White Filling (bonding)
White fillings or dental bondings are made of composite materials; they are used to fill in decay, chips, or small cracks in teeth. The composite material comes in many shades and can be matched to your natural tooth color.
Amalgam Filling (silver)
Amalgam fillings are silver in color, this material is an alloy which is a mixture of metals (silver, tin, copper, and mercury) to make a paste which hardens into a solid. These fillings are long lasting and have been used for over 150 years. The FDA does consider amalgam fillings safe. Some individuals may have allergies to the metals in this material.
- Known to inhibit future decay because of the antimicrobial properties of silver, copper, tin, and mercury.
What causes cavities?
Specific bacteria cause cavities which are aerobic.
The plaque biofilm is formed on the tooth surface which has a protective protein-sugar layer. Within the biofilm, bacteria are able to stick together and thrive underneath in their environment, causing demineralization and eventually cavities. Within the biofilm, the bacterial community is able to share and exchange their DNA with each other.
The plaque biofilm is formed on the tooth surface which has a protective protein-sugar layer. Within the biofilm, bacteria are able to stick together and thrive underneath in their environment, causing demineralization and eventually cavities. Within the biofilm, the bacterial community is able to share and exchange their DNA with each other.
How the cavity is formed
Underneath the plaque, the bacteria produce acids as a by-product of their metabolism. The acids produced break down tooth structures, this is also known as demineralized.
- Metabolism is defined as the sum of all of the chemical reactions in a body, which breaks down larger molecules into smaller ones and releases energy, and which builds up large chemicals and requires energy. (2014) DAT prep by Kaplan Review Notes. New York, NY: Kaplan Publishing.
- For bacteria, their main energy source is sugar.
- Demineralized is defined as the loss of bodily minerals (such as calcium salts) especially in disease; the process of removing mineral matter or salts.
How to Prevent Cavities
- You can remineralize your teeth by using fluoride.
- Plaque needs to be removed daily to prevent it from forming cavities, tooth brushing is a physical way you can remove dental plaque. Some kinds of toothpaste have abrasive ingredients in them which helps with the plaque and stain removal, but the most effective tool is your toothbrush.
- Since your toothbrush does not reach between your teeth, it is important to use floss, this allows you to clean between your gums and tooth structures.
- Getting the cavity removed (bacterial colony) and having a filling placed will help prevent the bacteria from spreading from one tooth to a neighboring tooth.
- Have sealants placed, this is a protective coating that will protect the tooth surfaces from the acid of bacteria.
“Are patients doing enough to combat plaque biofilm?.” RDH Magazine, March 2019, Page 12. (2014) DAT prep by Kaplan Review Notes. New York, NY: Kaplan Publishing.
For further reading see the source below from the American Dental Association (ADA)
Tackling Tooth Decay
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