Dental Caries: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Dental caries (tooth decay) is damage to the hard tissues of the tooth resulting from a continuous process of mineral loss. It occurs when the bacteria in plaque interact with sugars and starches from food, producing acids that gradually attack the tooth's outer enamel layer and dissolve its minerals.

Decay usually starts as a painless white or brown spot on the tooth surface, then develops into a cavity that penetrates the enamel and reaches the softer dentin layer, where it accelerates. If left untreated, it may reach the tooth pulp where the nerves and blood vessels are, causing severe pain, infection, and an abscess that may lead to tooth loss. Dental caries is among the most common chronic diseases in the world and affects children and adults alike.

The good news is that decay is largely preventable, and its early stages can be stopped and even remineralized before a cavity forms. Prevention relies on brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily, flossing, reducing the frequency of sugar intake, and regular dental checkups, where the dentist detects decay early and treats it with a filling before it worsens; advanced decay may need a root canal or extraction.

• A white or brown spot on the tooth at first without pain.
• Sensitivity to cold, hot, and sweet.
• Toothache as the cavity develops.
• A visible hole or break in the tooth and bad breath.
• Severe pain and swelling when decay reaches the nerve.

• Plaque bacteria that produce acids from sugars.
• Frequent intake of sugars and starches.
• Poor oral hygiene, low fluoride, and dry mouth.

• Excess sugars and soft drinks.
• Neglecting brushing and flossing.
• Dry mouth and low saliva.
• Teeth with deep grooves, children, and older adults.

• Clinical dental examination by the dentist.
• Dental X-rays to detect decay between teeth and under fillings.

By stage

• Early stages: fluoride treatment to remineralize before a cavity forms.
• A filling to remove the decay and restore the tooth.
• Crowns for extensive decay.

Advanced

• Root canal treatment when decay reaches the pulp.
• Extraction in non-restorable cases.

This content is educational and does not replace consulting a dentist.

• Severe toothache and pulp inflammation.
• An abscess and infection that may spread.
• Tooth loss and impaired chewing.

• Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and flossing.
• Reducing the frequency of sugars and soft drinks.
• Regular dental checkups and scaling.
• Applying fluoride and sealants for children.