1. Define the disease condition.

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is defined as an erosive

process that occurs due to the action of bacteria on fermentable carbohydrates in
the mouth which produces acids that dissolve tooth enamel.

2. Identify the causative agent.

The principal causative agents are a group of streptococcal species

collectively referred to as the mutans streptococci of which Streptococcus
mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the most important agents of human
caries.

3. Signs and symptoms.

Early tooth decay may not have any symptoms. As it gets larger, it may
cause the following signs and symptoms:
 Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any
apparent cause
 Tooth sensitivity
 Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or
cold
 Visible holes or pits in teeth
 Brown, black, or white staining on any surface of a tooth
 Pain when biting down
4. Medical and Nursing management.
Medical Management:
 Fluoride Treatments – Fluoride treatments help restore the
tooth enamel and reverse cavity in its early stages. Fluoride
treatment may be liquid, foam, or varnish that is brushed
onto the teeth or placed on a small tray to fit over the teeth.
 Fillings – Main management option when tooth decay has
progressed beyond the earliest stage. Fillings are made of
various materials such as tooth-colored composite resins,
 porcelain or dental amalgam which is a combination of
several materials.
 Crowns – Crowns are custom fitted covering that replaces
the tooth’s entire natural crown used for extensive decay or
weakened teeth. The decayed area is drilled away to ensure
a good fit.
 Root Canals – Root canals are recommended fir decay that
has reached the inner material of the tooth. It is a treatment
to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead
of removing it wherein the diseased tooth pulp is removed
and replaced with filling.
 Tooth Extractions – It is done when the affected tooth has
become severely decayed and cannot be restored.

Nursing Management

 Educate client on importance of proper oral hygiene and

provide mouth care routine.
 Encourage to avoid high-sugar foods, alcohol, and tobacco
products, including smokeless tobacco
 Educate patient about the importance of maintaining healthy
diet despite dentition problems.
 Educate the patient regarding the importance of dental
checkups and follow-ups.