The cause (etiology) Occurrence of Dental Caries
The cause (etiology) Occurrence of Dental Caries
Root caries occur when bacteria and start the fermentation of carbohydrates attached to the root surface. Since 1970, studies have been conducted to identify the microflora that are responsive to root caries and Streptococcus mutans was found to be the main microorganisms. Lactobacillus and Actinobacillus believed to also have a role. Candida albicans was identified in lesions considered to be soft but not play a role in the occurrence of these lesions.
Microorganisms metabolize the simple sugars into organic acids, which dissolve plaque found on the surface of the tooth. These acids then pass through the root structure and initiate demineralization process that releases calcium and phosphate ions. This process causes the pH reaches the critical value for demineralization of cementum and dentin, and enamel demineralization for.
Dramatic influence occurs during this process, with the collapse of collagen caused by the dissolution of inorganic minerals and the formation of cavities. Root demineralization speed faster than the enamel and the pH is higher, because the mineral content in the roots (55%) is less than the enamel (99%). Remineralization can be improved by application of fluoride, and when the pH was normal root surfaces, remineralization by deposition of calcium and phosphate ions can occur.
Risk Factors for Dental Caries
The frequency at which the occurrence of root caries can be correlated with coronal caries, and factors associated with enamel caries is very important in determining the onset of root caries. Root caries have been found to be associated with intraoral and extraoral factors, which are mentioned below. Knowledge about the causes of root caries lesions will lead to the clinician making the diagnosis and prevention is better for patients.
Intraoral Factors Dental Caries
1. The low salivary flow produces xerostomia. Low salivary buffer capacity.
2. Poor oral hygiene score produces a high plaque and calculus deposition.
3. Periodontal disease and periodontal surgery.
4. Attachment loss and gingival recession.
5. Microorganisms that increase in saliva.
6. Frequency of carbohydrate intake and percentage of plaque found on the surface of the tooth.
7. Coronal caries and root caries are not restored and restored.
8. Buffer overdenture teeth and removable partial dentures, which klamer and connectors contribute to food retention.
9. Malocclusion, abfraction, drifting, and tipping, where the tooth can not be reached by the patient to maintain good oral hygiene.
Dental Caries extraoral factors
A. Elderly, where a high incidence of root caries in older adults.
2. Dental examinations are rare.
3. Educational and socioeconomic levels are low.
4. Gender, where men are more likely affected than females.
5. Physical disability (such as Parkinson's disease) in which patients have limited ability to complicate the manual cleaning of plaque during toothbrushing.
6. Drugs that reduce salivary flow.
7. Diabetes, autoimmune disorders (such as Sjogren's syndrome), or radiation therapy.
8. Antipsychotics, sedatives, barbiturates, and antihistamines.
9. Limited exposure to water containing fluoride.
10. Alcohol or drug addicts.