Dental Caries

What is Dental Caries?

The word “CARIES” is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘ROT’ or ‘DECAY’. Dental caries, also known as dental decay or a cavity is defined as an infectious microbiological disease of the hard structure of the tooth that results in localized demineralization of the inorganic portion and destruction of the organic structures of the tooth. 

Synonyms: Tooth Decay, Cavity

Dental Caries is a common disorder, occurring usually  in children and young adults. Dental Caries is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people.

What causes dental caries ?

Dental Caries is a multifactorial disease. Various factors responsible for the carious process are:

1. Tooth (Host)

         i) Variation in morphology

         ii) Composition

         iii) Position

2. Saliva

         i) Composition

         ii) Quantity

         iii) pH

         iv) Viscosity

3. Dental Plaque

4. Diet

       i) Physical Factors

       ii) Local Factors

Ø  Carbohydrate Content

Ø  Vitamin Content

Ø  Fluoride Content

Ø  Fat Content

What are the symptoms of dental caries ?

Symptoms of dental caries include:

•         Holes on the surface of the tooth
•          Pain while chewing
•          Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
•          Pain in the tooth

How are dental caries treated?

Treatment of cavities in teeth depends on extent of tooth decay which is present. Various treatment options are:

1. Fluoride Application or Fluoride Rinses

2. Tooth Filling

3. Dental Crown

4. Root Canal Treatment

5. Post and Core Restoration

6. Tooth Extraction