Oral health diseases can generally be categorized into two groups, namely dental caries and periodontal health diseases. Dental caries are caused by certain bacteria demineralizing the enamel of the teeth, leading to cavities and other damages. “Caries” is simply the scientific term for cavities or tooth decay. Periodontal diseases, on the other hand, affect the gum and come as a result of the body’s response to bacteria along the gum line.
Between the two, dental caries and cavities are considered to be the simpler one. If you would ask a dentist, however, you would realize that dental caries can be quite complicated. While most dental caries come as a result of prevalence of bacteria, dental caries can also come about as a result of exposure to an acidic environment as well as dietary sugars.
The Numbers
Based on recent studies, more than 2.43 billion people all over the world suffer from some degree of dental caries on permanent teeth. While most people relate dental caries with developing countries, the same studies have shown that it is actually those who are residing in first-world countries who are at higher risk for dental caries. This is primarily due to the fact that developing countries use simpler sugar compared to their developed counterparts.
Levels of Prevention Methods
Not many people may know it, but there are actually three levels of care that a dentist in Raleigh, NC can offer you when it comes to preventing dental caries.
Primary Prevention
In the primary prevention level, the dentist is interested in ensuring that the patient has a proper diet plan that focuses on less sugar. Regular brushing and flossing are two methods that belong to primary prevention. The use of fluoridated water as well as the use of dietary fluoride are also some of the primary prevention methods when it comes to dealing with the possibility of dental caries.
Secondary Prevention
The primary focus of secondary prevention is the detection of any dental caries. This would include periodontal screening and risk assessment. This level allows the dentist to determine what methods to prescribe to the patient in order to limit complications as well as the development of further symptoms.
Tertiary Prevention
The last level of prevention focuses on restoring the function of an already diseased tooth as well as ensuring that the caries do not extend to an otherwise healthy tooth. Some of the common tertiary prevention methods would include amalgam, dental implants, and even dentures.
Even a seemingly small dental problem can immediately turn into a serious one, so act fast against dental caries. It’s always best to work with a trusted Raleigh, NC dentist, like those from Gover and Gover Dentistry, to prevent the more adverse effects of dental caries.
Sources
Caries Process and Prevention Strategies: Prevention, www.dentalcare.com
Dental Cavities, www.nytimes.com
