Hammaspeikko

Hammaspeikko is a Finnish term that translates to "tooth troll" in English. It is often used to describe dental caries or tooth decay, a common oral health problem that affects many people worldwide.

Overview

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavities, is a breakdown of teeth due to acids made by bacteria. The cavities may be a number of different colors from yellow to black. Symptoms may include pain and difficulty with eating.

Causes

The primary cause of dental caries is the bacteria Streptococcus mutans that lives in the mouth and feeds on dietary sugars. Consumption of foodstuffs that contain sugars and starches (such as milk, pop, raisins, cakes, or candy) results in production of acids within the mouth, which then leads to demineralization of the tooth surface, and eventually causes tooth decay.

Prevention

Prevention of dental caries includes regular cleaning of the teeth, a diet low in sugar, and small amounts of fluoride. Brushing the teeth twice per day and flossing between the teeth once per day is recommended. A dental hygienist can remove plaque and tartar that brushing at home does not remove.

Treatment

Treatment involves removal of the decayed portion of the tooth and replacing it with a filling. Fillings are made of various materials such as amalgam or composite resin. If the decay has reached the nerve, a root canal may be necessary.

See Also

• Oral hygiene
• Dental plaque
• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis