Difference between revisions of "Dental Caries"

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==Typical Signalment==
+
{{OpenPagesTop}}
 +
== Introduction ==
 +
[[File:Dental Caries.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Dental caries]]
 +
Caries = tooth decay.
  
*Dental caries can occur in any breed or size of dog.
+
Dental caries is a plaque-induced demineralization of the teeth caused by the action of cariogenic bacteria on fermentable carbohydrates. The acid which is produced demineralizes the [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#Enamel|enamel]] and [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#Dentin|dentine]]. Bacteria is then able to invade the dentine and dentinal tubules, undermining the enamel and eventually causing the collapse of the enamel and cavitation of the tooth. The occlusal surfaces of the molar teeth are particularly prone to caries.
*Greater risk of the condition with salivary gland dysfunction or dehydration as well as with diets high in fermentable carbohyrates or simple sugars.
 
  
==Description==
+
Dental caries is a multi-factorial disease which requires all four of the following:
Dental caries is a plaque-induced demineralization of the teeth caused by the action of cariogenic bacteria on fermentable carbohydrates. The acid which is produced demineralizes the enamel and dentine. Bacteria is then able to invade the dentine and dentainal tubules, undermining the enamel and eventually causing the collapse of the enamel and cavitation of the tooth. The occlusal surfaces of the molar teeth are partiularly prone to caries.
 
  
Dental caries is a multi-factorial disease which requires all four of the following:
 
 
#Susceptible tooth surfaces
 
#Susceptible tooth surfaces
#A fermentable carbohydrate source
+
#Fermentable carbohydrate source
#Cariogenic bacteria (ie. [[:Category:Streptococcus species|''Streptococci'']] and ''Lactobacillus'')
+
#Cariogenic bacteria (ie. Streptococci and ''Lactobacillus'')
#Time
+
#Time
 +
 
 +
The occurence of dental caries is low in dogs when compared with humans. There are thought to be several reasons for this such as the fact there are fewer cariogenic bacteria in the normal oral flora and a higher salivary pH, acting to neutralize acid produced by the bacteria. Also, canine tooth surfaces are not prone to food impaction and their diets are normally low in fermentable carbohydrates. Dogs also have a lower frequency of food intake compared with humans.
 +
 
 +
==Aetiology==
 +
 
 +
Caries is an organic demineralization of tooth substance. It is caused initially by acidic metabolites produced during breakdown of simple sugars by specific bacteria (''Streptococcus mutans'' and ''S.sanguis''). Once the enamel has been eroded and the dentine is reached, the destructive process seems to be enhanced. Caries most frequently occurs in the pits and fissures of the molar teeth .
 +
 
 +
== Signalment ==
 +
Not uncommon in dogs and never really been diagnosed in cats.
 +
Dental caries can occur in any breed or size of dog. There is a greater risk of the condition with salivary gland dysfunction or dehydration as well as with diets high in fermentable carbohydrates or simple sugars.
 +
 
 +
== Clinical Signs ==
 +
 
 +
These may include dysphagia, reluctance to eat, tooth pain and thermal sensitivity, excessive salivation, bad breath and pain on mastication. There may also be weight loss and the dog may appear generally depressed and lethargic.
 +
 
 +
== Diagnosis==
 +
 
 +
Clinical signs and history will indicate an oral issue. A full physical examination should follow. If a full dental examination is required to examine the extent of the problem, this is usually done under anaesthesia.
 +
 
 +
Dental examination will show the tooth surface to have the presence of a 'white spot' (early lesions) or a brown/grey discolouration (advanced lesions) of the tooth surface. Severe lesions may present with a cavitation of the tooth surface. A sharp dental probe can be gently used to identify defects in the tooth surface. The probe will stick when removed from a carious lesion due to the softened dentine.
 +
 
 +
Radiographs of the tooth may show a radiolucency within the tooth or below the occlusal surface. The extent of lesions may be underestimated as a 40% loss of mineral content is required before a radiolucency is seen on a radiograph. In addition this means that advanced lesions are also more difficult to interpret.
  
