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dental caries		Localized destruction of the tooth surface initiated by decalcification of the enamel followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures and leading to cavity formation. If left unchecked, the cavity may penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp. The three most prominent theories used to explain the etiology of the disease are that acids produced by bacteria lead to decalcification; that micro-organisms destroy the enamel protein; or that keratolytic micro-organisms produce chelates that lead to decalcification. [ Articles | Books | Images | Discussion groups ]
Additional comments : (Dental Decay) Healthy Habits to Help Prevent Cavities See your dentist regularly. How often will depend on your particular needs. Your dentist can advise you. Brush your teeth regularly to reduce plaque buildup. Brushing should last for about 2 to 3 minutes each time to make sure you're reaching all teeth surfaces. The American Dental Association recommends switching to a new brush every three to four months. Use a fluoride - containing toothpaste. Three kinds of fluoride ingredients are allowed, based on their effectiveness and safety, according to FDA's final monograph on over-the-counter anticaries drug products, which took effect in spring 1997. They are sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, and stannous fluoride. Toothpaste manufacturers sometimes combine fluoride with other ingredients that are said to reduce plaque and gingivitis. Although FDA has approved one such product, Colgate's Total toothpaste, for helping to prevent cavities, plaque and gingivitis, FDA has not determined the effectiveness of many of the antiplaque and antigingivitis ingredients. Also, consumers should be wary of claims that a dental product can do more than simply reduce tooth decay because, based on current scientific knowledge, this is the only cavity-fighting labeling claim FDA allows. Floss daily. Like toothbrushes, any kind will do, as long as you use it daily. Flossing helps reduce plaque buildup in areas the toothbrush can't get to. Eat a variety of foods, but eat fewer foods containing sugars and starches between meals, according to the federal government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The guidelines say that the more often you eat foods with sugars and starches and the longer these foods stay in your mouth before you brush your teeth, the greater the risk for tooth decay. Consider sugarless candy and gums made with certain sugar alcohols because they may not promote tooth decay. FDA allows these kinds of foods to carry a health claim to this effect, if the foods meet certain criteria. Noncariogenic Carbohydrate Sweeteners: Xylitol, Sorbitol, Mannitol, Maltitol, Isomalt, Lactitol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysates, Hydrogenated Glucose Syrups, Erythritol, and D-tagatose) Source : Food and Drug Administration

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