What are dental caries?
Dental caries, also known as tooth decays or cavities, occur when bacteria damage the hard outer tooth structure called enamel. The breakdown of enamel results in dental cavities which show up as holes in the teeth. In the United States, dental caries are one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, and the primary pathological cause of tooth loss in children.
Dental caries are also called cavities. It is a disease that can be spread from one person to another through bacteria. This bacteria makes acid that decays (breaks down) areas of tooth enamel. Enamel covers the outside of a tooth. Acid is produced when the bacteria in tooth plaque (sticky film) mix with certain types of carbohydrate you eat. Dental caries can be prevented and usually grow slowly. The growth of dental caries can be slowed down, stopped, or treated. Dental caries can also come back after being treated. Dental caries can reach deeper parts of your tooth and cause other problems if they are not treated. Very bad tooth decay can lead to pain, abscess (infection), and loss of your tooth.
