Caries or tooth decay, with the typical causes of toothache and dark discoloration of the teeth, is one of the most common infectious diseases in Europe. Caries is thereby caused by bacteria that settle around the teeth and attack the enamel. Unbrushed teeth, which have sugary food residues between the corners, are particularly popular with caries bacteria.
What is caries?
Development of caries to the typical toothache. Click to enlarge. Dental caries is one of the most common diseases in industrialized countries. Almost everyone is affected by this disease at least once in their lifetime. The upper and back teeth are significantly more frequently affected by caries; likewise, the onset of the disease increases at a certain age. In particular, children between the ages of four and eleven and men and women between the ages of 55 and 65 often suffer from this dental disease. Basically, however, caries is a disease that can occur at any age and can also affect any tooth. Sufficient oral hygiene and dental care can already help to prevent the disease caries. The correct brushing technique is just as important here as changing the toothbrush regularly, namely at least every three months. After brushing your teeth, don’t forget to rinse your mouth with a mouthwash for at least 30 seconds. Furthermore, regular visits to the dentist are of course important, as well as a tooth-healthy diet, with little sugar, so that caries does not occur in the first place.
Causes
In most cases, caries is triggered by bacteria that settle on the teeth and damage the enamel here. However, many more factors are responsible for the development of caries. For example, not only the tooth structure of an individual plays a decisive role, but also the diet can be responsible for the outbreak of the disease. Foods containing sugar are particularly conducive to the development of caries; these, in conjunction with bacteria on the teeth, provide the best conditions for caries to take root. In addition, the amount and composition of human saliva can play a role in the development of caries. An increased amount of saliva results in better removal of food, giving harmful bacteria less chance to spread.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
At the beginning of caries, the infection often proceeds without noticeable symptoms. The so-called initial caries can develop completely without visible signs. In advanced stages, caries leads to visible holes in the teeth as the substance is decomposed by the metabolic products of the bacteria. It is also possible that a tooth is hollowed out. The holes are usually darkly discolored. In the case of severe caries infestation, a tooth can also be lost completely. In such a case, if the tooth remnant is not removed by a dentist, a dark stump remains. Visible holes and dark discoloration do not always form on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Caries can also develop on the inside or between the teeth. In addition to the visible symptoms, caries can lead to a number of other complaints. These include toothache, which can vary in severity. Permanent toothache is also possible. Bad breath may persist even after brushing or reappear shortly after brushing. Teeth affected by caries can be extremely sensitive. For example, they react more strongly to heat, cold or the consumption of certain foods. The sensations range from an increased perception of the stimulus or a pulling sensation to severe pain. Bad breath may also occur as a result of tooth decay.
Disease progression
If the disease caries is not treated properly, in the worst case not only the tooth enamel is attacked, but possibly also the tooth nerve. In the worst case, this can lead to failure of the affected tooth. In the early stages, caries is usually noticeable by light or even brownish spots on the teeth, the so-called caries spots. Later, these can become dark and even black. At this stage of the disease, caries is already painful; at the latest, a dentist should be consulted as soon as possible. The loss or loosening of existing fillings can be a further indication of existing caries.A concomitant of caries observed by many patients is pain sensitivity to both hot, cold, or even sweet foods.
Complications
Caries occurs when oral hygiene is neglected, allowing bacteria to eat into the tooth. The tooth is decomposed by the bacteria so that a hole is created in the tooth. Of course, this picture is associated with various complications that can be eliminated only by medical treatment. In many cases, caries causes severe and long-lasting toothache, which can be eliminated only by visiting a dentist. Those who leave this condition without any treatment are putting themselves at great risk. The bacteria will then continue to decompose the tooth, so that the pain will also increase significantly. It is not uncommon for an inflammation to develop directly under the tooth. It can even lead to the development of an abscess. An abscess is a cavity filled with pus. If the bacteria in it get into the human bloodstream, there is even a risk of blood poisoning. In the very worst case, there is an acute risk of death if this complication remains without any treatment. This means that caries can also cause various complications if the visit to the doctor is put off. Only through medical treatment can complications be avoided or detected early and explicitly treated.
When should you go to the doctor?
