One of the common forms of caries manifestation is superficial damage to tooth enamel, characterized by the formation of subtle roughness and small cavity areas. This stage of development, in accordance with the accepted classification, belongs to the second stage, being an intermediate link between the chalk spot that forms on the vestibular surface and its subsequent darkening. The absence of pronounced pain and discomfort, characteristic of superficial caries, makes it difficult to detect the pathology in a timely manner, as a result of which the disease, as a rule, moves into a more complex phase.
Features of superficial caries
Among the main distinctive features of superficial carious damage to teeth in children in comparison with other forms of pathologies, the following should be noted:
- only the enamel layer is affected by pathogenic formations. The dentin remains intact. With timely treatment, the risks of complications are minimal;
- the occurrence of an acute reaction to external stimuli, for example, sour and sweet foods, low and high temperatures;
- if superficial caries is diagnosed in children, treatment can be carried out without tissue preparation;
- Most often, the superficial form occurs in children aged 3-4 years and in adolescents.
Note! Initial caries and superficial caries are two completely different forms. The first appears as a small spot, the second occurs in the absence of treatment. It can be recognized by the presence of small-sized carious cavities.
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of superficial foci of caries are manifested by the following signs:
- visible defect. On the surface of the tooth there is a small cavity with uneven edges. The color of the formation is dark, the bottom is slightly rough;
- pain syndrome. When exposed to cold, hot, sweet and sour foods or drinks, sharp short-term pain occurs;
- hyperesthesia. When inhaling cold air, while brushing your teeth, increased sensitivity occurs.
These are the main symptoms and in each individual case they can manifest themselves differently.
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Factors influencing the development of superficial caries in children
The fundamental factors that result in superficial caries in children are:
- eating foods that contain large amounts of carbohydrates;
- non-compliance with hygiene rules: insufficient brushing of teeth, ignoring periodic rinsing with special means, etc.;
- drinking water with a deficiency of fluoride in its composition;
- deficiency of vitamins and mineral elements;
- severe systemic diseases;
- hormonal imbalance;
- ignoring professional hygiene, the need for which arises every 5-6 months.
Any of these factors or several at once are the primary causes of tooth enamel destruction.
Clinical researches
Asept products are clinically proven effective. For example, clinical studies have proven that regular use of professional toothpaste ASEPTA REMINERALIZATION improved the condition of the enamel by 64% and reduced tooth sensitivity by 66% after just 4 weeks. According to tests, using ASEPTA propolis gum gel for a week can reduce gum inflammation by 31%.
In addition, clinical studies have proven that regular use of preventive toothpaste ASEPTA ACTIVE for a month can reduce bleeding gums by 60%, improve the overall condition of the oral cavity by 44% and reduce inflammation by 33%.
Sources:
- Report on the determination/confirmation of the preventive properties of personal oral hygiene products “ASEPTA PLUS” Remineralization doctor-researcher A.A. Leontyev, head Department of Preventive Dentistry, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor S.B. Ulitovsky First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I.P. Pavlova, Department of Preventive Dentistry
- The effectiveness of the use of Asept “adhesive balm” and Asept “gel with propolis” in the treatment of chronic generalized periodontitis and gingivitis in the acute stage (Municipal Dental Clinic No. 4, Bryansk, Kaminskaya T. M. Head of the therapeutic department Kaminskaya Tatyana Mikhailovna MUZ City Dental Clinic No. 4, Bryansk
- Clinical and laboratory assessment of the influence of domestic therapeutic and prophylactic toothpaste based on plant extracts on the condition of the oral cavity in patients with simple marginal gingivitis. Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Elovikova T.M.1, Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor Ermishina E.Yu. 2, Doctor of Technical Sciences Associate Professor Belokonova N.A. 2 Department of Therapeutic Dentistry USMU1, Department of General Chemistry USMU2
Principles of treatment of superficial caries
When superficial caries is detected in children, treatment should be aimed not only at eliminating formations on the tooth enamel, but also at preventing the re-development of the pathology. To prevent complications, comprehensive and immediate therapy is necessary.
When talking about treatment, it should be understood that it is just beginning in the dentist’s office, and it will also need to be continued at home using special means and traditional medicine recipes.