The occurance of dental caries is low in dogs when compared with humans. Several reasons for this have been proposed:
+
== Treatment ==
*Few cariogenic bacteria in the normal oral flora
 
*High salivary pH, acting to neutralize acid produced by the bacteria
 
*Canine tooth surfaces are not prone to food impaction
 
*Diets are normally low in fermentable carbohydrates
 
*Lower frequency of food intake compared with humans
 
  
==Diagnosis==
+
Factors that have contributed to the formation of the caries should be assessed and addressed. These may include diet (reduce amount of fermentable carbohydrate), salivary gland dysfunction and the anatomical structure of the tooth such as deep pits and fissures on the tooth surface.
  
===Clinical Signs===
+
'''Non-cavitated white spot lesions''' may remineralise and require conservative treatment such as dietary advice and home dental care focusing on plaque control by methods such as brushing teeth or using dental chews. These dogs will also require regular check-ups and assessments.
*dysphagia
 
*reluctance to eat
 
*tooth pain and thermal sensitivity
 
*excessive salivation
 
*pain on mastication
 
*lethargy
 
*weight loss
 
  
===Dental Examination===
+
'''Cavitated lesions''' may require restorative treatment, which may involve removal of diseased enamel and dentine and the placement of restorative material such as composite resin or glass ionomer. Extraction may be required if there is extensive loss of the tooth structure.  
Examination of the tooth surface may reveal a 'white spot' (early lesions) or a brown/grey discolouration (advanced lesions) of the tooth surface. Severe lesions may present with a cavitation of the tooth surface.
 
A sharp dental probe can be gently used to identify defects in the tooth surface. The probe will stick when removed from a carious lesion due to the softened dentine.
 
===Diagnostic Imaging===
 
Radiographs of the tooth may show a radiolucency within the tooth or below the occlusal surface. The extent of lesions may be underestimated as a 40% loss of mineral content is required before a radiolucency is seen on a radiograph. In addition this means that advanced lesions are also more difficult to interpret.
 
  
==Treatment==
+
{{Learning
 +
|Vetstream = [https://www.vetstream.com/felis/Content/Technique/teq00473.asp Endodontics: basic]
 +
}}
  
Factors that have contributed to the formation of the caries should be assessed and addressed:
+
== References ==
*Diet (reduce amount of fermentable carbohydrate)
 
*Salivary gland (investigate the possibility of salivary gland dysfunction)
 
*Anatomical structure of the tooth (Deep pits and fissures on the tooth surface)
 
  
'''Non-cavitated white spot lesions''' may remineralise and require conservative treatment:
+
Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) '''Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary '''(2nd Edition) ''Elsevier Science''
*Dietary advice
 
*Home dental care focusing on plaque control
 
*Regular check-ups and assessments
 
  
'''Cavitated lesions''' may require restorative treatment:
+
Tutt, C., Deeprose, J. and Crossley, D. (2007) '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry (3rd Edition)''' ''BSAVA''  
*Removal of diseased enamel and dentine and the placement restorative material such as composite resin or glass ionomer.
 
*Extraction may be required if there is extensive loss of the tooth structure.
 
  
  
==References==
 
  
*Tutt, C., Deeprose, J. and Crossley, D. (2007) '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry (3rd Edition)''' ''BSAVA''
+
{{review}}
  
==From Pathology==
+
{{OpenPages}}
  
*Only really seen in primates, but may be seen in horse caused by bacterial decalcification of [[Enamel|enamel]].
+
[[Category:Teeth_-_Inflammatory_Pathology]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Dog]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Cat]] [[Category:LisaM reviewing]]
*Acid producing organisms enter dentine and underun enamel.
+
[[Category:Endodontic Conditions]]
*Infection may spread to [[Pulp - Anatomy & Physiology|pulp]] cavity.
 
