Tooth decay and cavities - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Summary

This script offers an in-depth look at dental caries, explaining its causes, progression, and treatment. It details the tooth's structure, the role of bacteria and sugar in demineralization, and the importance of saliva in remineralization. The video emphasizes the balance between cariogenic and protective factors, the impact of diet, and preventive measures, including proper hygiene and fluoride use. It also discusses diagnostic methods and various treatment options, from remineralization to dental fillings and crowns, highlighting the need for addressing the root causes to prevent new caries.

Takeaways

• 📚 Learning medicine can be made easier with Osmosis, which offers personalized study plans including exclusive videos, practice questions, and flashcards.
• 🦷 Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is caused by the demineralization or weakening of teeth due to the action of bacteria in the mouth.
• 🏥 The tooth structure includes the root, neck, crown, and is covered by cementum, enamel, and dentin, with the enamel being the hardest substance in the human body.
• 🌱 Enamel formation occurs before the tooth erupts and is produced by ameloblasts; once the tooth erupts, the ability to produce more enamel is lost.
• 🌐 The tooth's interior contains blood vessels and nerves that enter through the apical foramen and provide nutrition and sensation to the tooth.
• 🦷 Dentin is secreted by odontoblasts and contains sensory nerves that travel through tubules to the dentin enamel junction.
• 🤝 Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acids, providing minerals for remineralization, and thickening to protect tooth surfaces.
• 🔄 Dental caries result from a balance between demineralization caused by bacteria and sugars, and remineralization aided by saliva and fluoride.
• 🦠 Dental plaque forms when bacteria attach to the tooth surface using adhesions and ferment sugars, leading to the production of lactic acid and potential enamel demineralization.
• ⚠️ Conditions that reduce saliva production or increase acidity in the mouth, such as Sjogren's syndrome or gastric reflux, can increase the risk of dental caries.
• 🛠️ Treatment of dental caries includes preventive measures like fluoride application and antibacterial rinses, as well as restorative treatments like fillings and crowns if the decay is advanced.

Q & A

What does Osmosis offer to make learning medicine easier?

Osmosis offers a personalized study plan that includes exclusive videos, practice questions, and flashcards, derived from lectures and notes.

What is dental caries disease, also known as tooth decay, characterized by?

Dental caries disease is characterized by the demineralization or weakening of the teeth, which can progress to cavitation or the formation of a hole, indicating tooth breakdown.

What are the two bones that support the teeth and how are they related to the teeth?

The mandible supports the bottom row of teeth and the maxilla supports the top row. Both have an alveolus or socket for each tooth, lined by a periodontal ligament and covered by gingiva or gums.

What is the hardest substance in the human body and how is it formed?

Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, formed by ameloblasts before the tooth erupts into the mouth and cannot be regenerated once the tooth has erupted.

What is the function of the blood vessels and nerves that enter the tooth through the apical foramen?

The blood vessels and nerves provide nutrition and sensation to the tooth by entering the center of the root through the apical foramen and reaching the pulp.

What is the role of odontoblasts in the tooth structure?

Odontoblasts are cells that secrete dentin, a bone-like substance filled with proteins and minerals, and have long processes that lay within tiny tubules in the dentin for sensory nerve transmission.

What is the significance of saliva in the context of dental caries?

Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acid in the mouth with bicarbonate ions, thickening with glycoproteins like mucin, and providing calcium and phosphate for remineralization of the tooth surface.

How does the formation of dental plaque contribute to dental caries?

Dental plaque is a sticky collection of bacteria, proteins from saliva, and dead cells that forms on the tooth surface. It allows bacteria to attach firmly and form a biofilm, which can lead to demineralization if the local pH drops below 5.5.

What factors can tip the balance towards caries progression?

Factors such as having less bicarbonate-rich saliva due to conditions like Sjogren's syndrome, radiation treatment, gastric reflux, or as a side effect of medication or recreational drugs can tip the balance towards caries progression.

How does the pH of the mouth environment affect the bacteria responsible for dental caries?

A lower pH environment favors bacteria like mutans streptococcus and lactobacillus, which thrive in low pH and contribute to tooth demineralization.

What are the symptoms of dental caries and how is it diagnosed?

Symptoms of dental caries include tooth pain and sensitivity, especially when chewing or drinking hot, cold, or sweet substances. Diagnosis is made based on symptoms, visual inspection for discoloration or roughness, and dental radiographs.

What are the treatment and prevention strategies for dental caries?

Treatment and prevention strategies include stopping demineralization and promoting remineralization, reducing levels of harmful bacteria, restoring the tooth surface if needed, and using products that mimic saliva or contain fluoride.