Dental caries is often referred to as tooth decay or a hole in the tooth. It is one of the most common and widespread oral diseases that can be prevented. According to the World Health Organisation, about 2 billion people worldwide have dental decay in their permanent teeth whereas 520 million children are suffering from cavities in their milk teeth. This blog will explain everything you need to know about dental caries.
What is dental caries?
Dental caries is a progressive, irreversible, microbial disease that causes the breakdown of the layers of the teeth resulting in the formation of a cavity.
How is a dental cavity formed?
The decay-causing bacteria in our mouth digest the sugar present in the leftover food particles and release acid as a waste product. This acid softens the outermost layer of the teeth called the enamel and, in due course of time, breaks it down to form tiny holes. When enamel, which is the strongest layer of our teeth, is worn down, the acid gets easy access to the tooth layers lying underneath. That is how an extremely tiny hole turns out to become a visible cavity.
How will I know that my teeth have caries?
To know if you have dental caries, here are a few signs and symptoms that you should be looking out for-
- Blackish spots on your teeth
- Sensitivity while having hot or cold foods
- Toothache
- Bad breath or bad taste
- Swelling in the gums around a tooth
How can caries be prevented?
The best way of preventing dental caries is by the maintenance of good oral hygiene.
Follow these simple measures to prevent dental caries:
- Brush your teeth – Brush your teeth twice daily using a fluoridated toothpaste. Remember, if you go off to bed without brushing, your teeth are at risk of acid attack from the decay-causing bacteria.
- Never forget to floss- Floss at least once a day. You may find flossing difficult and tedious in the beginning due to the technicality involved. You will surely get accustomed to flossing quickly.
- Limit the intake of sugary and sticky foods- Bacteria love to feast on the particles of sugary foods and beverages. Sticky foods like candies are tough to get dislodged from the tooth surface. Hence, cutting down on both sticky and starchy foods can reduce the risk of dental caries considerably.
- Professional dental cleaning- Hard deposits on teeth, called tartar, cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. You need professional dental cleaning, through which all the soft debris and the hard deposits can be removed and your teeth can stay clean.
- Routine dental checkups- Visit your dentist at least once in 6 months. Your dentist will thoroughly check your teeth to find out if there are any new spots of dental decay and treat them accordingly.
The Bottom Line
Dental caries or tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems that affects individuals of every age and gender. It can be prevented with proper oral care. Routine oral hygiene measures like brushing and flossing of teeth can come a long way in keeping your teeth decay-free.