Decay Diagnosis

The most common diagnostic techniques are based on the analysis of the following:

• History and nature of the pain are related to the circumstances of his presentation, the duration and type of sensation experienced by the patient.
• Reaction to temperature changes: is carried out in the dental office by placing a cold or hot object on the tooth.
• Reaction to electrical stimulation: is done with a low voltage direct current. This test assesses the degree of excitability of the nerves of the inflamed pulp.
• Reaction to the percussion of tooth: a positive reaction to percussion indicates inflammation of the apical periodontal tissue (supporting tissue around the end of the root of a tooth in particular).
• Radiographic examination: used to determine the extent of the carious lesion and to determine whether the inflammatory response has reached the periodical tissue.
• Visual scan: used to determine the location and extent of lesions.
• Palpation of surrounding area: if the palpation of periodical area causes pain, swelling means has reached the tissue surrounding the tooth apex.

TREATMENT

The formation of biofilm on the tooth surface is constant, therefore the pH changes causing certain processes occurring in the oral cavity cannot be avoided, they can be avoided but the consequences, i.e. cavitation.

Before treatment planning is an important prerequisite to determine the caries risk of each individual.

Disease control is accomplished by acting on the oral biofilm formation. Control measures of disease such as teaching the patient the best.

To remove plaque through proper oral hygiene through daily tooth brushing, application of fluoride (toothpastes, gels, etc..), modification of dietary habits that avoid or at least postpone the onset of injury.

• Topical fluorides professional use: The evidence on the effectiveness of fluoride in reducing occurrence of caries lesions and the slower rate of progression of lesions is well documented, however existing medical trials on different ways of application and effectiveness are not entirely coincident, large differences depending on age and baseline risk of caries. Therefore becomes relevant, appropriate dosage and professional development.
• Fluoride application at home: toothpastes with fluoride concentrations that increase enamel resistance against the aggression of caries. Daily use of fluoride toothpaste provides protection because demineralize tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay. It is advisable, therefore, to perform tooth brushing with a fluoride toothpaste after every meal and especially before bed.

Other preventive measures could be the use of:

• Chlorhexidine: has shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of caries lesions in high-risk patients…
• Pit and fissure sealants: preventive measures for both adults and children.
• Xylitol: Xylitol is a potent natural sweetener no caloric and unpalatable by cariogenic bacteria, due to its chemical structure of five carbons which cannot be recognized by Streptococcus mutans. Is capable of reducing the rate of formation of plaque, saliva flow increases and promotes demineralization.

As children are very prone to developing cavities, it is necessary to strengthen preventive measures. Are advised to follow proper oral hygiene, even before the first teeth appear. And in the case of babies, taking them to the dentist advised from the first month of life, and cleans their mouth daily with clean, damp gauze. When they begin to erupt deciduous or milk teeth, use a small brush with soft and rounded bristles three times daily.

The degree of patient cooperation is essential, so that anyone can learn to control the development and progression of caries through preventive and control measures mentioned above.

It is recommended to visit your dentist once every 6 months or once a year to ensure proper oral health.