People suffering from toothache of any form should see a dentist as soon as possible. Since spontaneous healing occurs only in exceptional cases, a visit to the doctor is advisable at the first sensations of pain. If the affected person suffers from hypersensitivity in the mouth when eating hot or cold foods, there are irregularities that should be clarified. If a pulling or painful sensation is felt when consuming sweet or sour foods as well as liquids, a visit to the doctor is necessary. If the discomfort spreads to surrounding teeth or the jaw or increases in intensity, dental treatment is required. Otherwise, the affected person is at risk of tooth loss or permanent tooth replacement. If food debris accumulates in the interdental spaces, holes are noticed in the teeth or an existing denture becomes loose, a doctor should be consulted. If people in the immediate vicinity notice an unusual bad breath in the affected person or if unusual discoloration of the teeth occurs, a doctor should be consulted. Chalk-like stains on the teeth in particular are considered to be a cause for concern. If the affected person feels a slight tapping on the tooth as painful or very unpleasant, this is an indication of an existing caries disease. If an abscess forms, a visit to the doctor is also necessary.
Treatment and therapy
The treatment of caries depends on how far the disease has progressed. In the case of deeper dental defects, the affected area is treated with a drill to remove the caries. Here, local anesthesia of the tooth nerve is usually applied. An option that has recently become increasingly popular is the so-called laser technique; with this, the patient does not feel any pain. The holes created by drilling are closed with special dental fillings, usually with amalgam. The dentist usually detects caries just by looking into the mouth. In the early stages, X-rays also provide information. If the caries is already more advanced and the tooth nerve is affected, the treating physician will aim for a root filling.
Outlook and prognosis
With today’s medical options, there is a good chance of a cure for tooth decay. As soon as caries is diagnosed, treatment takes place immediately afterwards. The dentist removes the affected areas in the mouth and tries to cure the disease by professional teeth cleaning and protection against immediate re-infestation of bacteria. The possibilities of protection, however, are not permanent. Immediately with the next food intake, new bacteria can enter the mouth, which can only be removed by adequate dental cleaning. Without dental care, the affected person cannot achieve a cure.If caries has already broken out, the possibilities of self-help are not sufficient to achieve recovery. The bacteria multiply in the mouth and cause further damage to the teeth. Immediately after the dental decay has been removed, the patient is responsible for optimizing his or her dental cleaning without delay. This is the only way to prevent a new infestation. The causes of the disease are discussed during treatment and should be taken seriously by the patient. A change in behavior is imperative in order to achieve lasting freedom from symptoms. Otherwise, new bacteria will develop in the mouth, which in turn will attack the teeth and cause damage. In the worst case, tooth loss occurs.
Aftercare
Aftercare of tooth decay is at the same time the basis of successful prevention. It is about protecting the teeth from renewed carious destruction. A sugar-free diet is the foundation, flanked by brushing with proper technique and at regular intervals. Professional teeth cleaning once or twice a year is particularly important in this context. It also removes hard plaque, the so-called tartar, and soft plaque. Places where the toothbrush does not clean thoroughly, such as the interdental spaces or the gum line, are covered. PZR is both prevention and aftercare for caries and periodontitis. Brushing teeth after meals is very important. It is important to use a brush that is not too hard and thus does not damage the enamel. To cover the interdental spaces in the best possible way, dental floss, interdental brushes and the use of an oral irrigator after thorough cleaning are suitable. The toothbrush should be changed regularly to keep brushing effective. After cleaning, it is best to rinse it hot and then dry it so that bacteria that cause tooth decay do not multiply on it. Each person in the household, of course, needs their own toothbrush in this regard. Children should be introduced to brushing in an age-appropriate manner. Parents should control this carefully for the dental health of their children.
This is what you can do yourself
If caries is suspected, the first thing to do is to make an appointment with the dentist. Acute pain can be relieved by cooling until the examination. If there is actually a disease of the tooth enamel, usually only a medical treatment of the caries remains. This should be accompanied by increased oral hygiene. In addition to the usual recommendations – brush teeth thoroughly for three minutes at least twice a day – comprehensive interdental care is a good idea. Even better is regular tooth cleaning by the dentist. For children, it is also a good idea to have their teeth sealed. To prevent the spread of caries, the diet should also be changed: Fruits and vegetables instead of sweets, and mineral water instead of lemonade. Smokers are advised to stop smoking, while coffee drinkers should switch to unsweetened tea. In addition, various home remedies help against tooth decay. Ground nutmeg, for example, applied to the hole in the tooth with a little clove oil, has proven effective in killing the bacteria. Salt water and garlic have a similar effect. For pain, clove oil and applications with anise or chamomile help.
