Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)

Subject: Medical and Surgical Nursing I (Theory)

Overview

The outer enamel of the tooth can be destroyed by dental caries, an erosive process. Dental decay is one of the most frequent reasons for tooth loss. Dental caries is mostly brought on by plaque. Diet and dental plaque are its causes. Pain and heat and cold sensitivity are its clinical characteristics. Fluoridated water injections, topical fluoride applications, routine dental exams, etc. are all ways to manage it.

Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)

It is an erosive process that has the potential to wear away the tooth's outer enamel. Dental decay is one of the most frequent reasons for tooth loss. Dental caries is primarily brought on by plaque.

Pathophysiology

Bacteria

Streptococcus mutations are the main bacteria involved in the pathogenesis of caries, however several other bacteria, including as S sobrinus, Actinomycessp, and Lactobacillus sp, have also been linked to the disease. High concentrations of cariogenic bacteria are a sign of an ongoing caries process and are linked to an increased risk of developing new caries. Salivary proteins that stick to teeth, bacteria, and bacterial metabolites make up plaque. The microorganisms that start the demineralization process are found in plaque. Dental caries are less likely to occur if plaque is adequately controlled.

Etiology

  • Dental tartar
  • Diet

Clinical Manifestations

  • Ache, heat and cold sensitivity.

Diagnostic Investigation

  • Checking the tooth.
  • X-ray study.

 Management

  • Prevention
  • Use of fluoride water injection
  • Topical fluoride application
  • Routine dental examination
  • Encourage people to brush and rinse frequently.

References

  • aap.org/oralhealth/pact/ch4_sect2.cfm
  • Mandal, G. (August 2013). A Textbook of Adult Health Nursing (2nd ed.). Dilllibazar kathmandu: Makalu publication house. Retrieved August 2013
  • slideplayer.com/slide/4403979/
Things to remember
  • Dental caries is mostly brought on by plaque.
  • Streptococcus mutans is the main bacterium implicated in the pathogenesis of caries.
  • Dental caries are less likely to occur if plaque is adequately controlled.
  • Routine dental examination.
  • Encourage people to brush and rinse frequently.
Questions and Answers

It is an erosive process that can destroy the tooth's outer enamel. Dental decay is the most common cause of tooth loss. The most common cause of dental caries is plaque.

Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)

It is an erosive process that has the potential to wear away the tooth's outer enamel. Dental decay is one of the most frequent reasons for tooth loss. Dental caries is mostly brought on by plaque.

Pathophysiology

  • Bacteria
    • Streptococcus mutans is the main bacterium involved in the pathogenesis of caries, however numerous other bacterial species have also been linked to the disease, including S sobrinus, Actinomyces sp., and Lactobacillus sp.
    • High concentrations of cariogenic bacteria are a sign of an ongoing caries process and are linked to an increased risk of developing new caries.
    • Salivary proteins that stick to teeth, bacteria, and bacterial metabolites make up plaque.
    • The microorganisms that start the demineralization process are found in plaque.
    • Dental caries are less likely to occur if plaque is adequately controlled.

Etiology

  • Dental Plaque
  • Diet

Clinical Manifestations

  • Pain
  • Sensitive to heat and cold.

Diagnostic Investigation

  • Examination of tooth
  • X-ray study

Management

  • Prevention
    • Use of fluoridated water injection
    • Topical fluoride application
      • Routine dental examination
  • Encourage people to brush and rinse frequently.

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