An in vitro study of root caries of front teeth .

Address for correspondence:\ud Dr. E. Boteva;\ud Department of Conservative Dentistry;\ud Faculty of Dental Medicine;\ud Medical University – Sofia;\ud 1 G. Sofi iski str.;\ud 1000 Sofi a, Bulgaria;\ud e-mail: e_boteva@abv.bgRoot carieses can occur on root surfaces exposed to bacteria. They\ud are typically diagnosed in patients with periodontal diseases and gingival recessions.\ud Frequencies are higher among elderly patients, although root caries can appear in\ud middle-aged and in young patients. The аim of the present study was to investigate\ud the frequency of root caries of front teeth with sound crowns and high resistance,\ud which has overcome the demineralization and the caries and were extracted due\ud to periodontal reasons. All teeth n = 123 were sound and matured, from the same\ud geographical region and dental practice area. After cleaning and draying, they were\ud observed under magnifi cation x5. The incisors and premolars were separated in six\ud groups. Root caries was observed under magnifi cation x5, diagnosed with probe and\ud registered by two examiners. The data was registered according to the criteria: Margins\ud (2/3-1/2) in dentine and cementum and origin of the lesion on root surface. The\ud size of the lesions observed varied from minimum 1 mm² to massive tissue losses\ud on two to three surfaces of the root surface. The general frequency of root caries\ud was 25%, which was symptomatic for all groups of teeth with generalized elderly and\ud pathological periodontal changes. Early prevention of root caries is essential. Dietary\ud restriction of erosive beverages and sticky sweeteners is an essential part of the\ud general treatment and preventive plan. The usual mouthrinsis, electric toothbrushes,\ud vitamin C, intradental brushes included in standard periodontal treatment must be\ud carefully revised in relation to patients DMFT