Caries

Caries is a progressive demineralisation process caused by specific oral bacteria. Under certain conditions, this process can destroy the tooth’s hard tissue, including enamel and dentin.

Consuming sugary foods and neglecting to remove plaque every day activate a type of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria turn the sugars we eat into acids, which make our teeth lose minerals.

When caries is limited to the enamel, it’s often asymptomatic. If left untreated, caries progresses, involving the dentin. This results in sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures and acidic or sugary foods. It may also manifest as a noticeable black hole in the tooth. When caries reaches the nerve, it causes the classic toothache, an intense, pulsing, widespread pain, which is difficult to identify where it originates from.

Maintaiing good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent caries. Therefore, we recommend brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and flossing after main meals. Additionally, scheduling regular check-ups with the dentist is essential to catch any early signs of caries.