Teeth are essentially indestructible under the correct conditions. However, in the living person, teeth are continuously being assaulted by microbial challenges. Dental caries ranks as one of the most universal burdens of man, but are not life- threatening. Dental caries is widespread in London. Advances in preventive procedures to deal with this disease have significantly reduced the overall caries rate. In London, being poor is a risk factor for increased tooth decay. More than one-third of poor 2 - 9 year old children have untreated decayed primary teeth, and this number varies with age and race/ethnicity.

Dental caries is a multi-factorial disease requiring a susceptible host (a tooth), cariogenic microorganisms, and a suitable substrate (e.g., sugar) interacting for a sufficient length of time. Streptococcus mutans (Sm) is the primary etiologic agent of this disease. Sm is transmissible, and a positive relationship exists between the number of Sm and dental caries. Dental decay did not become an important health problem until sucrose (sugar) became a major component of the human diet. However, good oral hygiene can reduce the chance of caries by reducing the number of cariogenic bacteria and removing the substrate, sugar. Sm is the primary etiological agent of dental caries in man and other animals. Under normal circumstances of health, Sm procduces bacterial acids that cause a continuous minute demineralization of the hard tooth surfaces. In addition, the consumption of acidic foods and drinks, and even toothbrush abrasion can cause enamel demineralization53, 54. If this demineralization is limited, the body’s own remineralization capability is able to restore the tooth’s lost minerals by using minerals available in saliva12.
Dental decay (caries) is the result of irreversible solubilization (demineralization) of tooth mineral by acid, predominantly lactic acid, formed by plaque bacteria that adhere to teeth surfaces, after the consumption of foods that contain fermentable carbohydrates (sugar). Frequent sucrose ingestion increases the lengths of time that sucrose is available for fermentation and acid formation by plaque. Thus, eating frequency, the amount of sugar retained in the mouth (particularly on tooth surfaces), and the length of time that sugar is retained in critical areas, are more important than the total amount of sugars consumed12.
The chemical conversion of sugar into simpler substances causes a quick decrease in pH (5.0 or <) at the plaque-enamel junction. Frequently consuming sugar or sugar-based foods causes Sm to flourish and become the principal bacterial organism in plaque. A drop of pH to this level puts undue pressure on the buffers in the saliva and lactic acid (the end-product of Sm metabolism) spreads into the outer layer of the tooth (i.e., enamel) causing it to begin breaking down, and to discharge calcium and phosphate ions at areas below the top surface enamel. This low (acid) pH is derived from acid-producing bacterial organisms, and favors demineralization over a period of time, resulting in a cavity. The tooth enamel (which is made up predominantly of hydroxyapatite) is permanently dissolved from these acids, particularly lactic acid. These bacteria begin to adhere more strongly to the tooth surface and form bacterial colonies or communities called “plaque”. Sm and other bacteria, such as lactobacilli, store sugars and continue to secrete acid long after the food has been swallowed. Dental plaque will continue to build up on the tooth surface, unless it is adequately removed. These processes result in dental decay.

When you have dental pain, visit your dentist in London, as it may not be as bad as you think! Dental pain can occur as a result of disease or injury to the dental pulp or the adjacent structure (periodontium). Early on, disease(s) of the pulp, known as reversible pulpitis, have warning signs such as a transient sharp pain brought about by exposure to cold or sweet. Periodontal pain is usually associated with an acute periodontal abscess, which can also result in serious problems. Dental pain is generally acute in nature, and prompt and effective treatment by tooth restoration, root-canal therapy, extraction, or periodontal curettage will result in the resolution of pain.
Clinically, a dental caries lesion (a cavity) occurs when a hole appears outer surface of the tooth. However, when this is observed, dental caries has proceeded to the late stage. A clinically noticeable white lesion may precede the carious lesion. However, these white spots may not proceed to dental decay. Interproximal (between) tooth surfaces may only be visible with the use of a dental X-ray (radiograph), and the decay can go unnoticed in these areas until it is too late in the caries process.
Diagnostic tests for dental caries are non-invasive. This is due to the fact that the teeth are exposed to the environment and can be visualized by looking into oral cavity (mouth). During a clinical examination, the dentist will use a dental explorer to help diagnose dental caries. When the explorer is placed into a cavity it will usually stick into the decayed area. Dental radiographs (X-rays) are used to help the dental professional diagnose caries that cannot be viewed directly or detected by the explorer. Conventional dental therapy is based on response to symptoms.