Permanently damaged areas in teeth that develop into tiny holes.
There may be no symptoms. Untreated cavities can cause toothache, infection and tooth loss.
Causes include bacteria, snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and poor teeth cleaning.
Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one's mouth clean and free of disease and other problems by regular brushing of the teeth and cleaning between the teeth. It is important that oral hygiene be carried out on a regular basis to enable prevention of dental disease and bad breath.
Here are some general oral hygiene instructions to keep your smile healthy:
1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
2. Floss once daily.
3. Brush your tongue.
4. Use an antibacterial mouthwash every day.
5. Visit your dentist regularly.
6. Avoid smoking and other tobacco products.
Fluoride prevents tooth decay by making the enamel more resistant to the action of acids. Fluoride helps to accelerate the buildup of healthy minerals in the enamel, further slowing the occurrence of decay. Studies even show that in some cases, fluoride can stop already started teeth decay.
Very common. More than 10 million cases per year in India. Treatable by a medical or dental professional. Requires a medical diagnosis like X-rays, Heat and Cold tests. Lab tests or imaging often required like dental CBCT Scans.
Caries can appear in three forms called occlusal, interproximal caries, and smooth surface caries.
1. Occlusal caries form on the area on top of the tooth and are easy to spot.
2. Interproximal caries develop in between teeth and may be unnoticed in the initial stages.
3. Smooth surface caries may develop on any smooth surface on the tooth which is facing the lips or tongue.
1. Initial caries, caries in the spot stage or, as it is also called “white caries”. At this stage, a matte light spot is formed on the enamel surface at the place of enamel demineralization.
2. Superficial caries.
3. Medium caries.
4. Deep caries.
Sugary food and drinks are one of the main causes of tooth decay. Watch out for:
- Sugar in food and drinks.
- Cakes and biscuits.
- Sweets and chocolate.
- Flavoured milks and yoghurts.
- Sugary breakfast cereals and cereal bars.
- Jams.
- Fruit canned in syrup.
- Sauces and syrups, such as some pasta sauces, marinades, and ketchup.
The only difference between the two terms is that dental caries is the dental (or medical) term used to describe the very same process. Sometimes it is also referred to as tooth caries or tooth cavities.
Yes, if it is caught early. Tooth decay is only reversible in the beginning stages when it has only affected the enamel or the hard outer protective coating of the tooth.
On the other hand, once tooth decay has progressed through the enamel into the softer, inner part of the tooth like dentin or dental pulp, it is irreversible. Treatments include fluoride, fillings, and crowns. Severe cases may need a root canal or removal.