The 2019 Global Burden of Disease reveals that untreated or unaddressed dental caries in permanent teeth is the world's most common health condition. In fact, the World Health Organization says dental caries is the most prevalent noncommunicable disease worldwide. Even in the United Arab Emirates, dental caries is the most common dental disease, with a 41% to 83% prevalence rate among children aged zero to six years. It is so common you probably have it, too, especially if you don't have regular dental checkups. Indeed, now might be a good time to visit adental clinic in Dubai.

What Is Dental Caries?

Dental caries is a disease characterized by a layer of live microorganisms in the mouth becoming unstable and thriving in an acidic environment. The bacteria convert sugars into acid, which leaches calcium out of the tooth enamel.Note: The sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth surfaces is commonly known as plaque.Dental caries, the disease, may or may not lead to teeth lesions. However, when it does, it leads to tooth decay, manifested by the formation of tiny holes or openings on the tooth surface.Dental caries, therefore, is not only the name of the disease. It is also the name of the lesions or the visible damage the disease causes. Thus, dental caries is synonymous with dental cavities or tooth decay.

Types of Dental Cavities

Dental cavities may be classified into three types, depending on their location.

Smooth Surface Cavity

A smooth surface cavity is a hole or opening located on the smooth surface of the side of a tooth.

Pit and Fissure Cavity

A pit and fissure cavity is a pit or hole that develops on a tooth's chewing surface.

Root Cavity

A root cavity is a cavity that forms on the tooth surface over the root.

Causes of Dental Caries

There are at least three necessary conditions before caries (the process or the disease) can occur.

First, there must be bacteria in the mouth or plaque on the teeth. Without bacteria, there will be no acid production.
Second, there should be sugars or fermentable carbohydrates. That is what the bacteria digest to produce acid.
Third, the tooth enamel must be weak. Specifically, the tooth enamel must be susceptible to the action of acids.

The above will point you to the causes of dental caries.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Not brushing teeth regularly can lead to the proliferation of acid-producing and cavity-causing bacteria.

Excessive Sugar Intake

Bacteria need sugars to metabolize and turn into acid. Therefore, eating lots of carbohydrates and consuming sugary foods and beverages means more sugars for bacteria to process and turn into acid.

Insufficient Fluoride Exposure

Fluoride is a compound that helps strengthen teeth against acid. Therefore, using toothpaste with insufficient fluoride levels can lead to caries and, ultimately, cavities and tooth decay.

Symptoms of Dental Caries

Dental caries ultimately manifests as cavities or tiny holes on the hard surface of the teeth. Therefore, visible pits and holes are the most obvious symptom of this dental condition.However, caries may occur with or without visible lesions or cavities. Furthermore, if you don't get regular dental checkups, the lesions may be present, but you may be unaware they're there.The following are the other common symptoms of dental caries.

Stains on the tooth surface: The stains may be white, black, or brown.
Tooth sensitivity: This is characterized by a sudden shooting pain or discomfort when you bite into something hot, cold, sweet, or sour.
Toothache: This is a persistent soreness or pang on one or more teeth.
Pain: You feel pain when you eat something, especially when chewing or biting down on the affected tooth.

Prevention

The following can help prevent cavities and tooth decay.

Regular Brushing

You should make it a habit to brush your teeth twice a day. Do this once in the morning after getting up and once in the evening before bedtime. This will eradicate plaque from the tooth surface and other bacteria in the mouth that can produce acid and cause tooth decay.

Regular Flossing

You should floss between your teeth at least once a day. This helps remove the plaque below the gumline.

Use of a Fluoride Toothpaste

You should use toothpaste with a 1,350 to 1500 parts per million (ppm) fluoride content.

Reduce Sugar Intake

You should reduce the consumption of sugary foods and beverages, especially those with lots of free sugars.Free sugars are sugars that are not confined in the cells of the food you eat. It's the sugar in fruit juice (e.g., apple juice); in contrast, sugar in the fruit itself (e.g., apple) is not free sugar. Sugar added to food and drinks is also free sugar.Free sugars are particularly detrimental because the body (and the bacteria in the mouth) can easily digest and process them.

Eat Healthy

Vitamins and minerals can help strengthen tooth enamel. Therefore, a healthy and balanced diet can help you fight cavities. You can takevitamin supplements to ensure you can complete your nutritional requirements.

Visit You Dentist Regularly

You must visit your dentist for a checkup every six months.

Treat Tooth Decay

Dental caries can lead to permanent teeth damage. The strategies above can help you prevent and slow down tooth decay. If you have cavities, get them treated by your dentist, so they don't become larger and lead to complications.