“A genuine smile comes from the heart, but a healthy smile needs good dental care.”
-Wayne Chirisa
You may not have heard of dental caries before, but it’s a condition that affects many people. Caries is a dental term that refers to tooth decay or cavities. If you’re concerned about dental caries, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common dental problems in the world. But don’t worry, there are lots of things you can do to protect your teeth from decay. In this post, we’ll provide an overview of what dental caries are, how to prevent it, and what to do if you think you might have them.
What Are Dental Caries?
In terms of dental health, caries is one of the most common conditions that affect the teeth as a result of bacteria, i.e. streptococcus mutans, which cause acid to form in your mouth and demineralizes the tooth structure(Weaken the enamel, i.e. the outer layer of your teeth) and this results in a cavity formation or the blackish hole that might be visible to you.
There are several risk factors for caries, including poor oral hygiene, diet, and smoking. However, it’s important to note that caries can occur in anyone, regardless of age or health status.
Why Do Dental Caries Occur?
Some of the most common causes are sugar, poor oral hygiene, and plaque buildup.
- When you eat foods high in sugar, the bacteria in your mouth thrive on the carbohydrates and release acids in the mouth, which causes the tooth structure to weaken and, over time, results in cavities if proper oral hygiene measures are not maintained.
- If you don’t brush and floss regularly, the plaque builds around the gingival area, i.e. the area where your teeth meet the gum, and this can not only cause bad breath but also irritates the gums and can lead to gum disease.
So it’s really important to take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing at least twice a day and avoiding sugary snacks as much as possible.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have dental caries:
- Toothache
- A feeling that something is stuck in your teeth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food
- Red and swollen gums
- Black or brown spots on your teeth.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Don’t worry—there is treatment available,
In most cases, the treatment will involve a filling, a process where the dentist removes the decayed tooth material and then fills the cavity with a hard material, such as glass ionomer cement or composite resin.
There are other treatments available as well, such as crowns and bridges. Crowns are used when a large portion of the tooth has been lost. After the dentist restores the tooth with a filling, a crown may be required. Trust your dentist he will recommend what is best for you.
But here’s the good news: dental caries is preventable! And if you’re wondering how you can keep this pesky little problem at bay, we’ve got some pro tips for you.
- First, make sure you’re brushing and flossing twice a day. This is the bare minimum for keeping your teeth healthy.
- Second, try to limit your sugar intake. Sugar is one of the main culprits in dental caries, so avoid eating too many sugary snacks and drinks.
- Third, see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This is the best way to catch dental caries early on before it has a chance to cause any serious damage.
Dental caries can be a serious problem, but with proper prevention and treatment, they can be avoided. If you start noticing signs of dental caries, it’s important to seek treatment immediately.
Let’s be free from caries!!!
