By Tony Langalanga

DENTAL plaque can occur to anyone but is most prevalent in children aged 5 to 17 years. Dr. Odong Patrick, the district health officer in Amuru, says tooth decay results from the accumulation of a sticky film called dental plaque.

“The plaque is made up of bacteria, acid, food particles and saliva. A tooth decays when the enamel is destroyed. The plaque causes holes known as cavities,” he adds.

Odong says when a person eats foods that have a lot of sugar or carbohydrates, dental plaque builds up on the teeth and begins to erode them gradually.

How do teeth decay?
The occurrence of tooth decay also depends on the structure, position and the shape of the tooth.

Odong says milk teeth are more prone to decay. He says there are also hereditary conditions associated with tooth decay in some families.

“It could start slowly from the crown of the tooth to the bottom. It extends to the inner core of the pulp, an area well supplied with nerves and blood vessels.”

Other causes of decay
Traumatic injuries can also damage teeth. This results into cracked teeth, leading to loss of the affected ones.

Grinding in some people can always lead to loss of the tooth surface.

Symptoms of tooth decay
Pain when eating sweet foods or when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold substances.

When the cavity is not detected by dentists during a dental examination, it progresses and one feels pain. This is usually the first symptom of tooth decay.

“Dentists always diagnose tooth decay through visual inspection and probing the teeth with a special instrument that indicates potential signs of damage. Where cavities are hidden, an X-Ray is necessary to confirm the diagnosis,” Odong says.

Dr. Tony Ocaya, the president of Gulu Rotary Club, says in 2008, he invited the American Rotary Health Workers’ team from the US to treat patients with dental problems in Gulu.

Dr. Robert Herold, a private dental practitioner in New Hampshire, led the team which treated about 236 patients.

Jenny Nutting, a dental hygienist, who accompanied Herold said in America, fluoride is mixed with drinking water to harden the teeth.

Treatment of tooth decay
This depends on the nature and extent of damage.

In most cases, dentists treat cavities by using a dental drill to remove the decayed materials before filling the remaining space with dental amalgam or composite resin.

A serious damage may require an artificial crown or root canal.

How to prevent decay
By reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. This can be done by:

Brushing twice a day and preferably after every meal.

Visiting a dentist regularly.

Avoiding sugary, starchy foods and beverages, such as soda.

Fluoridation and dental sealants can also help prevent decay.