[[Image:toothinfection.gif|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>Stages of tooth infection (Courtesy of Alun Williams (RVC))</center></small>]][[Category:Teeth - Inflammatory Pathology]]
 
[[Category:Oral Diseases - Dog]]
 
[[Category:To_Do_-_Clinical]]
 

Latest revision as of 20:01, 4 June 2016


Introduction

Dental caries

Caries = tooth decay.

Dental caries is a plaque-induced demineralization of the teeth caused by the action of cariogenic bacteria on fermentable carbohydrates. The acid which is produced demineralizes the enamel and dentine. Bacteria is then able to invade the dentine and dentinal tubules, undermining the enamel and eventually causing the collapse of the enamel and cavitation of the tooth. The occlusal surfaces of the molar teeth are particularly prone to caries.

Dental caries is a multi-factorial disease which requires all four of the following:

  1. Susceptible tooth surfaces
  2. Fermentable carbohydrate source
  3. Cariogenic bacteria (ie. Streptococci and Lactobacillus)
  4. Time

The occurence of dental caries is low in dogs when compared with humans. There are thought to be several reasons for this such as the fact there are fewer cariogenic bacteria in the normal oral flora and a higher salivary pH, acting to neutralize acid produced by the bacteria. Also, canine tooth surfaces are not prone to food impaction and their diets are normally low in fermentable carbohydrates. Dogs also have a lower frequency of food intake compared with humans.

Aetiology

Caries is an organic demineralization of tooth substance. It is caused initially by acidic metabolites produced during breakdown of simple sugars by specific bacteria (Streptococcus mutans and S.sanguis). Once the enamel has been eroded and the dentine is reached, the destructive process seems to be enhanced. Caries most frequently occurs in the pits and fissures of the molar teeth .

Signalment

Not uncommon in dogs and never really been diagnosed in cats. Dental caries can occur in any breed or size of dog. There is a greater risk of the condition with salivary gland dysfunction or dehydration as well as with diets high in fermentable carbohydrates or simple sugars.

Clinical Signs

These may include dysphagia, reluctance to eat, tooth pain and thermal sensitivity, excessive salivation, bad breath and pain on mastication. There may also be weight loss and the dog may appear generally depressed and lethargic.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs and history will indicate an oral issue. A full physical examination should follow. If a full dental examination is required to examine the extent of the problem, this is usually done under anaesthesia.

Dental examination will show the tooth surface to have the presence of a 'white spot' (early lesions) or a brown/grey discolouration (advanced lesions) of the tooth surface. Severe lesions may present with a cavitation of the tooth surface. A sharp dental probe can be gently used to identify defects in the tooth surface. The probe will stick when removed from a carious lesion due to the softened dentine.

Radiographs of the tooth may show a radiolucency within the tooth or below the occlusal surface. The extent of lesions may be underestimated as a 40% loss of mineral content is required before a radiolucency is seen on a radiograph. In addition this means that advanced lesions are also more difficult to interpret.

Treatment

Factors that have contributed to the formation of the caries should be assessed and addressed. These may include diet (reduce amount of fermentable carbohydrate), salivary gland dysfunction and the anatomical structure of the tooth such as deep pits and fissures on the tooth surface.

Non-cavitated white spot lesions may remineralise and require conservative treatment such as dietary advice and home dental care focusing on plaque control by methods such as brushing teeth or using dental chews. These dogs will also require regular check-ups and assessments.

Cavitated lesions may require restorative treatment, which may involve removal of diseased enamel and dentine and the placement of restorative material such as composite resin or glass ionomer. Extraction may be required if there is extensive loss of the tooth structure.


Dental Caries Learning Resources
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References

Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition) Elsevier Science

Tutt, C., Deeprose, J. and Crossley, D. (2007) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry (3rd Edition) BSAVA




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