time the urge to "snack" strikes again? Source: National Institute of Dental Research

Tooth decay is the disease known as caries or cavities - a highly preventable disease caused by many factors. Some children may inherit from their parents "good teeth" and never develop cavities. But more importantly, what the child eats will determine his/her chance of developing cavities. Sugar and starch in foods are the substances that cause damage to the tooth. The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and starch and produce an acid that can eat through the teeth, leading to tooth decay.

Who is at risk for tooth decay?
We all host bacteria in our mouths which makes everyone a potential target for cavities. Risk factors that put a person at a higher risk for tooth decay include:

• Diets high in sweets, carbohydrates and sugars.

• Water supplies with limited or no fluoridation.

• Age (children and senior citizens are at an increased risk for tooth decay).

What are the symptoms of tooth decay and dental caries?
The following are the most common symptoms of tooth decay and dental caries. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include white spots on the teeth that appear first. Then, an early cavity appears that has a light brown color on the tooth. The tooth color progressively becomes darker.

1. Brush your child's teeth, tongue, and gums twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, or supervise them brushing their teeth.
2. Floss your child's teeth daily after the age of 2.
3. Make sure your child eats a well-balanced diet and limit or eliminate sugary snacks.
4. Consult your child's physician or dentist regarding the supplemental use of fluoride and/or dental sealants to protect your child's teeth against plaque.
5. Schedule routine (every six months) dental cleanings and examinations for your child.

• Your child's age, overall health, and medical history.
• Extent of the disease.
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies.
• Expectations for the course of the disease.
• Your opinion or preference.

• Dental amalgams - Dental amalgams, also known as silver fillings, are comprised of a mixture of mercury (45 to 50 percent), and an alloy of silver, tin, and copper (50 to 55 percent). When combined with other materials in a dental amalgam, mercury's chemical nature changes. Recently, controversial views have emerged regarding mercury in dental amalgams. Some dentists feel strongly that existing mercury amalgams should be removed and replaced with substitutes. Other dentists feel there is no harm from mercury amalgams. Consult your child's dentist for further information on this topic.
• Composite resins - Also known as white fillings, a composite resin is a toth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide) that is used primarily for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

• Porcelain veneers - Aa ceramic material is bonded to the front of teeth to change the tooth's color, size, and/or shape.
• Crown - A "cap" that covers a cracked or broken tooth, unfixed by a filling, to approximate its normal size and shape.
• Cast gold restorations - this type of restoration is often more costly and may require more than one dental fitting.