Tooth decay and gum diseases are the most common chronic diseases in the world. Although caries has affected humans since prehistoric times, the prevalence of the disease has increased significantly in modern times, and this increase is strongly associated with dietary change. With the industrial revolution, the prevalence of caries in the society has increased with the introduction of sticky foods into our diet.
Tooth decay; It is the destruction of the hard tissue of the teeth by the acid released as a result of the fermentation of the food residues in the mouth by the microorganisms in the bacterial plaques accumulated on the tooth surface. In other words, it is a microbiological infectious disease of the teeth that results in destruction or localized dissolution of calcified tissues. Bacteria responsible for dental caries are streptococci, lactobacilli and actinomyces. However, bacteria alone are not enough for caries to occur.
The caries diagnosis process includes the application of caries risk assessment and diagnostic criteria to determine disease status. First of all, the anamnesis (history of the patient) is taken. A clinical examination is performed and the patient's nutritional habits are evaluated. Digital radiographs are used to assist the visual examination.
Although the development and widespread use of diagnostic and preventive measures is desired, repair of the damage caused by caries formation is still necessary for many patients.
The important thing in the success of the treatment is to inform the patient about the cause of caries and its responsibilities. If the patient is informed about the problem and the benefits of the recommended treatment, he or she will be motivated to achieve good oral health. In the treatment of decayed teeth, after cleaning the decay, the tooth is restored with the appropriate restorative material selected. Tooth-colored aesthetic composite fillings, inlay-onlay or porcelain veneer options can be applied for tooth restoration depending on the loss of substance in the tooth.
Caries Prevention The caries prevention process is a complex process involving many interrelated factors. First of all, the patient's diet should be evaluated and sugary foods should be avoided. Various mouthwashes and topical fluoride treatment are recommended to remove caries-causing bacteria from the mouth. Plaque is removed regularly by giving oral hygiene education (tooth brushing, flossing) to the patient. By evaluating the salivary flow rate, suggestions are made to increase the salivary flow. Consumption of non-carious foods that require a lot of chewing and sugar-free chewing gums are recommended to increase saliva flow. If there are restorations to be made, they are restored, pits and fissures with caries risk can be evaluated and covered, and all defected areas (overflows, irregularities in the filling) are corrected.
