Caries (dental caries, tooth decay)
The most important facts at a glance
19.10.2016, 13:06 hrs | Ann-Kathrin Landzettel
- Twitter Print
- editorial office
Caries is a disease of the teeth. Bacteria in dental plaque decompose tiny components of food residues and form acids. These attack the tooth substance and lead to holes in the enamel if oral hygiene is inadequate.
Causes: How caries develops
Even though enamel is the hardest material in the body, it is not indestructible. There are three main risk factors for tooth decay: frequent sugar consumption, poor oral hygiene and plaque. Plaque is the ideal breeding ground for caries-forming bacteria (especially streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli). If they decompose the food residues and the contained sugar, acids are formed as a waste product. These attack the tooth enamel and lead in the first step to a decalcification of the weakened tooth surface. The affected area shows a light whitish colour and offers the bacteria an additional surface of attack. Without adequate dental care, the enamel becomes softer and softer. Eventually a small hole forms. This must be drilled out by the dentist and provided with a filling. If this does not happen, the caries eats through the tooth crown to the tooth root and finally destroys the dentin bone and the tooth nerve.