Manhattan Beach Dentist: Understanding and Treating Dental Cavities

Dental caries (caries means decay in Latin) are microbial processes eroding and destroying the hard dental tissue, that usually start in enamel as a chalky white spot gradually spreading in depth, it affects dentin and in the later stages leads to the inflammation of the dental pulp (pulpitis). About 90% of our po[censored] tion is affected. Neglected caries may cause significant damage to the dentition and other complications (periodontal inflammation) or lead to a tooth loss. It is important that one find the best Manhattan Beach dentist in order to solve this problem effectively.

There are three conditions needed for the dental caries genesis microorganisms present in the dental plaque (so-called plaque-generating bacteria), saccharides (in any form) and teeth (hard dental tissue). Apart from these three conditions, one more is important - time, during which the above mentioned factors are present. It lakes about 24-48 hours before the bacteria form dental plaque that enables fermentation of saccharides and production of acids, enzymes and toxins.



Microorganisms (especially the plaque-forming ones Streptococcus mutans, sanguis, salivarius, mitis) present in the dental plaque adhere to enamel, metabolize (ferment) saccharides thus producing organic acids that affect the hard dental tissue due to decreasing pH (it causes calcium crystal formation). In the meantime the bacteria are able to create intracellular deposits of saccharides and postpone their fermentation. The produced acids demineralise enamel and thus the dental caries generation is started. Then the role of proteolytic bacteria concurs. They are able to erode collagen leading to a cavity creation. If the process affects only enamel, it might be reversible as the enamel is under certain conditions capable of incorporation of the freely available minerals back into the crystal grid. This process is called demineralization of enamel. Thus, the dental caries occurs when oral cavity balance is impaired and demineralization outweighs remineralisation. If the conditions that favor dental caries creation last, demineralization continues and affects the deeper lay.ers of enamel and later dentin is affected as well. It is important to understand the effects of the cavities if it is left untreated. Sometimes it could even lead to death as well; therefore it is important that one consult the dentist as soon as one notice cavities in their mouth. This is why it is important that one should visit the Manhattan Beach dentist regularly in order to stop dental cavities. Make sure to find a good dentist in the city.