Dental Caries

Overview

Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, is the breakdown of teeth caused by bacterial activity. Common cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans metabolize sugars to produce acids that erode the teeth. Caries appears in colors ranging from yellow to black, with symptoms including pain and difficulty eating, and complications include inflammation of the tissue around the tooth, tooth loss, and abscess formation.

Symptoms

• Toothache
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Cavities
• Food impaction
• Discoloration of tooth surface

Treatment

Treatment mainly involves removing decayed tissue and restoring with fillings; deep caries involving the pulp require root canal treatment, and daily oral hygiene and regular checkups are essential.

Dietary advice

Reduce high-sugar and sticky sweets, rinse the mouth after meals, and eat plenty of calcium-rich foods.