Features of treatment in the pediatric dentist's office
If baby teeth are damaged by caries, then it is quite possible to treat them conservatively without the use of drills, which almost every child is afraid of. Modern dentistry offers more gentle and comfortable methods:
- Children under 3 years of age undergo silvering or deep fluoridation of their teeth. If the enamel has already been damaged by caries, it is cleaned of plaque and treated with a laser. If necessary, cracks in the chewing and frontal teeth are sealed;
- at the age of 3 to 5 years, ozone therapy can be performed to eliminate the first stage of superficial caries, and in case of major complications, treatment is carried out using the method of depophoresis. Its essence lies in the introduction directly into the root canals of a special composition with calcium and copper;
- Children from 5 to 9 years old undergo filling. Glass ionopolymers or colored compomers are used for fillings;
- Children aged 9 to 12 years already have molars and adult technologies can be used to treat them with minimal trauma. But in most cases, therapy of chewing teeth is carried out by sealing fissures.
When superficial caries in children requires complex dental procedures, local anesthesia is mandatory before such procedures are performed. If removal is necessary, such an intervention can be performed under intravenous anesthesia.
Treatment at home
Along with professional treatment of caries by a pediatric dentist, proper oral care at home will also be required to obtain an effective result. For this purpose, special rinsing compositions and toothpastes with anti-caries effects are used.
For children under 4 years of age, dental and oral care products should not contain fluoride. The therapeutic effect is provided by antibacterial active components and calcium ions.
Children over 4 years old are allowed hygiene products containing fluoride, only the concentration of the element must be minimal.
LACALUT kids, PresiDENT Baby, SILPA Putzi, Splat junior are considered good toothpastes for children. You need to brush your teeth with them twice every day. Among the rinses, Drakosha for children, Active Kids, and LACALUT Teens have proven themselves well. When treating caries with such solutions, it is necessary to rinse your mouth after every meal and always before going to bed.
In addition to professional medications, you can also use remedies prepared according to alternative medicine recipes:
- An infusion of chamomile is perfect as a rinse. To do this, pour a glass of boiling water into 1 tbsp. l. dried flowers, leave and cool to room temperature;
- a weakly concentrated solution of sea salt has a positive effect on the condition of teeth. Dissolve 0.5 teaspoons of salt in a glass of water and use for rinsing.
Important! Rinse aids can only be used after the child reaches 1.5-2 years of age, when he can already rinse and spit out liquid on his own, rather than swallow it.
Diagnostic methods
Clinical diagnosis, carried out as part of an examination of the oral cavity, involves the use of various techniques to determine the degree of development of pathology. Over time, superficial caries can develop into a more severe form that affects dentin and the pulp chamber, so it is important to promptly select the optimal treatment method.
Current examination methods used in clinics include:
- Visual inspection and percussion - assessment of the condition of the dentition by tapping the elements, allowing to identify the patient’s reaction;
- Probing is a technique that allows you to determine the presence of superficial caries by detecting a rough texture on the surface of the enamel;
- Staining – the use of special dyes that form markers in affected areas characterized by insufficient mineralization;
- Antiseptic drying - applying a special composition to the dentition, which, under the influence of a directed light flux, indicates defective areas;
- Differential diagnosis is a procedure that involves comparing the basic symptoms observed in the patient.
The final cost of dental services consists of many factors - as a rule, the price for caries treatment in St. Petersburg clinics is agreed upon based on the results of a preliminary diagnosis, which determines the structure of the treatment plan.
Possible complications
Some parents are in no hurry to visit a pediatric dentist because they consider it useless to treat baby teeth. This approach is explained by the fact that permanent ones will grow instead of them anyway.
Although the carious process itself does not transfer from baby teeth to permanent ones, untreated caries lesions have a detrimental effect on the condition of the latter. If you ignore superficial caries in children , complications may very soon manifest themselves:
- caries progresses rapidly in the absence of adequate therapy. This leads to the development of periodontitis and damage to the molar tooth germ. The inflammatory process significantly slows down the eruption of permanent teeth and complicates their growth;
- premature loss of baby teeth leads to the formation of malocclusion and disrupts the structure of the maxillofacial system;
- If at least one tooth is missing in the dentition, this complicates the process of chewing food. As a result, problems arise with the functioning of the digestive system.
Remember! Even the smallest stain can lead to complete tooth decay. There is no need to risk your child's health. It is much easier to visit the dentist and, if necessary, treat caries.
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Expert of the article you are reading: Lapshina Maria Aleksandrovna Dentist, pediatrician
21 years
Clinical experience
Krasnogorsk
Moscow region, Krasnogorsk, Podmoskovny Boulevard, 5
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