Smooth surface caries occurs where there is no pit, groove, or other fault on a tooth. It occurs in areas where bacterial plaque collects, such as between teeth, along the gumline, and in difficult-to-clean areas.
What causes smooth surface cavities?
Poor oral hygiene is responsible for tooth decay, including smooth surface cavities. To avoid dental decay, you are advised to brush your teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. You should also visit your dentist every six months or as often as they recommend.
Which smooth surfaces are most at risk for dental caries?
Individual tooth surfaces have vastly different susceptibilities to caries, with the pit and fissure (occlusal) surfaces the most susceptible, and the smooth (labial and lingual) surfaces the least susceptible. The most frequent sites of attack are the occlusal surfaces of the first and second permanent molars.
How are smooth surface cavities treated?
Since they are slow-growing, smooth-surface cavities are more easily treatable. Many times, they will resolve with the help of fluoride treatments, such as gels, toothpaste, varnish or fluoride-enriched water. It generally takes a lot of time for a cavity to make its way through smooth-surface enamel.
What are the types of dental caries?
There are 2 types of caries, depending on the course of the process: acute; chronic.
What causes dental caries?
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.
Do smooth surface cavities hurt?
By contrast, smooth surface cavities appear on the sides of the teeth and possibly look like a particle stuck between the teeth upon closer examination. They can also cause pain or difficulties while biting or trying to floss.
Why dentin in pit and fissure caries is easily affected than smooth surface caries?
Dentin and cementum are more susceptible to caries than enamel because they have lower mineral content. Thus, when root surfaces of teeth are exposed from gingival recession or periodontal disease, caries can develop more readily.
