Dental CARIES

Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay or cavities, are areas of damage to the hard surface of your teeth caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel. This happens when acids produced by bacteria in your mouth interact with sugars and carbohydrates from food, leading to the demineralization of the tooth structure.

How Dental Caries Develop:

1. Plaque Formation: When you eat or drink, especially foods high in sugars or starches, plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) forms on your teeth. If you don’t remove the plaque through brushing and flossing, the bacteria feed on the sugars and produce acids.

2. Enamel Demineralization: Over time, these acids break down the minerals in the tooth enamel, which is the hard, protective outer layer of the tooth.

3. Formation of Cavities: As the enamel is weakened and damaged, small holes (cavities) start to form. If left untreated, the damage can spread deeper into the tooth, affecting the inner layers, including the dentin and pulp, leading to more severe decay and potential tooth loss.

Why Dental Caries Need to Be Repaired:

1. Prevent Further Damage: If cavities are not repaired, the decay will continue to spread and worsen. As it progresses, it can damage the deeper structures of the tooth, including the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) and the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth). This can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

2. Avoid Tooth Sensitivity and Pain: Early-stage caries might not cause any pain, but as the decay reaches deeper layers, it can lead to tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. Eventually, untreated caries can cause intense tooth pain and discomfort, especially if the pulp becomes infected.

3. Prevent Infection: If cavities reach the pulp, bacteria can enter the tooth, leading to an infection. This can cause abscesses (pus-filled infections) in the gums or jawbone. An untreated infection could spread, leading to serious health complications, including the potential loss of the tooth.

4. Protect Your Overall Health: Untreated dental caries can lead to more serious conditions, such as gum disease or systemic infections. Good oral health is linked to overall health, and untreated dental decay can affect other parts of your body, including the heart and respiratory system.

5. Maintain Tooth Functionality: Cavities can affect your ability to chew properly, which can lead to discomfort or difficulty eating. Repairing caries restores the tooth’s function, allowing you to chew more effectively and preventing strain on other teeth.

6. Preserve Aesthetics and Smile: Large, untreated cavities can lead to unsightly discoloration and may affect the appearance of your smile. Filling or repairing cavities helps preserve the natural look of your teeth.