June
July 2008
dental caries has a long history, with evidence showing the disease was present in the bronze, Iron, and middle ages but also prior to the neolithic period.
the largest increases in the prevalence of caries have been associated with diet changes.
today, caries remains one of the most common diseases throughout the world.
in the united states, dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease, being at least five times more common than asthma.
countries that have experienced an overall decrease in cases of tooth decay continue to have a disparity in the distribution of the disease.
among children in the united states and europe, 60-80% of cases of dental caries occur in 20% of the population.
tooth decay is caused by certain types of acid-producing bacteria which cause the most damage in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose.
the resulting acidic levels in the mouth affect teeth because a tooth's special mineral content causes it to be sensitive to low pH.
depending on the extent of tooth destruction, various treatments can be used to restore teeth to proper form, function, and aesthetics, but there is no known method to regenerate large amounts of toot
instead, dental health organizations advocate preventative and prophylactic measures, such as regular oral hygiene and dietary modifications, to avoid dental caries.
oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean and is a means of preventing dental caries, gingivitis, periodontal disease, bad breath, and other dental disorders.
it consists of both professional and personal care. Regular cleanings, usually done by dentists and dental hygienists, remove tartar (mineralized plaque) that may develop even with careful brushing an
professional cleaning includes tooth scaling, using various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from teeth.
the purpose of cleaning teeth is to remove plaque, which consists mostly of bacteria.
healthcare professionals recommend regular brushing twice a day (in the morning and in the evening, or after meals) in order to prevent formation of plaque and tartar.
a toothbrush is able to remove most plaque, excepting areas between teeth.
as a result, flossing is also considered a necessity to maintain oral hygiene.
when used correctly, dental floss removes plaque from between teeth and at the gum line, where periodontal disease often begins and could develop caries.
electric toothbrushes are not considered more effective than manual brushes for most people.
the most important advantage of electric toothbrushes is their ability to aid people with dexterity difficulties, such as those associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
in addition, fluoride therapy is often recommended to protect against dental caries.
water fluoridation and fluoride supplements decrease the incidence of dental caries.
Visa toppen
Show footer