Cervical caries - Causes and treatment

Cervical caries occurs in the area of ​​contact between the tooth and gums. Its main danger lies in the fact that the first stages of the disease are practically asymptomatic.

A person notices tooth decay only when the first severe pain occurs. The thickness of the dentin near the root is much less than in other areas, therefore, caries has a quick and harmful effect on the tooth as a whole.

All dental canals are affected, in the absence of modern and professional treatment, the tooth has to be removed.

Wedge-shaped defect

Do not confuse the cervical caries and the wedge-shaped defect of the tooth, these are completely different problems.

The first and main difference is that the wedge-shaped defect develops slowly, the enamel does not change its color, the surface remains dense, the depression looks like a wedge. Caries develops very quickly, the surface is uneven, friable, the enamel gradually darkens.

To determine the disease at the initial stage you can do it yourself, for this you need to slightly dry the surface of the teeth and carefully inspect them. If there are white small spots on the surface, this is an excuse to worry and go to the doctor.

Dental diagnosis of cervical caries consists of a visual examination and the use of special dyes.

With a colored solution, the patient rinses the mouth and the affected areas of the tooth are painted in a certain color, because the surface is porous. The paint comes off the teeth within a few hours.

Causes of caries of the tooth neck

The enamel in this zone is thin, it is very difficult to get to it with an ordinary toothbrush. To prevent caries it is necessary to undergo professional periodic cleaning of teeth in the clinic.

Symptoms and stages of the development of the disease

In the photo the initial stage of the radical caries

Symptoms of the disease depend on the stage of development:

1. The onset of the disease is characterized by a slight change in the color of the enamel, it becomes more porous.
2. The middle stage of is characterized by the appearance of painful sensations when consuming hot or cold food.
3. On the of the last stage of the , the tooth is destroyed, the patient feels a constant severe pain. The final stage - the formation of a hole that causes constant discomfort and pain, the process can go to the roots with the development of caries of the root of the tooth. During this period, it is almost impossible to save the tooth and that is why it is important to immediately consult a doctor at the first signs of the disease.

Gingivitis in the background of deep cervical caries

The last stage of such caries can be accompanied by the following complications:

• pulpitis;
• periodontitis;
• gingivitis.

If nothing is done, there is a risk of developing an abscess or phlegmon.

This condition is life-threatening, urgent hospitalization and treatment is needed.

How to treat the disease?

The sooner you go to the doctor, the easier it will be to treat and there will be more chance of keeping the tooth. Treatment is appointed based on the stage of the disease.

Fluorination of enamel

Very good, if the cervical caries is detected at an early stage. In this case, the procedure of remineralization of enamel is necessary. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the root zone of the tooth is hypersensitive, so it is absolutely necessary to use painkillers.

Treatment requires accuracy and professionalism, so contact only a certified clinic, whose doctors have recommendations and work experience.

If tooth decay is started and the destruction of enamel has already begun, the doctor first cleans teeth from plaque and stone. After all the tooth decayed tooth tissues are removed and the filling is performed.

The more caries are started, the harder it is to treat. At the last stages of the disease, complicated methods of treatment and expensive medicines are used, so it is important not to postpone treatment.

Remember that even after properly performed treatment, there is a risk of developing secondary caries. Follow the recommendations of the doctor and carefully monitor the oral hygiene, in particular, beyond this zone.

What can I do by myself?

With the advanced stage of the disease, no folk remedies will help. You will only lose precious time for treatment. But if the disease is in the initial stage and you do not have the opportunity to visit the dentist, then you can use some of the tools available.

At the initial stage, you can use special gels and fluorine-containing toothpastes. They help to strengthen and restore the enamel. At the first opportunity, you still need to visit a doctor.

You can take advantage of such well-known folk remedies:

1. Camphor .Moisten with a cotton swab solution and wipe the affected area. You can treat this composition and the gum;
2. Tincture of the aura .It is prepared as follows: half a glass of ground plant roots are infused with vodka( 0.5 liters) for at least a week. The obtained composition is rinsed with the oral cavity twice a day. Propolis can be added to the tincture, this will only enhance the effectiveness of the product;
3. Onion .To be more precise, onion husks. The infusion is easy to prepare. Half a liter of hot water is taken three tablespoons of onion husk. The resulting mixture must be brought to a boil and allowed to stand. The resulting tincture rinse your mouth at least twice a day.

Preventative measures

Caries prevention is very simple:

• thorough hygiene of the oral mucosa;
• compliance with all recommendations and advice from the dentist;
• is periodically recommended to use not only toothpastes, but also powders;
• for more thorough cleaning of teeth use dental floss;
• visit the doctor several times a year to remove plaque and tartar;
• on the recommendation of a specialist, use gels and ointments, rinse your mouth with broths and infusions of herbs;
• eat foods high in calcium, do not forget about fruits and vegetables;
• if possible, give up smoking, alcohol and coffee;
• avoid snacks or every time after eating rinse your teeth with a rinse aid;
• remember, chewing gums will not help you get rid of caries and do not prevent its development, do not get too involved in them;
• do not open bottles with teeth, do not gnaw nuts and solid objects.

Especially such preventive measures are relevant to people whose age exceeds thirty years. If the doctor recommends a remineralization procedure, you should not abandon it. Also the doctor can advise to spend on drink a course of preparations of calcium.